BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A new digital passport program is giving visitors and locals an interactive way to explore Southern West Virginia.
Visit Southern West Virginia has launched the New River Gorge, Beckley & Beyond Passport, featuring 25 locations across Raleigh, Fayette, and Nicholas counties.
The passport includes hiking trails, scenic overlooks, historic downtowns, murals, and natural landmarks.
Some sites, such as Cathedral Falls and Kanawha Falls, are also part of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, allowing travelers to check in on multiple passport programs at once.
Participants earn points by checking in at designated locations using the digital passport.
These points can be redeemed for prizes, ranging from a custom sticker (75 points) to a Visit Southern West Virginia T-shirt (300 points).
Other rewards include collectible challenge coins featuring Summersville Lake, the New River Gorge Bridge, or Grandview (150 points), and a poster from Base Camp Printing Co. (200 points).
Those who visit all 25 locations can collect all available prizes.
Visit Southern West Virginia hopes the passport will enhance visitors’ experiences by guiding them to lesser-known destinations.
The organization also encourages participants to follow Leave No Trace principles, such as disposing of waste properly, staying on marked trails, and leashing pets.
“We are so excited to see our first pass of four rolled out to let locals and guests alike check in and earn some Southern WV swag! Our second pass is in the works. When all four passes are complete, they will cover all nine of our Visit Southern West Virginia promoted counties,” said Lisa Strader, Director of Visit Southern West Virginia.
Anyone interested in signing up for the New River Gorge, Beckley & Beyond Passport can do so at go.visitwv.com.
