West Virginia is a state in the eastern United States. It is located in the Appalachian Mountains and borders Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The capital of West Virginia is Charleston, which is also the largest city in the state. During the American Civil War, West Virginia seceded from Virginia and was admitted as the 35th state of the USA in 1863. Typical for West Virginia is the mountainous landscape with dense forests and rivers. The state is also called the "Mountain State" and is known for its nature and outdoor activities. Landmarks and interesting places to visit in West Virginia include New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, known for its impressive gorge and historic New River Gorge Bridge, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, a historic site at the mouth of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. West Virginia offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, mountain biking and skiing.