Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Virginia portion of the Appalachian Plateau (also called the Cumberland Plateau) includes these cities and towns in the state's far southwest:
This rugged, coal-rich region features steep mountains, narrow valleys, and distinct Appalachian culture. Major employers historically included coal mining, timber, and railroads. Today, healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing drive the economy.
Interstate 81 parallels the eastern edge; US-23/58/460 corridor serves the coalfield communities. The region borders Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.