2025's 11 Most Scenic West Virginia Towns

Although it doesn't attract as many tourists as it should, West Virginia never stops to wow first-timers with its magical natural scenery, characterized by the rugged landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains. Home to vibrant cities like Charleston, the state's undulating terrain lends itself to small-town living. This opens doors to remarkable travel experiences as they discover the numerous rural communities scattered across the Mountain State's backcountry. Combining a slow pace of life, scenic outdoors, and genuine hospitality, these hidden gems are the perfect break from the turmoil of everyday life.

From picturesque alpine villages to charismatic riverside enclaves, they allow you to let your hair down and revel in simple pleasures. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness of Hinton or steam bath in the mineral springs of Berkeley Springs, here are some of the most scenic West Virginia towns.

Hillsboro

Hillsboro is a secluded village in Pocahontas County with uncrowded open spaces that invite visitors to step outside and savor its amazing scenery. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is a lovely escape in the Greenbrier River Valley, preserving a historic battle zone while offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding landscapes. The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center lures animal lovers and environmentalists with its display of diverse flora and fauna, featuring a wildflower garden and native snake species in a tranquil sanctuary.

A leisurely trek to the Falls of Hills Creek rewards hikers with a stunning series of cascades tumbling down a rugged gorge with forested surroundings. Lastly, the rich ecosystem at the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area beckons pleasant wildlife watching experiences along secluded boardwalk hikes and through a dense wilderness.

Buckhannon

This historic town in Upshur County impresses newcomers with stunning natural scenery, framed by the picturesque peaks of the Allegheny Mountains and the glistening waters of the Buckhannon River. Outdoor recreation is abundantly available across the 355 acres of Audra State Park, a riverfront sanctuary where people escape civilization to kayak, hike, camp, and relax amidst raw nature. The Buckhannon River Walk Trail beckons nature lovers with a brilliant sightseeing opportunity along a scenic 3-mile stretch overlooking the calm waters of the Buckhannon River.

The site is just next to the Buckhannon Dog Park, which provides a nice spot for your pup to run off-leash as the two of you play around to improve your bond. Alternatively, you can head to North End Park for isolated walks to be one with nature.

Barboursville

This Cabell County community lures adventurers with abundant outdoor opportunities amidst supreme natural surroundings. Stepping outside the downtown confines enables vacationers to discover outdoor jewels like Beech Fork State Park. This natural haven straddles over 3,000 acres and hugs the shores of Beech Fork Lake. People come here to seek solitude as they enjoy fishing, picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching.

Barboursville is home to one of the state’s largest municipal parks. The 700-acre Barboursville Park is a popular recreational hub with a rich mix of amenities, including playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, picnic areas, and access to the 17-acre Lake William for anglers. Meanwhile, guests with kids can take them to Billy Bob's Adventure Golf for a fun game on a beautifully landscaped course with green surroundings.

Harpers Ferry

This tiny riverfront village offers a blend of historical heritage and natural beauty, promising boundless adventures in the great outdoors. It is traversed by the iconic Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which grants guests a bucket list hike along the country's longest recreational hiking path. Several points of interest highlight the route, including Jefferson Rock. This picturesque overlook beckons a pause to catch your breath and soak up exceptional vistas of the Shenandoah River as it interacts with the Potomac River.

Meanwhile, River Riders Family Adventure Resort allows tourists to make the most of the numerous outdoor opportunities in Harpers Ferry. From whitewater rafting and rock climbing to kayaking and ziplining, you can look forward to an all-around adventure in the wilderness.

Summersville

This adorable waterfront escape in Nicholas County sits on the shores of the state's largest lake, Summerville Lake, and easily qualifies as one of the most scenic West Virginia towns. Boasting 60 miles of shoreline at Summersville Lake State Park, guests can look forward to unlimited recreational opportunities, such as picnicking by the lake, boating on the glistening waters, and hiking the lakeside trails. Those who fancy a swim can head to Battle Run Public Beach, which boasts a 1,000-foot waterfront and sits next to the Battle Run Campground.

The outdoors also harbor an important historical marker at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. Spread across 156 acres, the park features a mix of picnic areas, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Gauley River.

Marlinton

Marlinton is an adventure lover's haven, set along the banks of the Greenbrier River and known for its scenic nature hikes that cut through a lush outdoor scenery. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders love to explore the Greenbrier River Trail, which stretches over 70 miles through tunnels, trestles, and bridges, rewarding expeditioners with rare wildlife viewing opportunities. Furthermore, the Honeycomb Rocks Trail is renowned for its series of distinct rock formations, offering a shorter and less demanding hike.

Marlinton is also home to Watoga State Park, which covers at least 10,000 acres and has access to Watoga Lake. This makes it the regional hub for outdoor adventure, drawing hikers, campers, birdwatchers, boaters, anglers, and kayakers with year-round recreation.

Hinton

Hinton is an outdoor lover's paradise and provides an entry point to the New River Gorge National Park. It promises boundless adventures on land and water across the 2,100 acres of Bluestone State Park. This pleasant space lies on the relaxed shores of Bluestone Lake and serves as a playground for fishermen, boaters, rafters, and hikers. The Almost Heaven Swing is a must-visit for tourists at the lake and delivers some of the most unequaled panoramas of the town's countryside with its breathtaking scenery.

Brooks Falls Roadside Park harbors one of the most alluring scenes in the town, punctuated by a series of cascades. Those seeking isolation will love the tranquil atmosphere of Bellepoint Park, which sits downstream from the Bluestone Dam and presents absorbing New River vistas.

Berkeley Springs

Most visitors to Berkeley Springs come seeking a healing bath in its famous natural springs, while others gravitate towards its historic downtown. Many of the town's mineral springs can be traced to Berkeley Springs State Park, home to a mineral spa and outdoor pools that have been used since colonial times. You can find more outdoor scenery at Cacapon State Park, which lies 2,300 feet above sea level in the foothills of Cacapon Mountain. The area covers more than 6,000 acres and provides recreational opportunities for swimmers, hikers, anglers, and campers.

Lastly, some of Berkeley Springs's most alluring vistas await at Prospect Peak, whose high elevation delivers brilliant views of the Potomac River, the Potomac Valley, and the Great Cacapon Valley.

Davis

A mix of isolation and tranquility presents the ideal atmosphere in Davis for anyone seeking a small-town getaway in West Virginia. This quaint village on the banks of the Blackwater River boasts unrivaled natural allure, best exemplified by Blackwater Falls State Park. Almost 20 miles of trails crisscross this outdoor nirvana, with the focal point being a 62-foot waterfall on the Blackwater River. A rich and diverse ecosystem at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge welcomes environmentalists to discover native flora and fauna.

Davis's undulating terrain also opens doors for fun skiing opportunities. The slopes of Timberline Mountain are a haven for skiers and snowboarders, surrounded by the lush woodlands of the Monongahela National Forest.

Elkins

This scenic community in Randolph County sits on the Tygart Valley River banks and offers travelers endless outdoor adventures throughout its sprawling wilderness. Elkins is home to the sprawling Fox Forest Wildlife Management Area, a 120-acre sanctuary with miles of hiking trails, biking routes, a pond, and hilly surroundings. The Stuart Recreation Area offers more reasons to focus your itinerary on the great outdoors, which lies in the middle of the Monongahela National Forest.

A ride on the MountainRail offers an excellent opportunity to take in Elkins’ untamed beauty as the vintage steam locomotive drags through the town's remote wilderness. Meanwhile, Elkins City Park provides a family-friendly alternative for those who don't want to stray too far from the town square, featuring amenities like picnic sites, a playground, and horseshoe pits.

Fayetteville

Fayetteville is a popular gateway to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a promise of remarkable adventures in the outdoors to spark your vacation. Thrill seekers can take advantage of unforgettable rafting and kayaking trips down the New River by booking a tour with Cantrell Ultimate Rafting. Also, the open spaces harbor some of the best visual spectacles in the region, including Wolf Creek Falls, a hidden multi-tier cascade accessible via the Mine and Bridge Trail.

New River Mountain Guides invites adventurous tourists for remarkable rock climbing excursions to tackle the park's rugged terrain. Elsewhere, bikers, hikers, and campers can look forward to unforgettable adventures at Arrowhead Bike Farm and Campground, which presents challenging bike and hike trails, as well as a well-equipped campground.

Final Thoughts

These scenic West Virginia towns prove that good things come in small packages and expose the state's unprecedented Appalachian charm. Outdoor adventurers find boundless opportunities across the rugged wilderness of Fayetteville and on the glistening waters of Summersville, showcasing the Mountain State's richness in diversity. Whether you are planning a solo trip for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation with loved ones, any of the above destinations will make for an ideal holiday spot in the United States.