6 Coziest Mountain Towns In West Virginia

Cradled by the misty ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia’s small towns offer a warm welcome and a deep sense of place. From the Douglas Falls of Thomas to the adventurous spirit of Fayetteville and the scenic tranquility of Lewisburg, these mountain communities invite visitors to slow down, explore, and unwind. Here are six of the coziest mountain towns where charm and natural beauty go hand in hand.

Lewisburg

There is nothing people love more than a pleasant surprise—and that is exactly what Lewisburg delivers. Set along the Greenbrier River and surrounded by lush forested hills, this mountain town unfolds like a peaceful retreat brimming with culture and charm. Each January, Lewisburg hosts West Virginia’s largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, filling its historic downtown with unity and song through marches, community gatherings, and heartfelt tributes.

Adventure seekers can explore the fascinating Lost World Caverns with guided tours that reveal towering stalagmites and glittering rock formations deep underground. Nearby, Greenbrier State Forest offers scenic hiking and biking trails, cozy cabins, and campgrounds tucked among the trees. Visitors also admire the Historic Herns Mill Covered Bridge—a 19th-century treasure still open to travel and one of only two covered bridges remaining in Greenbrier County.

Thomas

Tucked high in the Allegheny Mountains, Thomas surrounds visitors with breathtaking natural beauty all around. Outdoor enthusiasts find endless inspiration at Blackwater Falls State Park, where a dramatic cascade plunges into a rugged gorge surrounded by hiking trails, cozy cabins, and a welcoming lodge. The nearby Douglas Falls, a 35-foot marvel framed by mossy rocks and forested cliffs, offers multiple viewpoints—including the chance to glimpse the falls from behind its misty curtain.

Just minutes away, the Elakala Falls tumble gracefully through a wooded gorge, accessible by a scenic bridge and trail that lead to postcard-worthy views. For a wider sense of the region’s landscape, visitors can explore the sprawling Canaan Valley, a 13-mile-long mountain basin filled with wetlands, meadows, and winding rivers.

Fayetteville

Surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in Appalachia, Fayetteville sits beside the stunning New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, a 70,000-acre playground for adventure seekers. Visitors explore miles of hiking and biking trails, scale rugged sandstone cliffs, or raft through thrilling whitewater rapids. The town lies just south of the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s longest and highest steel arch bridges—a breathtaking sight and a symbol of West Virginia’s wild beauty.

Outdoor lovers also flock to the Long Point Trail, a forested path leading to a spectacular overlook of the gorge and its iconic bridge, while the Kaymoor Miners Trail reveals remnants of historic coal mining sites deep within the gorge. Named among America’s “Coolest Small Towns,” Fayetteville merges natural wonder, outdoor adventure, and welcoming community spirit in one unforgettable mountain getaway.

Buckhannon

Cradled in the gentle hills of north-central West Virginia, Buckhannon comes alive each spring during the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, a weeklong celebration featuring parades, live music, crafts, and plenty of sweet treats. Just beyond town, Audra State Park beckons with its forested trails, riverside campsites, and the striking Alum Cave, where the clear waters of the Middle Fork River carve through ancient rock. Nature lovers find endless tranquility here, while families enjoy hiking, kayaking, and picnicking by the water. For a peaceful stroll, the Buckhannon River Walk Trail has an easy loop with calm views and quiet charm.

Elkins

Set amid the rolling peaks of the Monongahela National Forest, Elkins celebrates the vibrant spirit of the mountains year-round. Each October, the town bursts with color during the Mountain State Forest Festival, one of West Virginia’s oldest and largest celebrations. The event highlights the region’s forest heritage through lively parades, music, and the brilliant hues of autumn that sweep across the valleys.

Adventure seekers can ride MountainRail, taking scenic trips on historic steam and diesel trains through untouched wilderness and mountain passes. At Bickle Knob Observation Tower, visitors climb to sweeping 360-degree views of the Shavers Fork and Tygart Valley River valleys—a breathtaking panorama that captures the essence of West Virginia’s wild beauty.

Davis

Davis is one of West Virginia’s highest towns, making it a perfect, cozy base for year-round mountain adventures in Tucker County. The area is defined by the scenic Blackwater Falls State Park, named for its 57-foot cascade tinted amber by tannic acid. The park features a lodge, cabins, and a restaurant, plus 20 miles of hiking trails. Its attractions, like Elakala Falls and Lindy Point, are among the state’s most photographed spots. Visitors can enjoy views year-round via steps to the falls or by using viewing platforms.

Close by, Canaan Valley Resort State Park has comfortable cabins and modern accommodations set among well-maintained grounds. Known for its scenic mountain views and wide range of activities, the resort features skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, and hiking trails. For downhill enthusiasts, Timberline Mountain is a ski area with a 4,268 ft peak elevation and over 20 trails for all skill levels. Alternatively, the low-key White Grass Ski Touring Center is a great base for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, complete with a cafe and warming shelters.

Where Cozy Meets the Peaks

Across the ridges and valleys of West Virginia, each mountain town reveals its own kind of coziness—quiet streets, scenic trails, and warm-hearted gatherings that make visitors feel instantly at home. Whether admiring waterfalls in Thomas, riding vintage trains in Elkins, or skiing the slopes near Davis, these small towns capture the peaceful rhythm of mountain life. Together, they remind travelers that West Virginia’s greatest treasures are not just its views, but its welcoming communities.