6 Most Overlooked West Virginia Towns For 2025
West Virginia has its rugged scenery, coal-camp history, and Appalachian warm-ups. But past the visitor attractions, it's full of unassuming towns where life is slower and richer. From Philippi's history of coal and conflict to Franklin's mountain views, they've got the authentic flavor of the state—without the crowds. If you're after hiking, festivals, covered bridges, or vintage diners, towns like Elkins, Romney, and Buckhannon are a destination in 2025.
Philippi
Philippi is the kind of town where the past isn't really that far behind. Its biggest draw is the Philippi Covered Bridge, built in 1852 and still in daily use today—it's the oldest and longest of its kind in West Virginia. Just a short walk away is the Barbour County Historical Museum, a former railroad station, where Civil War relics and the relics of Appalachian life are to be found. The downtown is, too, untroubled, with a few antique shops and Molly's Hand-Dipped Ice Cream & Molly's Playhouse, where folks congregate to get some of the best ice cream in the area. If you develop a craving for nature, Audra State Park is 20 minutes away and has shaded hiking trails and a good swimming hole on the Middle Fork River. It's peaceful, history-laden, and nice, but barely on the map.
Elkins
Elkins blends small-town charm with a somewhat unexpected amount of art and music. Downtown, stop by the historic Elkins Depot Welcome Center to take the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad for a scenic ride through the Appalachian hills. Live comedy and music are offered at the Gandy Dancer Theatre and Conference Center, and historic craft workshops and Appalachian folk performances are held at the Augusta Heritage Center on the Davis & Elkins College campus. For eats, The Crossing Coffee Bar serves espresso and breakfast sandwiches with a view of the rail yard. Trails in the Monongahela National Forest, for example, Stuart Knob or Otter Creek, serve as a base of operations for exploring. Elkins also hosts the Forest Festival annually in October, which attracts visitors without overwhelming the vibe. It's artsy and relaxed, but still very proud of its heritage.
Romney
Romney is West Virginia's oldest chartered town, established in the 1700s and still holding on to old-timey Appalachian character. Start at the historic 1922 Hampshire County Courthouse, which looms over the quiet town square. Then, stop by the Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Museum, where the displays focus on the town's activities during the first war battles. Romney is also the departure point for the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, an ambling train ride along the South Branch Valley—be sure to spot bald eagles nesting along riverbanks. Main Street Grill is a local favorite restaurant for big breakfasts and burgers as a food source. Fall travelers can catch the Capon Bridge Founders Day Festival in nearby Capon Bridge, with bluegrass music and heritage crafts.
Buckhannon
Buckhannon remains young because of the presence of West Virginia Wesleyan College, but its downtown is full of soul. Main Street is anchored by the Upshur County Courthouse and lined with little boutiques like Artistry on Main, a co-op gallery for one-of-a-kind local paintings. The Daily Grind is a popular coffee shop known for its good lattes. For lunch, go to C.J. Maggie’s, a colorful, casual spot known for stacked sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas. In spring, Buckhannon hosts the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, which includes a huge parade, bake-offs, and craft vendors. For nature, you’re close to the serene walking paths along the Buckhannon River Walk Trail. It’s a town with personality, and locals who love showing it off without putting on a show.
Summersville
While Summersville is perhaps best known for its lake, there is a lot more to the town beyond the waterline. Summersville Lake is West Virginia's largest, with boating, cliff jumping, and kayaking over scenic rock faces in the distance. But proper downtown, there is character as well—Honeybee Coffee & Donut House is a nice spot to stop for espresso and donuts. The Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park features trails, a lake, and sweeping green open space for concert and movie nights. And just around the corner from that, the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park guarantees views of the horizon and Civil War history trails. Summersville also hosts the Potato Festival in September, which is equally as much fun and cozy as its name implies. It's the authentic combination of small-town life and outdoor adventure.
Franklin
Franklin lies in a serene valley along with Seneca Rocks, surrounded by the state's best scenery. Main Street has Dry Run Spirits—a small-batch distillery whose rustic tasting room is filled with moonshine and locally produced brandy. The Pendleton County Historical Museum gives a clear view of frontier life and mountain heritage, and if you happen to visit during the Treasure Mountain Festival held in September, expect food stalls, local crafts, and live music to overwhelm the whole square. For outdoor recreation, head to Thorn Spring Park, featuring hiking trails and picnic spots hidden under the canopy of ancient trees. And for a snack, the Korner Shop Café serves up hot sandwiches and warm talk. Franklin doesn't aim high—just quietly wins over.
West Virginia's smaller-touristed towns are where the authentic stories live—bringing them to life through covered bridges, coffee shops, festivals, and rusting train tracks. From Franklin's moonshine hideaways to Buckhannon's strawberry festival parade, these towns offer experiences that are true, not scripted. They won't make the cover of a travel magazine, but they'll stay in your head longer than most tourist traps ever will. Make 2025 the year you venture off the beaten path—and find something authentic in the hills of the Mountain State.
