8 Idyllic Small Towns In West Virginia To Visit In 2025
"Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Take Me Home, Country Roads" isn’t just a song but an homage to the beauty and wonder of the Mountain State. The Blue Ridge Mountains, the New River Gorge, Harpers Ferry, and the Shenandoah River are just some of this state's blissful sites. Whether you’re coming for the more sought-after attractions or the hidden gems, these eight idyllic small towns in West Virginia will provide picturesque views, rich history, and lasting culture.
Lewisburg
As beautiful as West Virginia is above ground, underground holds just as many mesmerizing sites. Partake in the unusual sightseeing tours with a cave visit at Lost World Caverns. Located 120 feet below the surface, the cave is open to self-guided and ranger-guided tours. Immerse yourself in the stalagmites and stalactites in this subversive lair discovered in 1942. For those who prefer above-ground excursions, explore the town of Lewisburg and its rich history by visiting the Greenbrier Historical Society. The organization dedicates itself to community outreach and preserving the history and culture of the Greenbrier Valley by educating the public. Exhibits pertain to slavery, life after slavery, schoolhouse history, and more. To learn more about the historical accuracy of Lewisburg, pay homage to those who fought for the state and country at the Confederate Cemetery. In 1862, the Civil War’s Battle of Lewisburg left many soldiers slain, both Union and Confederate. The Union commander ordered the deceased Confederate soldiers to be buried in an unmarked grave in the shape of a cross on a hill above the Old Stone Presbyterian Church.
Hinton
West Virginia is historically linked to the early days of the railroad system. Thus, creating multiple opportunities for railroad excursions, museums, and learning. The Hinton Railroad Museum contains conductor uniforms and artifacts from the beginning days of the C&O (Chesapeake & Ohio) Railway. Exhibits include antique tools used for railway repair as well as model trains. Visitors will want to go to Bluestone State Park for outdoor adventure. The park consists of a 2,040-acre lake that lies at the meeting point of the Bluestone and New Rivers. The park and lake provide opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, or just enjoying a lakeside sunrise. Established in 1950, the park was named after the Bluestone National Scenic River, which flows into the New River, creating Bluestone Lake. Another natural scenic landmark in Hinton is the Brooks Falls Roadside Park. The minor falls are the minute version of Sandstone Falls and are a 4-foot cascading falls that spans the entire 1,000-foot width of the river. The roadside park provides a picturesque view of the falls.
Charles Town
Participate in one of the Charles Town Ghost Tours offered for an exclusive event in Charles Town. Six different tours, three during the day and three at night, take fans of the paranormal through different excursions featuring historic Charles Town, Victorian Grave Art, cemeteries, and more. The only tour that featured both day and night, but focused on various aspects of the historical event, was the John Brown Tour. Courthouses, jail rooms, and gallows are involved in these tours, taking purveyors on a path through the historic Raid on Harpers Ferry. Cool Spring Preserve provides 74 acres of forest, marsh, meadow, and a historical stream, Bullskin Run, that borders an entire side of the preserve for those who prefer outdoor excursions without ghosts. Hiking trails, a natural amphitheater, educational centers, and an outdoor classroom are just a few of the amenities offered. A final stop in Charles Town history buffs won’t want to miss is the Jefferson County Museum. Exhibits of horse racing, prohibition, coal miners, and county disasters are just a few of the learning opportunities you’ll find at the museum.
Summersville
Established in 2023, Summersville Lake State Park is the newest state park in West Virginia and the first one added in over 30 years. Enjoy the beautiful 177 acres of park, which is located on the state’s largest lake, Summerville Lake. The park focuses heavily on rock climbing and outdoor adventure. Another local state park to visit is the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. More historically based, this Civil War battle site is just one stop along the Discovery Trail. Linking 16 states and over 300 historical sites, this park is located along the Gauley River Canyon. It aims to stimulate and educate the public about the Civil War and its lingering impact on America. After an extensive outdoor day, spend some downtime at Gad Dam Brewing. Specializing in coffees, smoothies, and craft beer, the brewery is designed to provide a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy the fire pit and high-rise deck with a drink of your choice.
Kingwood
One of the most exotic locations in Kingwood is the Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo. Featuring the state’s most extensive collection of native and rare animals, including Chimpanzees, Grizzly Bears, White Tigers, Leopards, Ring Tailed Lemurs, Baboons, and more. The zoo offers opportunities to get up close with the animals, including feeding them. For a less wild outing, golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Preston Country Club. Featuring an 18-hole course located along the Cheat River, the property originally belonged to George Washington. At 7,001 years, the course is one of the state’s longest golf courses. The golf course features a bit of history due to its previous owner, but for a more enriching historical endeavor in town, the McGrew House offers tours of the home of the state founder, James Clark McGrew. Today, this painted brick house stands as a reminder of the testament of the community during the Civil War and is open for tours on one Sunday a month and for events throughout the year.
Moundsville
Explore truly unique and diverse places in Moundsville. History enthusiasts can immerse themselves in an educational experience by visiting Grave Creek Mound. Standing 70 feet tall and bearing 900 feet of circumference, it is one of the most enormous conical burial mounds in the U.S. Over 60,000 tons of dirt were moved by the members of the Adena culture to create the massive structure. Archeologists have discovered remains and curios from the Adena culture within the mound. Another similarly eerie attraction to visit in Moundsville is the West Virginia Penitentiary. The building, constructed in Gothic-style architecture, offers historical and paranormal tours. Take the Haunted House Tour in the fall, the North Walk tour is strictly a lights-out tour, and the Public Ghost Tour, or choose from any other options. To get a rare adventurous excursion, spend some time at Grand Vue Adventures. Ziplining, giant bouncing trampolines, and oversized swings are some of the offered outings. Mini golf, mountain biking, and hiking are also available for patrons of Grand Vue. Enjoy the beautiful views and hilly terrain along the 12 miles of trails.
Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant houses some truly remarkable and unique exhibits that will delight visitors. This small town features the U.S’s only Mothman Museum. Memorabilia and props from the movie The Mothman Prophecies can be found in the city where the Mothman sightings and encounters took place. Documents containing eyewitness accounts, historical press clippings, and photos are also found in the museum. Another homage to this mysterious creature that stalked Point Pleasant is the Mothman Statue. The 12-foot-tall steel statue of the mysterious creature, claimed to be seen on multiple occasions, has become such a legend in town that the statue was constructed to ensure the legend will continue and sightings will be claimed for years. For a non-conspiracy-based monument, visit the Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. Within the park is an 84-foot granite tribute to the frontiersmen who fought and died in the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant. The park also includes the Mansion House, built in 1796, a museum featuring original artifacts from the battle.
Elkins
Another historical railroad town, Elkins, provides visitors with education and history of the railroad at the West Virginia Railroad Museum. The unique part of the museum is that it is ever-changing. Each year, a different exhibit is presented using memorabilia from their permanent collection. Past exhibits have included: The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, West Virginia’s 1st Railroad, The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in West Virginia, West Virginia Logging, and more. For more state history findings, check out the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center. The museum aims to educate people about the area’s forest heritage. Similar to the railroad museum, a new exhibit goes up every year. Exhibits from the past have pertained to exploring the land, plants, people, material culture, and more. After learning about the forested areas of West Virginia, explore them at the Fox Forest Wildlife Management Area. The four miles of hiking trails across the 120-acre park include bridges, benches, and informational kiosks dispersed throughout.
While the state of West Virginia is stunning with its picturesque mountain views, deep flowing rivers, historical architecture, and natural landmarks, it also holds potential in smaller sites. While a defunct prison, a cemetery with graves of unmarked soldiers, and a 60,000-ton pile of dirt might not sound like a reason to visit, these historical landmarks have a story behind them. A tale to tell that is more of the attraction than the views themselves. Enjoy these sights and more in these eight idyllic small towns in West Virginia.
