8 Most Scenic Small Towns In West Virginia For Nature Lovers

If you’re looking for a trip that provides an ample amount of outdoor recreation, the Mountain State should be added to your list of destinations. Scattered with lakes and rivers, hiking and biking trails and one of the major mountain ranges found in the U.S, West Virginia offers plenty of adventure opportunities. Book an excursion to go horseback riding, whitewater rafting, or on a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Make sure to soak up all that is offered in one of these eight scenic West Virginia towns.

Harper’s Ferry

Start your visit to Harper’s Ferry at the Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park. The park is loaded with over 20 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and sights. From easy gaits along the river to moving walks through Civil War battlefields and the most difficult of hikes to the mountain tops, there is a trail for every level. Another enticing endeavor in Harper’s Ferry is that it is home to a section of the Appalachian Trail. Running through 14 states, hop on the section running through West Virginia. The significance of the AT in Harper’s Ferry is that it is considered the “psychological mid-point” of the 2,178-mile trail. Within Harper’s Ferry, while on the AT, don’t skip the opportunity to visit Jefferson Rock. This point is a significant spot to view the mountains, the Potomac River and the Shenandoah River. The panorama is the same that Thomas Jefferson witnessed in 1783 while passing through Harper’s Ferry. One final hike to try is the Maryland Heights Overlook Trail. The strenuous hike offers stunning bird's-eye views of the town below.

Morgantown

Home to West Virginia University, the school offers the opportunity to visit its arboretum and view its flowers. The WVU Core Arboretum is open to the public, and each spring, it hosts a Spring Festival with wildflower tours, live music, food trucks, and activities. If you can’t make the festival, regular guided tours take place every Sunday in April. Stop by and see what the Mountaineers are growing each season. For more outdoor sport, visit White Park. Considered a hub for organized activities, the park offers multiple softball and baseball fields as well as five miles of wooded trails across the 170-acre park. To spend time cooling off, visit Cheat Lake. The man-made reservoir is open for swimming, canoeing, boating and fishing. Kayaks, canoes, and jet skis are available for rent, and tubing down the lake is also offered. Finally, running through the heart of Morgantown, take a stroll down the Caperton Trail. The six-mile paved trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll and is easily accessible to restaurants and shopping in the downtown area.

Fayetteville

For a thrilling trip in Fayetteville, don’t miss the opportunity to go to the New River Gorge National Park. Fayetteville is considered one of the closest towns to the perimeter of the park. The park stretches 53 miles between two towns, including Fayetteville. The park is centered around the New River, which is one of the oldest rivers on the continent! If you’re looking to take advantage of this river and others, stop in at Cantrell Ultimate Rafting for an experience you won’t forget. Considered the best whitewater rafting on the East Coast, they are the only remaining family-owned and operated company in West Virginia. For another scenic adventure, hike out to Wolf Creek Falls. The trail is located on the gorge side, so it can be dangerous, but once at the falls, it is close enough to the water that visitors can touch it. Don’t pass up the chance to reach out and feel the cool mountain water. A final outfitter to visit in town is Mountain Surf Paddle Sports, sign up for a trip to paddleboard or kayak in the New River Gorge area. Operations take place at Summersville Lake, Kanawha Falls, and under the New River Gorge Bridge.

Buckhannon

For a shaded hike in Buckhannon make your way to Audra State Park. Located on either side of Middle Fork River, the park is ideal for hiking and camping. Make sure to take the trail to Alum Cave for picturesque views. For a common West Virginia type of activity, visit Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area. Hunting and fishing are the main activities over this 2,985-acre area. Hunt for deer, and turkey, and fish for trout, bass and walleye, amongst so much more. If you prefer to enjoy a leisurely trip, such as drifting down Middlefork River, Buckhannon River or on Stonecoal Lake, stop at Trubie Run Outfitters. Self-guided tours are offered via kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Before heading out of Buckhannon see the Upshur County Recreational Park. Equipped with an Olympic sized swimming pool and multiple sports courts, there are also hiking and biking trails in this wooded park.

Shepherdstown

Known for its part in the Civil War, learn about Shepherdstown’s history at The Elmwood Cemetery. This cemetery is the resting place for many veterans of the Revolutionary and Civil wars. The Elmwood Cemetery is over 150 years old but some of its tombstones date back to the 1600s. Pick up a pamphlet that highlights the Confederate soldiers buried there. Another historic site to make a stop at is the James Rumsey Monument and Park. The monument overlooks the Potomac River, which James Rumsey pioneered the first steamboat down. The 75-foot monument can be found within the park of the same name. The park also includes walking trails, a playground and workout equipment. The town is also home to Shepherd University, which arranges public events for all to attend. Besides the football and baseball games that bring visitors in, Shepherd University also features The Contemporary Theater Festival, which puts on six new plays each summer. If you aren’t in town for a game, make sure to check out one of the seasonal plays. And don’t leave Shepherdstown without enjoying the Potomac River. Whether on land or by the water itself. Stroll down the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath or kayak and canoe down the river.

Berkeley Springs

Right in the heart of town is Berkeley Springs State Park. Within the park is a mineral spa that has been a town staple since colonial times. The water flows at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees and is used in the Old Roman and Main bathhouses. Enjoy a day walking in the park and take part in the spa services that include saunas, baths and showers. Another state park in town to make a stop at is the Cacapon Resort State Park. Participate in the amenities offered that include biking, golfing, hiking, fishing, and more. The resort also features cabins or the Old Inn to extend your stay overnight. Additionally, within Cacapon State Park, you can find Triple C Outfitters. Book a day of horseback riding with the pros who have been traversing the 6,000-acre state park on horseback for over 28 years. Before exiting Berkely Springs, take a drive to Prospect Peak and awe at the stunning vista the lookout provides. Nearly a thousand feet above the Potomac River, this viewpoint provides a picturesque backdrop to behold.

Hinton

Within the small town of Hinton is Bluestone State Park. The lakeside getaway has activities ranging from boating and fishing to mountain biking and ziplining. With the park, there are cabins available for overnight stays as well as campgrounds for a night under the stars. Within the New River Gorge area, the Brooks Falls Roadside Park provides an opportunity to view a small section of the Falls overlook. There is river access at the park for those who want to jaunt down the New River, or plenty of space to lounge around and enjoy the day. Another must-see stop in Hinton, connected to the New River, is Bluestone Dam. The dam spans the New River and forms Bluestone Lake, the third-largest lake in the state. The dam is easily accessible via freeway for a quick visit. One more outdoor space in Hinton that is worth a visit is Bellepoint Park. Located just downstream of Bluestone Dam and within view of the New River, the park offers game courts, river access and walking trails.

Davis

While in Davis, start your day at Blackwater Falls State Park. Tucked away in the Alleghany Mountains is the Blackwater Falls waterfall that the park was named for. The 57-foot cascading falls towers over other park features like Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook. Hop on the trail of over 20 miles and take in as many of the views as possible. For even more adventure, book a ride with Mountain Trail Rides and enjoy an afternoon on horseback. All rides are guided, and the horse you get paired with is one specifically chosen to match your personality.

Another spot to visit for a wide range of activities is the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This high elevation wetland complex is among the largest contiguous in the state. While the wetland does preserve, protect and manage the area, they also allow hunting on the grounds, as well as hiking. With multiple trails to choose from, the refuge offers hours of entertainment for viewing much nature up close and personal. One last preserve to see during your Davis visit is the Bear Rocks Preserve. Hikers can traverse the lightly treaded trails through shrubs of blueberry, huckleberry, azalea and so much more vegetation. Cranberry bogs thrive seasonally, and red spruce trees grow out of patches of soil throughout the preserve. Explore for hours and take in as much of the assortment of sites as the park has to offer.

West Virginia might not jump out as a first-choice destination vacation. However, for any outdoor junkie this state holds all the variations of activity for days of entertainment. The state that is Almost Heaven, indeed knows what treasures they possess and tailor those to the tourists looking for the thrill. From the mountain ranges to the raging rivers, there is no shortage of exploration outfitters ready to take you out there, or set you out on your own, whichever you prefer. No matter what your level of thrill seeking, don’t skip any of these eight most scenic small towns in West Virginia.