9 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In West Virginia
West Virginia is renowned for its rugged, natural beauty, dense forests, waterfalls, winding rivers, and rolling hills, creating picture-perfect landscapes. America’s “Mountain State” is a beautiful destination year-round, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. As a mountainous state in the Appalachian region, higher elevations offer winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing, while lower-lying areas provide perfect summer days for relaxing by the rivers.
The state is celebrated not only for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures but also for its adorable small towns. Rich in frontier history and full of small-town charm, each community offers a unique sense of character. Discover 9 of West Virginia’s most adorable small towns to explore on your next trip.
Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown offers a blend of history and culture, ideal for visitors seeking a colonial atmosphere and timeless elegance. Located in the Eastern Panhandle along the Potomac River, the town’s scenery blends serene river views, lush greenery, and historic streets. Explore the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath, a historic trail that runs 184.5 miles from Georgetown, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. Part of the Chesapeake & Ohio National Historical Park, the towpath features flat, easy-to-navigate trails perfect for hiking and biking, as well as calm waters, ideal for kayaking. Explore the historic downtown district on a self-guided walking tour. Maps are available at the Historic Shepherdstown Museum, which highlights notable landmarks, including the Rumsey Steamboat Museum, home to a working replica of James Rumsey’s 1787 steamboat.
Take a stroll down German Street, the heart of historic downtown Shepherdstown, where beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings set the scene. Along the way, you’ll find an array of specialty shops, art galleries, and unique boutiques. Shepherdstown also boasts a vibrant dining scene, offering everything from upscale farm-to-table cuisine to cozy cafés and casual local spots. Savor deluxe New American dishes at The Press Room, set in a historic brick-walled former newspaper building, or indulge in bold Mexican flavors and craft beer at the lively Maria’s Taqueria.
Fayetteville
Situated in the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Fayetteville is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Just minutes from New River, it’s a top spot for whitewater rafting and fishing, while the surrounding mountains attract hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers year-round. Adventurers looking to experience the rush of whitewater rafting can join a guided trip with Cantrell Ultimate Rafting. For a sky-high perspective, Wild Blue Adventure Company offers scenic aerial tours of the New River Gorge in vintage aircraft, including a World War II Stearman biplane and a 1941 Piper Cub.
History lovers will also enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Fayetteville’s Historic District, featuring 75 historic homes, buildings, and sites along the Civil War Trail. Highlights include a visit to the statue of Marquis de Lafayette, located on the lawn of the Fayette County Courthouse. For entertainment, catch a murder mystery, musical, play, or concert at the Historic Fayette Theater. Built in 1937 as a Depression-era movie house, it now hosts performances year-round and is a proud stop on the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail. Meanwhile, Fayetteville’s dining scene offers an eclectic blend of local eateries, serving everything from classic American comfort food to international flavors. Don’t miss the Secret Sandwich Society, known for its handcrafted sandwiches named after U.S. presidents.
White Sulphur Springs
Enjoy a peaceful retreat to White Sulphur Springs. This small city in Greenbrier County in southeastern West Virginia lies in the Allegheny mountains, surrounded by forests, rivers, and parks. The area is renowned for its luxurious mountain spas, offering a serene escape in a stunning natural setting. Situated on 11,000 acres of beautiful mountains, the Greenbrier Mineral Spa at The Greenbrier Resort offers guests both relaxing and therapeutic treatments, including sulphur soaks, mineral mountain baths, massages, and rejuvenating body wraps.
You can also immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Allegheny Mountains at Greenbrier State Forest, spanning 5,100 acres between Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing for trout and smallmouth bass in the forest’s streams. White Sulphur Springs also boasts a wide range of dining options, though Route 60 American Grill & Bar is a local favorite, with a laid-back atmosphere, hearty comfort food, and billiards. For a truly upscale shopping experience, The Greenbrier Resort features more than 30 boutiques, ranging from iconic brands like Ralph Lauren to the unique Art Colony Shops housed in the resort’s historic Alabama Row cottages.
Davis
Experience the best of outdoor recreation and picture-perfect scenery in the Allegheny Mountains. Davis is a tiny mountain perched on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest and lying along the Blackwater River. At an elevation of 3,520 feet, it is the highest town in West Virginia. Tucked into the heart of Canaan Valley, Davis is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. One of its most iconic sights is the 57-foot cascade at Blackwater Falls State Park, where the water takes on a rich amber hue from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, the park invites adventurers to explore a variety of mountain vistas and scenic overlooks.
During the warmer months, campers can enjoy sleeping under the stars at one of the local campgrounds, while in winter, snow lovers head to mountain resorts like Canaan Valley Resort State Park for skiing and snowboarding. Davis’s dining scene offers a small yet flavorful selection. Sirianni’s Café serves up classic Italian dishes and tasty pizzas in an eclectic setting along the riverfront. Don’t miss the distinctive boutiques lining the Appalachian Highway, like Wild Ginger & Spice, where you’ll find an array of quirky gifts, artisan trinkets, and bohemian treasures.
Elkins
All aboard for a visit to West Virginia! Steeped in timber and railway history, Elkins captures the spirit of the rugged eastern frontier. Situated on the western edge of the Monongahela National Forest, it offers plenty of experiences for outdoor adventurers, history enthusiasts, and art lovers. A trip to Elkins wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. These scenic wilderness excursions aboard historic steam locomotives and vintage diesel-powered trains venture into some of the most remote corners of the Mountain State, including places cars can’t access. For outdoor adventure, the Monongahela National Forest spans over a million acres across the north-central highlands of West Virginia, offering a vast wilderness playground. Camp at one of the forest’s 23 designated campgrounds and explore more than 500 miles of hiking trails, along with countless streams, rivers, and lakes.
Elkins rounds out the list as an adorable tourist destination with a mix of unique shops and inviting restaurants. Forks offers a refined, reservation-only dining experience featuring a six-course tasting menu that blends French and Appalachian-American influences. Discover an extraordinary shopping experience at The Delmonte Market in downtown Elkins. This one-of-a-kind shopping destination showcases handmade creations by West Virginia artisans, along with gourmet foods, antiques, and retro toys.
Thomas
Settled in the Appalachian Mountains at the northern edge of the Monongahela National Forest, the adorable town of Thomas sits along the scenic banks of the North Fork of the Blackwater River. With its deep roots in coal mining, Thomas retains the spirit of an early American frontier town, featuring historic red-brick buildings, wooden window frames, and gingerbread trim. Stretching approximately 10.5 miles from Thomas to Hendricks, the Blackwater Canyon Trail winds through stunning scenery, including lush rhododendron thickets, dense hardwood forests, and sweeping views of the canyon and the Blackwater River.
In the heart of downtown Thomas, Cottrill’s Opera House stands as a striking example of Renaissance Revival architecture. Once a lively venue for vaudeville acts, film screenings, and community gatherings, this historic theatre is now undergoing restoration with hopes of reclaiming its role as a vibrant performing arts center. For live entertainment, check out the local favorite, the Purple Fiddle, a family-friendly bar and deli-style eatery that hosts live music every Friday and Saturday. Thomas offers a small selection of dining spots, from lively pubs and local breweries to inviting coffee shops. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy grabbing a cold drink while browsing for gear at Tie One On Tap House. This unique spot combines a wide selection of craft beers, tasty meals, and live music with a carefully curated collection of high-quality fishing tackle.
Buckhannon
Tucked away in north-central West Virginia’s Upshur County, Buckhannon is an unassuming town that blends the quiet charm and neighborly spirit of small-town life with a surprising mix of events and attractions. For outdoor enthusiasts, Audra State Park is Buckhannon’s premier spot for adventure and camping. Situated along the Middle Fork River, this scenic park offers a gentle river perfect for floating and swimming, along with rugged trails and wooden boardwalks that wind through breathtaking forest landscapes. Strawberries take center stage in this extraordinary small town. Every May, Buckhannon welcomes over 60,000 visitors from around the globe for the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, an eight-day celebration filled with live entertainment, parades, carnival rides, games, and, of course, endless strawberry-themed treats.
No matter the season, Buckhannon’s walkable downtown is brimming with old-fashioned character. Historic Main Street is lined with locally owned restaurants and shops that showcase the community’s pride and creativity. Fish Hawk Acres combines a market and café, serving fresh farm-to-table dishes made with locally and regionally sourced ingredients. For hearty comfort food, C.J. Maggie’s offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere and a menu full of bold, flavorful favorites.
Morgantown
Experience the energy of West Virginia pride in Morgantown. Located in the heart of Mountaineer Country, this college town is home to West Virginia University. From a vibrant nightlife and top-rated restaurants to festivals, abundant shopping, and outdoor adventures, this small city has something for everyone. Running alongside the Monongahela River, the Caperton Rail Trail stretches five miles from Morgantown to Star City. This urban pathway offers scenic river views and is perfect for walking, cycling, or even skating in winter. To get a unique perspective on the great outdoors of Mountaineer Country, check out West Virginia University’s Outdoor Education Center. Just 20 minutes from the city center, it offers aerial adventure courses and zipline canopy tours.
Enjoy a theatrical performance, dance recital, live musical, or a classic film screening at the Metropolitan Theatre. Often called West Virginia’s most beautiful playhouse, the building reflects the neoclassical revival architecture in the region. Thanks to West Virginia University and a lively mix of students and locals, Morgantown’s dining scene caters to a wide range of tastes, from affordable, quick bites to refined, sit-down meals. For an upscale dining experience, head to Stefano’s, where you can savor refined Italian-American cuisine, fresh seafood, and expertly crafted cocktails served in an elegant, low-lit setting.
Parsons
Discover the warm, welcoming hospitality of Parsons in Tucker County. Situated at the head of the Cheat River, where the Shavers Fork and Black Fork meet, this adorable town offers a scenic riverfront setting and easy access to the mountains, making it a perfect destination in every season. Begin your outdoor adventure on the Upper Cheat River Water Trail, a scenic 40-mile stretch featuring slow-moving, peaceful waters ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Blackwater Outdoor Adventures provides flatwater rentals, including canoes, kayaks, and tubes, along with guided whitewater rafting trips from the nearby St. George River Outpost, where the river moves more rapidly.
For those who favor land-based adventures, the 26-mile Allegheny Highland Trail offers biking and hiking through scenic countryside between Elkins and Parsons, winding its way into the Monongahela National Forest. In the winter, Parsons is less than an hour from Timberline Mountain, home to over 20 ski and snowboard trails. After a day on the slopes, you can unwind at the mountain’s cozy bar and grill, perfect for warming up après-ski. If you’re planning a visit to West Virginia mid-summer, be sure to attend the Pickin' in Parsons Bluegrass Festival, a five-day celebration featuring more than 20 top bluegrass bands, performing along the scenic banks of the river.
Visit America’s Mountain State
West Virginia remains one of America’s best-kept travel secrets. Known as the Mountain State, it offers a picture-perfect landscape shaped by the Appalachian Mountains, with endless ridges and forested slopes, winding hollows, deep river valleys, and cascading waterfalls. Beyond its natural beauty and endless outdoor adventures, West Virginia’s small towns invite visitors to discover local gems, unique experiences, and warm hospitality at the heart of their communities. Rich in history, these destinations offer an ideal blend of traditional American frontier charm and contemporary cultural flair.
Whether you’re wandering scenic outdoor trails, braving whitewater rapids, or catching a movie at a historic theatre, West Virginia’s small towns offer something for everyone.
