9 West Virginia Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness

Tucked in the green hills of the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is one of the most underrated states in America. Gone are the days when the Mountain State was known primarily for its coal mining. West Virginia has emerged as a premier outdoor destination where visitors can hike in New River Gorge National Park, get a dose of adrenaline on a white water rafting tour, or zip through the woods on an ATV. Beyond recreational opportunities, West Virginia boasts some of the friendliest small towns in the country. These communities may be small, but their hospitality and neighborly spirit know no bounds. If you want to check out some picturesque spots in Appalachia in a kind and welcoming environment, check out these friendliest small towns.

Fayetteville

Fayetteville is a hidden gem of West Virginia and a gateway to adventure in the Appalachian Mountains. A small town adjacent to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Fayetteville lies south of the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-arch bridges in the world. Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine named Fayetteville "Best River Town 2013." Thanks to Class IV and V Rapids on the New River and the Gauley River, it is also aptly known as the "whitewater capital of the East."

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are free to enter. Unlike some popular national parks, it has no crowds, which means you can enjoy superb outdoor scenery without dealing with hordes of tourists. Downtown Fayetteville is just as fun, with plenty of worthy food stops like Secret Sandwich Society and Cathedral Cafe. Another spot not to miss is Fayetteville Art Walk, which has galleries, local boutiques, and artsy stores.

Want to go on a road trip? Rent a car and drive to Historic Fayette Station Road. This will bring you to the iconic Fayette Station Bridge and an old mining town, a piece of local mining history. Another spot to check out is Cathedral Falls, a stunning waterfall that plunges into a small pool from 60 feet.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is a perfect stop for history buffs in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. The town is a National Historic Site that boasts some fascinating Civil War history and is the site of John Brown's infamous raid in 1859. This town of under 300 people sits at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, boasting gorgeous vistas and access to parts of the Appalachian Trail.

Beyond paying a visit to the site of John Brown's Raid, you can stroll around downtown Harpers Ferry, which boasts several landmarks, including the Harpers Ferry Historical Museum, Marmion Row, and the Ruins of Shenandoah Pulp Factory on the outskirts of downtown. Hike up to Jefferson Rock for panoramic views of the area or take a White Water Tubing tour down the Potomac River if you are feeling more adventurous.

Lewisburg

Nestled in the hills of the Greenbrier Valley, Lewisburg is known for its art scene and prominent role in the Civil War. Once voted "America's Coolest Small Town,” Lewisburg is home to one of only four Carnegie Halls that still offers music and theater shows. Greenbrier Valley Theater is another cultural gem of the area, where you can enjoy a variety of performances from classic plays to contemporary works.

While the art scene might inspire your trip to Lewisburg, your visit wouldn’t be complete without getting outside. Unpack your boots and hit the nearby Greenbrier River Trail, the longest undammed waterway in the eastern US that offers opportunities for biking, hiking, and camping, The local food scene is nothing short of impressive with many local eateries offering farm-to-table dishes and local boutique shops like The Golden Rabbit or Studio 40, selling handmade products.

Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown is a college town along the Potomac River and the oldest town in West Virginia established in 1762. Originally named Mecklenburg, it was later renamed Shepherdstown after its founder, Thomas Shepherd. Today, the town is mostly known for Shepherdstown University, but ut it also has a handful of art galleries and historic landmarks including the Historic Shepherdstown Museum, Saint Peter's Lutheran Church, and the Mecklenburg Inn.

To get a taste of local culture, stop at the Shepherdstown Opera House, a local art hub that has been hosting performances since the early 1900s. If you are in the area during spring or summer, visit James Rumsey Monument and Park along the banks of the Potomac River.

Thomas

With just over 600 people, Thomas is a small but mighty community anchored by Purple Fiddle, a storied music venue that doubles as a cafe and a bar. Located in the Potomac Highlands, Thomas played a big role in the state’s mining history as many European immigrants came here in hopes of striking it rich in the coal and timber industries.

While the days of the coal boom are long gone, Thomas's architectural heritage lives on. Walk around town, and you will notice that many downtown buildings have a distinct architectural style dating back to the 20th century. Besides its friendly atmosphere and art scene, Thomas is also a gateway to Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley State Park, and Douglas Falls.

Berkeley Springs

Located just a two-hour drive from Washington, DC and Baltimore, Berkeley Springs is a resort town known as America’s First Spa, that attracts thousands of visitors from the surrounding metropolitan areas thanks to its healing waters and serene mountain setting. Also known as the Town of Bath, Berkeley Springs is one of the most underrated mountain towns in the country, where local history, outdoors, and relaxation go hand in hand.

A definite must-stop in the area is George Washington’s Bathtub in Berkeley Springs State Park, the first president's recreated tub. The town hosts art walks and year-round events like the Apple Butter Festival. The nearby Cacapon Resort State Park is one of the best recreational spots in the area. Berkeley Springs Brewing Company is an unmissable spot for beer lovers and Fairfax Coffee House offers a great cup of Joe.

Marlinton

Nestled in Pocahontas County, Marlinton is a gateway to scenic bike trails, and close-knit community living. The town has a lively art scene and hosts several big events throughout the year, including the annual Autumn Harvest Festival and Roadkill Cook-Off, a quirky and beloved local event. The Pocahontas Opera House hosts regular music performances.

If you want to enjoy this place, you should hit the road. The Highland Scenic Highway is just up the mountain from Marlinton in one direction, and Watoga State Park, the largest in the state, with over 10,000 acres of wilderness is in the other. Other recreational areas not to miss are Beartown and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park are in the other. Rent a bike at Appalachian Sport and hit up the Greenbrier River Trail or other scenic hikes in the area including Falls of Hills Creek High Rocks Trail, Red Spruce Knob Trail, or Middle Fork Trail.

Philippi

Philippi is a small town known primarily for its Civil War significance and covered bridge, Philippi is a perfect place to slow down and explore its rich heritage. The Philippi Covered Bridge is the oldest and longest covered bridge still in use on a federal highway in the U.S. It played a crucial role in the Battle of Philippi in 1861, one of the earliest land battles of the Civil War. Today, you can walk or drive across this historical landmark, and pop into the nearby Barbour County Historical Museum, which has exhibits on the town's past including Civil War artifacts, and the remains of the "Philippi Mummies," mummified human remains preserved in the late 19th century by Graham Hamrick, a local farmer.

Just up the hill from downtown, Alderson Broaddus University puts on occasional concerts, lectures, and athletic events open to the public. During the fall when the area bursts in vibrant colors, the campus grounds are perfect for a scenic walk. You can also kayak down Tygart Valley River, which runs through town, or head out to the nearby Audra State Park for hiking and picnicking along the river’s gorge.

Elkins

A gateway to the the Monongahela National Forest, and a magnet for backcountry adventures, Elkins is one of the most picturesque towns in West Virginia, known for its Appalachian heritage and role in preserving traditional music and dance. The Augusta Heritage Center is the pillar of the local art community, with regular workshops and concerts focused on bluegrass, folk, and Appalachian culture and traditions.

The Davis & Elkins College campus also has theater productions and art exhibitions available to the community. The Allegheny Highlands Trail is an unmissable highlight of this small town. This multi-use trail perfect for walking and biking, begins in town and runs north for 26 miles, while trails in the nearby Otter Creek and Dolly Sods Wilderness areas are prized for their rugged beauty and magnificent views of the highlands.

To quote John Denver's famous song, West Virginia feels like “almost heaven" in many ways. From rugged mountains where you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and camping to quaint small towns where you can explore the unique culture and Civil War history and the Appalachian culture, West Virginia is the perfect choice for a fun getaway that won’t break your bank. Whether you want to visit the New River Gorge, the country’s newest national park, savor the magnificent views of the Shenandoah River, or bicycle along the 25-mile North Fork Mountain Trail, you will be in for a treat, as West Virginia makes a perfect base for your adventures in Appalachia.