9 Overlooked Towns In West Virginia Worth Visiting
If there’s one thing that can certainly be said about the United States, it’s that its geographical diversity is nothing short of remarkable. While this can be said about many states, West Virginia stands out for its rolling hills, dramatic gorges, winding rivers, and forested peaks. Known as the Mountain State, it is not only visually striking but also shaped by railroads, river trade, coal heritage, and enduring Appalachian traditions. Beyond its landscapes, the state is dotted with small towns that reflect these histories. Yet many of these communities are overlooked, overshadowed by larger destinations and national parks. From riverfront towns and former railroad hubs to arts-focused enclaves and outdoor bases, the nine towns below offer a quieter, more local way to experience West Virginia.
Shepherdstown
Set along the Potomac River in the state's Eastern Panhandle, Shepherdstown is West Virginia's oldest town. Dating as far back as the 1700s, this town's history is tied to early American frontier life, the early development of steam-powered navigation, and key moments of the Civil War. Its historic downtown is filled with 18th and 19th-century buildings housing cafes, art galleries, and historic O'Hurley's General Store. Don’t miss the James Rumsey Monument, which commemorates one of America’s early pioneers of steam navigation with sweeping views of the river and valley below. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Potomac River provides opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, while the C&O Canal Towpath offers ample trails for cycling. A short distance from town sits Antietam National Battlefield, offering visitors rare insight into the region's role during the war.
Moundsville
Perhaps one of the most unassuming towns, Moundsville is a place for those who enjoy the strange and unusual. Known as one of the most haunted locations in America, this small town is home to the former West Virginia Penitentiary. Closed since 1995, the prison is now open for tours, allowing visitors to walk its cellblocks and corridors.
Beyond the penitentiary, the town is also home to one of the largest burial mounds left behind by the Adena culture, known as the Grave Creek Mound. Visitors can learn more about the mound’s significance and the area’s prehistoric history at the adjacent Delf Norona Museum.
Fayetteville
Perched on the edge of the New River Gorge, Fayetteville is one of West Virginia’s most adventure-driven small towns. Its biggest draw is New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, where visitors can hike miles of scenic trails, scale world-class sandstone cliffs, or soak in sweeping canyon views from overlooks like the Diamond Point Overlook on the Endless Wall Trail.
Fayetteville is also a premier whitewater rafting destination in the eastern United States, with outfitters running trips on both the New and Gauley Rivers, ranging from beginner-friendly floats to adrenaline-pumping rapids. Beyond the adventure, Fayetteville boasts a lively, walkable downtown filled with local gear shops, art galleries, and unique coffee stops like Cathedral Café that reflect the town’s tight-knit, funky community.
Elkins
Set in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, this lively town is brimming with railroad history, outdoor adventure, and Appalachian culture. One of Elkins' standout experiences is hopping aboard the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, a heritage railroad offering rides through some of the most scenic stretches of forest and river valley in the state. History buffs can also explore and dine at Graceland Inn & Mansion, a beautifully preserved Gilded Age home offering insight into Elkins' role as a former timber and railroad hub. Just outside of town, visitors will find the Monongahela National Forest providing incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. Back in town, Elkins’ revitalized downtown features local shops, galleries, and performance venues like the Augusta Heritage Center, which hosts music and craft events celebrating Appalachian traditions.
Harpers Ferry
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers sits a picturesque mountain town, one not only steeped in history but also brimming with beautiful scenery. Now a designated National Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this town and its architecture transport visitors back to the 1800s, when Harpers Ferry was a strategic location utilized during the Civil War. Speaking of the war, today, visitors can explore the John Brown Fort, the location of famed abolitionist John Brown’s final stand.
Looking for something more outdoorsy? Luckily, Harpers Ferry is at the intersection of not one but four units of the national park system. You can hike along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, whitewater raft, kayak, or tube along the Potomac or Shenandoah River, or walk across into Maryland to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
Lewisburg
Although small, Lewisburg packs a punch when it comes to activities, both within the arts scene and outdoors. Here sits one of only four remaining Carnegie Halls in the world, where visitors can delight in an array of art exhibitions and live performances. Pay homage to the town's history by visiting the Greenbrier Historical Society & North House Museum, which offers guided tours, Black history, and cemetery walks. Be sure to spend time exploring Lewisburg's downtown area as well, which is said to be one of the best in West Virginia. For outdoor lovers, a visit to Lewisburg would be incomplete without accessing the Greenbrier River Trail, covering 78 miles meant for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs is best known for its long-standing reputation as a wellness retreat. The town has drawn visitors for centuries to its warm mineral springs, so much so that George Washington himself was a frequent guest. Nowadays, those historic springs remain the centerpiece of Berkeley Springs State Park, where visitors can soak their feet in the same waters once enjoyed by early American settlers. They've even recreated George Washington's tub, which visitors can soak in today.
Beyond the baths, the compact downtown is filled with art studios, antique shops, and local galleries. For sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, head just outside town to Cacapon Resort State Park, where hiking trails and scenic overlooks make for an excellent day spent outdoors.
Buckhannon
Located in north-central West Virginia, Buckhannon blends small-town charm with a strong sense of tradition, art, and community. Each spring, the town hosts the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, a beloved multi-day celebration complete with parades, live music, and classic Appalachian fare that draws visitors from across the state.
History lovers can explore the Upshur County Courthouse, an elegant Colonial Revival building that anchors the downtown area. Speaking of downtown, visitors can explore a multitude of shops, including Artistry on Main, which offers beautiful pottery, paintings, and glasswork. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Audra State Park, just a short drive away, where swimming holes, riverside trails, and picnic areas offer a peaceful escape into the woods.
Weston
Weston is a town where history takes a much darker and fascinating turn. Its most famous landmark is the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, one of the largest hand-cut stone buildings in the United States. Now open for tours, the asylum offers a compelling look into 19th-century medical practices and architectural ambition, along with popular paranormal tours for those seeking something eerie. Beyond the asylum, Weston’s downtown features preserved historic buildings and local shops that reflect the town’s 19th-century roots. If you're still on the lookout for something spooky, pay a visit to Appalachian Oddities, a shop showcasing the strange and unusual. Nearby, Stonewall Jackson Lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking, giving visitors a chance to pair historical (and paranormal) intrigue with time spent outdoors.
What makes these nine towns worthwhile
From riverside villages and former railroad hubs to arts-forward enclaves and adventure gateways, these nine overlooked towns prove that West Virginia’s appeal runs far deeper than its mountain views alone. Each destination offers its own blend of history, culture, and outdoor access. Visitors to these unique towns can explore Civil War battlefields, soak in centuries-old mineral springs, ride historic railways, or raft through some of the country's most dramatic scenery. For travelers willing to look beyond the more popular highlights, these small towns offer a slower and more peaceful way to experience the Mountain State.
