2024's 10 Most Scenic West Virginia Towns
West Virginia is a treasure trove of scenic beauty, boasting a collection of scenic towns that showcase the state’s rugged wilderness, serene rivers, and towering mountain ranges. From Harpers Ferry, where the Blue Ridge Mountains and two rivers converge, to the tranquil allure of Summersville’s crystal-clear lake, these towns offer a unique connection to nature. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking for adventure in the Allegheny Mountains or someone seeking peace in a quiet river valley, each of these destinations provides a stunning backdrop for experiencing West Virginia’s natural wonders. The breathtaking landscapes, from rolling hills and dense forests to dramatic waterfalls and scenic overlooks, make these towns ideal getaways for travelers who appreciate the great outdoors.
Lewisburg
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Lewisburg is a town where nature is ever-present, offering residents and visitors alike stunning landscapes and outdoor experiences. Surrounded by rolling hills and expansive valleys, the town boasts breathtaking views in all directions. Nearby, the Greenbrier State Forest covers 5,200 acres and provides access to some of the state’s most scenic hiking trails. Trails cover 19 miles over 14 trails. Here, visitors can wander through dense forests of towering oaks, pines, and maples, enjoying the peace and quiet of the wilderness.
Just a short drive from town is the Monongahela National Forest, a vast and wild landscape with rugged ridges and deep gorges. The forest is home to diverse wildlife, from deer and foxes to countless bird species. Lewisburg’s natural beauty is enhanced by its proximity to these protected lands, making it a haven for nature lovers seeking serenity and outdoor adventure.
Davis
Also close to the Monongahela National Forest is the town of Davis. Perched in the Allegheny Mountains, Davis offers unparalleled access to some of West Virginia’s most striking landscapes. Just outside of town is Blackwater Falls State Park, where the namesake waterfall plunges 62 feet into a rugged gorge surrounded by dense hemlock and spruce forests. The sight of the amber-colored water cascading over dark rocks is unforgettable, making it one of the most photographed places in the state.
Beyond the falls, Davis is also a gateway to the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, a sprawling protected area that preserves the unique high-elevation wetlands and forests of the region. Visitors can hike through meadows of wildflowers in the summer or snowshoe across the snow-covered valley in the winter. The town itself is cradled by mountains, offering sweeping views of the surrounding ridges and valleys. Whether you’re hiking the many trails, birdwatching, or simply taking in the views, Davis is a perfect destination for those seeking the beauty of West Virginia’s highlands.
Thomas
Situated in Tucker County, Thomas is a town that is small in size but large in natural beauty. Like Davis, it is also surrounded by the dense forests and highlands of the Allegheny Mountains. It is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering access to some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in West Virginia. Nearby Blackwater Falls State Park is famous for its dramatic waterfall, while the surrounding forests and valleys are filled with hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Thomas is also close to the Dolly Sods Wilderness, a high-altitude plateau known for its sweeping views, wind-swept boulders, and unique plant life. The wilderness area offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking across rugged terrain to exploring wetlands and mountain ridges that stretch for miles. Whether exploring the highlands of Canaan Valley or taking in the quiet beauty of the Cheat River, Thomas is a town where the wild beauty of West Virginia’s mountains is always within reach.
Marlinton
Nestled in the heart of Pocahontas County, Marlinton is a town where the surrounding natural beauty speaks for itself. Enveloped by the Allegheny Mountains and bordered by the Greenbrier River, Marlinton offers picturesque views of mountain ranges and river valleys. Like in Davis and Lewisburg, the nearby Monongahela National Forest offers a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with trails that weave through dense forests, past clear mountain streams, and up to panoramic overlooks that reveal miles of unspoiled wilderness.
One of the town’s biggest natural treasures is the Cranberry Wilderness, a vast and remote area of the forest that remains virtually untouched by human development. Hikers can explore the rugged terrain of steep ridges and deep gorges, surrounded by a variety of plant life and the sounds of rushing water. The Greenbrier River, which flows gently alongside Marlinton, provides peaceful scenes and recreational opportunities like kayaking or fishing. For those seeking an escape into nature, Marlinton offers a tranquil yet rugged experience that showcases the best of West Virginia’s wild landscapes.
White Sulphur Springs
Also located in the Allegheny Mountains, White Sulphur Springs is a town steeped in natural beauty. Known for its mineral springs, the town is also surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and towering peaks that provide a scenic backdrop to daily life. Nearby, the Greenbrier State Forest offers miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the mountains, providing visitors with sweeping views of the valley below and the endless expanse of forested ridges.
In the fall, the mountains surrounding White Sulphur Springs explode with color, creating a dramatic display of autumn foliage. For those seeking outdoor adventure, the forests offer quiet solitude, while the streams that flow through the valleys provide peaceful spots to sit and reflect.
Berkeley Springs
Also famed for its natural springs, Berkeley Springs is a town that not only offers relaxation but also an immersion into West Virginia’s scenic beauty. The town is surrounded by the Cacapon and Sleepy Creek Mountains, both of which offer striking views and opportunities for hiking and exploring the wilderness. The nearby Cacapon Resort State Park is home to miles of forested trails, where hikers can walk beneath towering trees, and scenic overlooks provide expansive views of the Appalachian landscape.
The natural mineral springs, which give the town its name, are fed by the same clear waters that run through the surrounding hills, connecting visitors to the area’s natural environment. The gentle ridges of the mountains and the quiet streams that flow through the landscape create a peaceful setting for nature lovers. Whether you’re hiking through the woods, enjoying the views from a mountain ridge, or soaking in the warm waters of the bubbling hot springs, Berkeley Springs is a town where nature’s beauty is always present.
Harpers Ferry
Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry is not only a historic landmark but also one of West Virginia’s most scenic towns. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town offers some of the most awe-inspiring views in the state. The sweeping Shenandoah Valley, seen from many of the town’s viewpoints, is a natural masterpiece, offering a panoramic backdrop of rolling hills, ridges, and vast skies.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Harpers Ferry is intersected by the famous Appalachian Trail, offering hiking opportunities that wind through forests and ascend ridges to reveal breathtaking vistas of the rivers below. Visitors can also explore the protected wilderness areas within Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where wildlife sightings are common and the natural beauty of the region is preserved. Whether standing at the point where the rivers meet or taking in the grandeur of the surrounding mountains, Harpers Ferry offers a connection to nature that is hard to rival.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville’s claim to fame is its proximity to the New River Gorge, a dramatic landscape carved by one of the world’s oldest rivers. The New River winds through deep valleys, flanked by towering cliffs and forested ridges that create some of the most spectacular scenery in West Virginia. At the heart of it all is the New River Gorge Bridge, an iconic structure that offers breathtaking views of the gorge from above. Standing on the bridge or hiking to one of the nearby viewpoints allows visitors to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of this natural wonder.
For the adventurous, the gorge provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities. White-water rafting, rock climbing, and hiking are popular, with miles of trails that lead to stunning overlooks, waterfalls, and hidden valleys. The surrounding forests are home to diverse wildlife, from black bears to peregrine falcons. Fayetteville’s connection to the New River Gorge ensures that nature is always within reach, offering experiences that range from thrilling to serene.
Shepherdstown
Set along the Potomac River, Shepherdstown offers a blend of serene river views and rolling hills that define the surrounding landscape. The town’s connection to nature is perhaps most evident in its proximity to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, where the canal towpath provides miles of scenic trails perfect for walking, running, or cycling. The gentle flow of the Potomac River creates a peaceful atmosphere, with lush forests lining its banks and providing a refuge for local wildlife.
Shepherdstown’s location at the edge of the Appalachian Mountains also means that visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Summersville
Home to the largest lake in West Virginia, Summersville is a town that showcases the state’s diverse natural landscapes. Summersville Lake, with its crystal-clear waters, is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and forested hills that provide stunning views and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. The lake is a popular destination for kayaking, swimming, and boating, with the calm, turquoise waters reflecting the beauty of the surrounding forests.
The nearby Gauley River National Recreation Area offers some of the state’s most scenic gorges and white-water rapids, making Summersville a prime location for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. From the rugged cliffs that line the lake to the quiet coves and inlets that offer peaceful moments of reflection, Summersville is a place where water and land come together to create a truly breathtaking landscape.
In every corner of West Virginia, nature is woven into the fabric of life, with each town on this list offering its own slice of the state's vast, unspoiled beauty. From the high-altitude plateaus of Thomas to the serene riverside views of Shepherdstown, these towns provide endless opportunities to connect with the wilderness. The vibrant fall foliage of White Sulphur Springs, the cascading waterfalls of Blackwater Falls near Davis, and the peaceful waters of Summersville Lake are just a few of the many wonders waiting to be discovered. West Virginia’s scenic towns promise unforgettable experiences in some of the state’s most stunning landscapes. Embark on a journey through the heart of wild, wonderful West Virginia.
