6 Little-Known Towns In West Virginia

While West Virginia is, of course, well-known for its rugged scenery and rich history, there’s another side to the “Mountain State” that often gets overlooked: its wealth of smaller, less-visited towns. While larger cities like Charleston and Morgantown are on the radar of most travelers to the state, these lesser-known towns provide a quieter way to explore West Virginia, at the same time offering unique insights that may not otherwise be exposed.

From historic railroad towns to scenic riverfront communities, these destinations are full of compelling stories waiting to be heard. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer or are just seeking a peaceful alternative to the state’s busier tourist destinations, these six little-known towns In West Virginia are worth including in your future travel plans.

Elkins

The picturesque small town of Elkins is located in central West Virginia, about 120 miles northeast of Charleston, the state capital. A bustling railroad hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it played a key role in the region’s coal and timber industries, a prosperity that’s reflected in its Victorian-era architecture. Many of the surviving buildings are related to the town’s railroad past, including the Randolph County Community Arts Center, housed in a former train station and offering performances and art exhibits. Elkins is also home to the Mountain State Forest Festival, held each fall and one of the oldest and most prominent annual festivals in the state.

A major draw today is Mountain Rail West Virginia (formerly the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad), which offers scenic Appalachian Mountains steam train rides through lush forests and picturesque communities. Elkins is also close to Blackwater Falls State Park, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts for its stunning cascade that drops 62 feet into the Blackwater River. In addition to hiking and wildlife watching, visitors can also explore the park’s 20 miles of trails, many of which lead to scenic overlooks.

Hinton

Hinton is located in southern West Virginia on the confluence of the New and Greenbrier Rivers and is considered the gateway to the New River Gorge National Park, one of the state's most revered outdoor destinations. Once a significant railroad town that served as a transportation center for coal and timber in the late 1800s, you can still get a taste of this era at the Hinton Railroad Museum. This first-rate attraction highlights the town's railway heritage with exhibits, locomotives, and old railcars.

New River Gorge National Park is located just a short drive away and is a must-do here. Known for its dramatic cliffs, the gorge is one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s most popular rock climbing destinations, while the New Gorge Bridge itself is one of the longest single-span steel bridges in the world. Nearby Pipestem Resort State Park is another attraction that draws outdoor lovers with its hiking trails, zip-lining, and wonderful views of the New River Gorge. The area’s many rivers also offer opportunities for kayaking and white-water rafting.

Martinsburg

Martinsburg is the county seat of Berkeley County and is located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, just 90 miles from Washington, D.C. Founded in 1778, it played a significant role in the history of the region, especially as a transportation center during the 19th century as a key stop for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Today, you can explore remnants of this railroading past at the Martinsburg Roundhouse, an impressive red-brick structure built in 1848 as a locomotive repair facility that’s now a museum.

Other historical sites worth seeing in this all-too-often-overlooked town include Adam Stephen House, which dates back to 1772. Once the home of a Revolutionary War officer, it’s now a museum featuring exhibits about the history of the area and early American life in West Virginia. Martinsburg is also close to Berkeley Springs State Park, a popular destination for its mineral springs since the 18th century. The historic bathhouse offers visitors a chance to experience the rejuvenating waters in an authentic setting, continuing a tradition that stretches back more than 200 years.

Lewisburg

Located in the Greenbrier River Valley, Lewisburg is where you’ll find one of the state’s best-preserved historic downtowns. Encompassing around 112 18th- and 19th-century buildings, Lewisburg Historic District is where you’ll spot the Old Stone Church, built in 1796 and still in use; and the Greenbrier Valley Theatre, home to the state’s leading professional theater company since the 1960s (check their schedule for info on plays, musicals, and other cultural events).

If you can swing a little luxury, consider a stay at The Greenbrier, an opulent 5-star resort located just outside of town. Established in 1778, the resort has a long history of hosting high-profile guests, including presidents and foreign dignitaries (and hey, maybe even you!). It also features activities from golf to spa treatments, all set amidst 11,000 acres of beautiful grounds. Lewisburg also hosts the annual State Fair of West Virginia in August, a great time to plan a visit.

Point Pleasant is situated at the confluence of the Ohio River and Kanawha River in southwestern West Virginia and is a great spot to visit for those interested in the state’s historical and cultural heritage. The town is where the Battle of Point Pleasant was fought in 1774 during Lord Dunmore’s War, a conflict between the British Colony of Virginia and the local Shawnee and Mingo peoples. Considered by some to be the first battle of the American Revolution, you can learn more about this pivotal event at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park (formerly Point Pleasant Battlefield State Park). Several historic buildings and homes from the 19th century that reflect the town’s early settlement can also be visited here.

Point Pleasant has also become associated with the mysterious Mothman legend. This seven-foot-tall, winged creature with glowing red eyes reportedly appeared to several residents in the 1960s and has become a fixture of local folklore ever since. And it’s a serious business, with the Mothman Museum celebrating this legend through exhibits, photographs, and artifacts related to sightings and September’s fun Mothman Festival.

Princeton

Located in Mercer County in the Appalachian foothills, Princeton is a small town with a fascinating history. The town grew rapidly during the coal boom of the early 20th century, an industry that also led to its becoming an important railway hub. You can learn more about both at the Princeton Railroad Museum, home to several old locomotives and other railroad artifacts.

Princeton also offers outdoor activities at Brush Creek Falls, a scenic waterfall located just outside town. The falls are a popular destination for hiking and photography, especially in the fall when the colors are at their most impressive. Princeton also hosts the Mercer County Fair, an August celebration of the area’s agricultural roots featuring rides, local food, and live music.

The Final Word

West Virginia’s smaller towns, though often overlooked in favor of their larger cousins like Charleston, should definitely be in the running when it comes time to plan your Mountain State getaway. Chock-full of history, culture, and natural beauty, these charming communities present distinctive experiences that capture the very essence of the state’s past… and present. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, taking in the natural surroundings, or learning about local folklore, these six little-known towns in West Virginia provide an opportunity to engage with the heart and soul of this wonderful destination.