7 Close-Knit Towns to Visit in West Virginia

With more than half of West Virginians living in rural areas, the state’s towns are at the heart of its sense of community. As the only state entirely within the Appalachian Mountains, these towns in West Virginia are surrounded by remarkable natural features to explore as well. Whether you prefer browsing holiday markets, dining in a historic Swiss restaurant, or taking in sweeping views of the Appalachians from a train window, these seven towns offer welcoming communities and unforgettable adventures.

Marlinton

With a population of just under 1,000 residents, Marlinton is a laid-back mountain community, offering plenty of outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy Marlinton’s natural beauty along the Greenbrier River Trail, a former 78-mile railroad transformed into a scenic path perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail crosses more than 35 bridges and offers scenic views throughout. To explore Marlington's history, visitors can explore the Marlinton Railroad Depot or the Pocahontas County Historical Society, both telling stories and showcasing artifacts of the town and its surrounding region.

Just a 40-minute drive away, travelers can take advantage of the winter season by visiting the Snowshoe Mountain Resort. This destination features over 60 trails and glades, four terrain parks, opportunities for snowmobiling and tubing, and even swimming—alongside traditional skiing and night skiing.

White Sulphur Springs

White Sulphur Springs, another town along the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, is an excellent addition to a weekend itinerary alongside Marlinton. For a fascinating piece of US history, travelers can tour the Greenbrier Bunker, a secret emergency shelter built for the U.S. Congress during the Cold War. Declassified in 1995, it is now open to the public for guided tours.

Looking to unwind? Visit the POMONA Salt Cave and Spa, where you can enjoy a massage or facial treatment in a serene Himalayan salt cave made from 18,000 pounds of salt. During chillier fall and winter days, locals are often found enjoying a homestyle meal at Cook’s Country Kitchen or craft beer at Country Roads Beer Co.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg’s community has a strong value for its arts and history, making it a great destination for cultural experiences. Travelers can visit Lewisburg’s historic Carnegie Hall, built in 1902 and one of only four Carnegie Halls in the world. The venue hosts a variety of events, including orchestra performances, choir concerts, and shows by emerging musicians. Greenbrier Valley Theatre is another worthwhile stop for fine art enthusiasts, which frequently puts on plays and musicals to the public.

To learn more about Lewisburg’s history, the Greenbrier Valley History Museum offers tours, artifiacts, rotating exhibits, and oral histories that dive into the region’s past. For those wanting to explore Lewisburg’s outdoor surroundings, the drive out to Lake Sherwood is worth it, as the largest lake in the Monongahela National Forest, with places to swim, hike, boat, and appreciate native wildlife, such as bobcats, otters, wild turkeys, minks, and black bears.

Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown has one of the most lively local music scenes in the state, between its concert halls, restaurant venues, and annual events. Every Thursday night, travelers can visit O’Hurley’s General Store for its weekly bluegrass and folk music jam, where they can listen or even join in the fun. For those seeking more folk and fiddling tunes, Shepherdstown Music and Dance hosts frequent community concerts.

Meanwhile, the historic Shepherdstown Opera House, showcasing live performances and shows since 1910, blends entertainment with the town’s history. If you are looking for an opportunity to head outdoors, consider kayaking or tubing down Antietam Creek, a fast-moving creek just 5 miles from Shepherdstown.

Summersville

Summersville is located along West Virginia's largest lake, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation in the state. With 60 miles of shoreline and relatively warm water temperatures, Summersville Lake is a great destination for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and boating. It also has beautiful underwater sandstone cliff formations, ideal for scuba diving explorations.

Those who would like to visit in December can attend the Hometown Holiday Marketplace annual event, an old-fashioned and Christmas-themed shopping experience that will feature local vendors, food, music, buggy rides, and an appearance from Santa Claus. For a rustic meal near the lake, stop by Long Point Grille and Bar, a highly rated casual food and bar popular among locals.

Morgantown

Ranked as one of the “South’s Best Cities on the Rise” by Southern Living, Morgantown has an active outdoor, nightlife, culinary, and art scene. For over 50 miles of hike and bike trails, visitors can head to Coopers Rock State Forest, featuring overlooks of the Cheat River Gorge. Adventurers can also enjoy views from Dorsey’s Knob, a park and lodge with views from one of the highest peaks in Magnolia County.

Shoppers will enjoy the wide array of shopping centers and stores spread throughout the town, including the Senaca Center, packed with specialty shops, and Hoot and Owl, a local store specializing in plants and gifts. During the holiday season, visitors can enjoy a performance of “The Nutcracker” or “Elf: The Musical” at the Metropolitan Theatre, a national historic landmark with neoclassical revival architecture and considered by many to be the most beautiful playhouse in West Virginia.

Elkins

Visitors are greeted by a welcoming community atmosphere and the refreshing mountain breeze upon arriving in Elkins, a relaxed Appalachian town of around 6,800 residents. Locals are often found enjoying an appetizer and beer at Beander’s Restaurant & Tavern. For those willing to take a drive, The Hütte Restaurant is a must-visit, offering preserved recipes brought over a century ago by Swiss and German settlers. To experience the surrounding Appalachian countryside, travelers can hop aboard the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, which winds through steep canyon terrains, historic sites, rivers, and a hidden waterfall.

Nearing the holidays, the Elkins community arranges plenty of festivities to enjoy, including a community Christmas bazaar, holiday art market, and Festival of Carols event, giving travelers the chance to get into the holiday cheer alongside the town’s local residents.

Final Thoughts

A tour of these seven West Virginian towns proves that fun and adventure are not limited to the city. In fact, the strong community spirit and unique culture of these towns often make for a more memorable experience than what you could find in larger, less personal cities. Ready to step off the beaten path and discover the heart of Appalachia? These seven towns promise an unforgettable journey you won’t find anywhere else.