9 Most Beautiful Cities In West Virginia

Whether it is the spectacular Babcock State Park, famous for its charming grist mill, the massive Summersville Lake, or the impressive Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg, West Virginia is never short of dazzling attractions. Famous for being the only state within the Appalachian Mountain region, the "Mountain State" also boasts a delightful cornucopia of cities, some large, some small, but all showcasing the state's incredible beauty. Read on to discover some of the state's most remarkable cities.

Buckhannon

It might suffice to mention that Trips To Discover, the popular travel discovery website that exclusively publishes travel-related content, named Buckhannon, West Virginia, one of the most beautiful small towns in the United States. Expectedly, or perhaps not, Buckhannon was the only West Virginia town on the list. The only incorporated city in Upshur County, Buckhannon boasts a gorgeous downtown likable for its lush floral displays and which exude a strikingly authentic individuality. Buckhannon also boasts an eclectic dining scene, several spots and attractions that would be of much interest to art lovers, and, best of all, the swirling presence of Buckhannon River — part of the watershed of the Mississippi River— just about 10 miles from downtown Buckhannon.

Fayetteville

This name is more than just some word on the street. No less a publication than Smithsonian Magazine in 2021 mentioned Fayetteville among the 15 best small towns to visit in the United States. What's more? It was not 15th on the list— but an impressive second. Only Council Grove, Kansas, came ahead of it. Well, the town of 2,887 residents may have just earned its place. With America's newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a few steps out, Fayetteville is increasingly becoming an ideal base from which to enjoy the spread-out beauty of nature as well as the attendant outdoor activities. Known to be alluringly laid back, Fayetteville boasts a quaint, charming, and lovable downtown.

Charles Town

Serving as the seat of Jefferson County, Charles Town is not only a stunning destination for a trip but also a colorful historic gem. Named for Charles Washington, the youngest brother of America's first president, and framed by the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charles Town would act as the theater of one of the most consequential criminal trials in the history of the United States. In Charles Town, John Brown would stand trial in 1859 following his failed attempt to begin a slave insurrection at Harper's Ferry. It was a trial that would bring the issue of slavery to the public conscience and imbue it with a sense of urgency that hitherto had been lacking. Regarding this incident, Russel Lowell would write, "Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne," and pen one of the most celebrated poems in the country's political history: The Present Crisis.

Shepherdstown

Curled up on the banks of the Potomac River in West Virginia, Shepherdstown acts as a gateway to the nearby Antietam National Battlefield. The Battle of Antietam is important because it was not only the deadliest one-day battle in American military history, but it enabled the Union to repel the first Confederate invasion of the North. This battle paved the way for a vacillating Abraham Lincoln to finally issue the Emancipation Declaration. Today, Antietam National Battlefield is among the best-preserved Civil War sites in the United States. And for its location along the Potomac, Shepherdstown is an ideal destination for boating, tubing, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

White Sulphur Springs

White Sulphur Springs is home to the Greenbrier, often mentioned as one of the most luxurious and exclusive resorts in the United States. The Greenbrier, spread out on 11,000 acres of greenery, is as lush as unreal and about 8 miles from the Allegheny Trailhead. It is also just as famous for its role in the United States' political history. It is here that, after striking a deal with the Greenbrier's owner, the US government would construct a bunker beneath the grounds of the hotel between 1959 to 1962. The bunker was to serve as an emergency shelter for the United States Congress during the heady days of the Cold War.

Hinton

Aside from the many cool attractions within its colorful 16-block Historic District, Hinton is close to many other stunning attractions, making it one of West Virginia's most beautiful cities. Many will want to enjoy strolling through the town's red-brick streets and admiring the colorful murals before stepping out to the great outdoors in the town's immediate vicinity. Sandstone Falls, for instance, the largest waterfall on the New River, is only about eight miles north of downtown Hinton. The enormous waterfall is accessed by a road that is famous for its curves and twists and which is breathtakingly scenic. And that is not to mention the whole expanse of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve that teems with many other delightful attractions.

Davis And Thomas

The sister towns of Thomas and Davis offer a package of beauty and attractions that make them one of the most sought-after destinations in West Virginia. Curled up in the picturesque Allegheny Mountains, the two towns are about three miles apart, each boasting a unique appeal that will not fail to enamor mesmerized visitors. Many will relish strolling through the town of Thomas, admiring the historic buildings and homes whose balconies and overhanging porches reflect both the architecture and culture of Europe. Besides, the small, charming town of Davis is an outdoor paradise that provides access to such marvels as the 17,371-acre Dolly Sods Wilderness and the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge, the largest wetland complex in West Virginia.

Lewisburg

Once named by Budget Travel as the coolest small town in the whole country, not just in West Virginia, Lewisburg, whose main street is not more than five city blocks, might be tiny— and a town one can miss with a blink—but it is everything a nature lover will want to enjoy. For history buffs, the fact that Lewisburg was the site of the last major battle of the Civil War makes it immediately worth visiting. Yet Lewisburg's irresistible allure does not lie much in its history as in its bucolic look. And for outdoor enthusiasts, the Greenbrier River Trail, the longest trail of its kind in West Virginia, opens out to several breathtaking vistas that hikers would definitely adore.

Wheeling

Established as a town in 1795, Wheeling has served as the capital of West Virginia more than once. Nestled at the feet of the majestic Appalachian Mountains, Wheeling's glory days lie in the period when iron and steel mills bloomed on the banks of the Ohio River. Consequently, the town would be the site of a bustling and profitable industry centered on manufacturing cut iron nails. With time, Wheeling would emerge as "the nail capital of the world." Among the town's attractions is the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, the largest suspension bridge on the planet from 1849 until 1851. Besides, the picturesque beauty of Oglebay Park, located about 5 miles from downtown Wheeling, is of a kind that no one should miss. 

So, the next time you are in the "Mountain State," do not miss the opportunity to visit at least some, if not all, of the above nine spectacular cities of the state. They promise to satisfy every kind of tourist, from nature lovers to history buffs and adventurers to those who wish to spend a cozy time with loved ones.