9 Off-The-Grid West Virginia Towns To Visit In 2025

At just over 24,000 square miles in area, the state of West Virginia is filled with 401 places, including 232 incorporated towns and 169 census-designated places, according to the US Census Bureau. While cities such as the capital city of Charleston and the college town of Morgantown are often talked about, some of the towns in this vast state are a bit more off-the-grid than others but still deserve attention. Here are nine off-the-grid towns to visit in West Virginia in 2025.

Davis

The tiny town of Davis in the Allegheny Mountains of northeastern Tucker County is home to under 700 residents and sits at over 3,500 feet above sea level, making it the highest incorporated town in the state. Situated on the Blackwater River, Davis overlooks Canaan Valley, the highest large valley east of the Mississippi River. Blackwater Falls State Park attracts many to the Davis area, if only to gaze at the awe-inspiring 62-foot-high Blackwater Falls. Other outdoor attractions near Davis include Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

The warm, welcoming community of Davis is evident in its laid-back downtown area. Here, you will find lodging choices such as Alpine Lodge, Bright Morning Inn, and the Billy Motel. Dining options range from the Big Belly Deli to The Smokehouse at Blackwater Falls. Art lovers may peruse the arts and crafts on display at the West Virginia Highlands Artisans Gallery. Craft beer enthusiasts should stop by Stumptown Ale to sample their wares.

Romney

A historic gem not to be missed is the town of Romney, the county seat of Hampshire County. It was founded in 1762 and houses under 1,800 residents. As one of West Virginia's oldest towns, Romney is full of history, including Taggart Hall, dating to the 1790s, and the Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Museum. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad draws many visitors in, offering a picturesque ride through the mountain countryside, along with potential sightings of bald eagles living in the area.

Romney's downtown area features shops like Dillon's Country Treasures and the White House on Main. The town offers many food options, from Italian at Italian Touch, to Mexican at El Puente 2, to home cooking at Main Street Grill. Accommodation options in the town of Romney include the South Branch Inn Romney, Potomac Hills Bed and Breakfast, and Koolwink Motel. Rentals and Airbnb's are also available.

Hinton

Situated along the scenic New River in the southern part of the state is Hinton, the county seat of Summers County, 90 miles southeast of Charleston. Home to just over 2,000 residents, Hinton, established in 1871, is a railroad town with a historic district of over 200 buildings in a variety of architectural styles. Nearby, outdoor enthusiasts can explore Bluestem State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park, both offering activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and rafting.

The downtown historic district of Hinton is alive with shops, restaurants, galleries, entertainment venues, and places to stay. Many enjoy staying in the Guest House Inn on Courthouse Square, right in the midst of the downtown activity. The Otter and Oak Gallery downtown is filled with local artwork and handcrafted goods to peruse. Boutiques like Loaves & Fishes offer unique finds. The Market on Courthouse Square is recommended for lunch, dinner, or a refreshing drink.

Point Pleasant

Just over 4,000 live in Point Pleasant, at the confluence of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers in Mason County. The small town is about 100 miles from the border with Ohio and an hour northwest of the state capital of Charleston. Riverfront Park is a popular attraction in Point Pleasant and is home to educational information and statues from the Battle of Point Pleasant of the Revolutionary War.

Point Pleasant's downtown area is filled with unique boutiques like Happy Daze Apparel and The Boutique Basket. Accommodations in Point Pleasant include Ravenswood Inn Bed and Breakfast and Downing House Bed and Breakfast, along with VRBOs and Airbnb's. Dining choices range from local eateries like the Coffee Grinder and Village Pizza Inn to chains such as Dairy Queen and Subway.

Green Bank

Named for the lush green Allegheny Mountains surrounding it, the tiny town of Green Bank in Pocahontas County, Southern West Virginia is an underrated gem. In addition to its mountainside seclusion, and being home to under 200 residents, the town is famous for its main attraction, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, which was created in 1956. The observatory houses three telescopes today, with the largest at 300 feet high.

The Fort Warwick Historic Landmark next to the observatory was built in 1774 to defend the area during the Revolutionary War. Today, Fort Warwick is an archaeological excavation site where community members work to uncover the area's past. Green Bank is also known for its abundance of shale and flint, once used by Native Americans to make arrowheads in an unofficial arrowhead factory. Today, arrowheads are still found in and around Green Bank. Your best bet for lodging in Green Bank is cabins or Airbnb's. If you prefer resort accommodations, check out lodges and inns in nearby Snowshoe, just 16 miles to the west of Green Bank.

Seneca Rocks

Tucked away in Pendleton County at the meeting point of Seneca Creek, the North Fork River, and the South Branch of the Potomac River, Seneca Rocks is a must-see destination for those seeking natural beauty and adventure. Towering 900 feet above the landscape, the iconic rock formation lies within both Seneca State Forest and the Monongahela National Forest. These scenic forests offer abundant opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. For thrill-seekers, the rocks themselves are climbable, boasting more than 375 established climbing routes.

The surrounding unincorporated community of Seneca Rocks, named for the Seneca Tribe who once lived in the region, is home to under 300 residents and offers a warm, small-town charm. Visitors are welcomed into a quaint downtown where you can browse Harper’s Old General Store or the Gendarme Climbing Shop, enjoy a meal at the Front Porch Restaurant, and stay overnight at cozy spots like County Line Guest House B&B, Germany Valley Overlook Cabins, Appalachian Cabins, Seneca Shadows Campground, or Seneca Rocks RV Resort.

Shepherdstown

On the Potomac River in Jefferson County, Shepherdstown is home to over 1,500 residents and to Shepherd University, a small liberal arts college. This charming small town, chartered in 1762, is about an hour and a half from Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Historic sites in the town not to be missed include the Mecklenburg Tobacco Warehouse, circa 1797, the oldest stone tobacco facility in West Virginia. The Entler Hotel, circa 1786, houses the Historic Shepherdstown Museum and the town's heritage and artifacts. James Rumsey Monument and Park combines history with outdoor recreation, honoring a local inventor and steamboat demonstrator, and featuring hiking, biking, paddling, and boating.

Downtown Shepherdstown offers a vibrant mix of culture and charm. Art lovers can browse the Bridge Gallery, while shoppers will enjoy finding unique items at stores such as Dogwood General Store. Dining choices include Bistro 112, the Blue Moon Cafe, and the Mecklenberg Inn. The Bavarian Inn provides resort accommodations, while the Thomas Shepherd Inn offers a quieter bed and breakfast atmosphere.

Beckley

Home to just under 17,000 residents, Beckley, Raleigh County's county seat, is in the southern part of the state. It sits about 55 miles southeast of Charleston and 100 miles east of the Kentucky border. Beckley has been called the "City of Champions" due to the long-standing success of its high school basketball team. In addition to sports, natural beauty draws many visitors to Beckley, whether it is for its 12 town parks, or the Lewis McManus Memorial Honor Trail that runs for over four miles through Beckley.

If you are an arts lover, Beckley is the perfect small town for you. Grandview State Park's Theatre West Virginia puts on live outdoor performances each summer. The Beckley Arts Center shows artwork by local artists and offers programs and classes. Each August, Beckley hosts the Appalachian Art and Crafts Fair. Lodging choices in Beckley include the Best Western Plus Beckley Inn, Hampton Inn Beckley, as well as bed and breakfasts and Airbnb's.

Buckhannon

The town of Buckhannon houses just over 5,000 residents along the Buckhannon River in Upshur County. The state capital of Charleston is about an hour and a half to the southwest of Buckhannon. One of the most enticing aspects of this town is its quaint downtown area, full of shops like Artistry on Main, murals designed by local artists, and restaurants such as World's End.

If you prefer outdoor activities, drive 12 miles south to the West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek. This center is home to woodland wildlife including 67 native species of mammals, waterfowl, and fish including bluegill, trout, and catfish. Lodging choices include Surestay Plus by Best Western, the Bicentennial Inn, the Baxa Motel, or cabins and campground rentals are also available. Eateries in Buckhannon include the Whistle Stop Bar and Grill and Firehouse Dawgs.

Choosing to visit any of the nine off-the-grid towns in West Virginia listed above will provide you with a fascinating look into small-town life. Whether you visit the college town of Shepherdstown, a historic gem like Romney, or one with awesome natural landforms like Seneca Rocks, you will be sure to learn something new about the Mountain State. Most importantly, you may experience a different way of life than what you already know.