The Best Small Towns in West Virginia for a Weekend Retreat

West Virginia is a natural, rugged place, and although the population of the Mountain State is relatively small, it is a great place to visit for a weekend retreat, whether your tastes run to outdoor adventure, historical odyssey, or something in between. Given its proximity to many urban areas, legions of people find solace in this inviting location. Pack your backpack, hiking boots, and spirit of adventure, and take a look at some of the best small towns to visit in West Virginia for a weekend retreat.

Harpers Ferry

Few locations recall the turmoil of the American Civil War, like Harpers Ferry. In October 1859, John Brown and his party set out to spark a slave rebellion intended to sweep through the South and bring down the institution. The group captured thousands of weapons at the Harpers Ferry Arsenal, but when federal troops under the command of Robert E. Lee put down the uprising, a chain of events was set in motion that led to the outbreak of war.

The entire downtown area is now a National Historical Park, with sites such as John Brown’s Fort and the Civil War Museum filling your itinerary. The cozy Stonehouse Bed and Breakfast is the perfect base of operations for your weekend retreat, and the dinner fare at The Rabbit Hole is hard to beat.

Oak Hill

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is like no other attraction in the area. If you enjoy white water rafting, ziplining, hiking, camping, rock climbing, fishing, and off-roading, this is the destination for you. If it is fun and is done outdoors, New River Gorge in the southern portion of the state is a great place to do it.

An excellent choice to stay for your weekend getaway is the Adventures on the Gorge Resort, just a stone’s throw from New River Gorge Bridge. Be sure to sample the many delicious offerings at Heart of Gold Diner. After lunch, you may choose to rent a jeep and see the national park from an off-the-beaten trail.

Weston

For something completely different, make your way to Weston in the north-central part of the state. After a good night’s sleep at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Weston, find your way to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. This institution served mentally ill patients from 1864 until 1994, making it one of the longest continually operating facilities of its kind in the world. Construction began in the 1850s and was interrupted by the Civil War. Funding given to build the asylum by the federal government was confiscated and used as “start-up” money for the state of West Virginia when it broke with Virginia during the war.

Today, tours are extremely popular, as are the unnerving Ghost Tours and eerie Overnight Ghost Hunts. Book early.

Davis

Breathtaking Blackwater Falls State Park can be accessed via the quaint town of Davis. At 3,520 feet, it is the highest incorporated town in the state. Set up your base camp at Blackwater Falls Lodge or The Alpine Lodge before exploring the great adventure awaiting you in the picturesque State Park. While in town, visit the West Virginia Highlands Artisans Gallery.

When the weather is good, try golf at the Canaan Valley Resort, and when the weather turns cold, snow-ski at the Canaan Valley Ski Resort. Many visitors come from Washinton, DC, Baltimore, and even Pittsburgh to spend weekends at this alpine retreat.

Berkeley Springs

In the far northeast corner of the state, the small town of Berkeley Springs serves as the gateway to the Cacapon Resort and State Park. From the Cacapon Mountain Overlook, visitors can see scores of miles in every direction. The view alone is worth the weekend retreat to this idyllic place. The Coolfont Resort and the Cacapon Resort are equally cozy and inviting, so take your pick or try them both.

Then hike the nearby Paw-Paw Tunnel on the Potomac River or explore the untouched wilderness of the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is an excellent destination for seasoned hikers, campers, and families with children.

Lewisburg

This small-town getaway will please rugged cave explorers, geologists, and hikers. Near the small town of Lewisburg lies one of the state’s great natural wonders, the majestic Lost World Caverns. With over a mile of interconnected passageways that descend 120 feet below the surface, the intricate cave system will take some time to explore.

The beautiful Ice Cream Wall, shimmering Bridal Veil, and Snowy Chandelier are a few of the caves' more famous attractions. The historic General Lewis Inn is a great place to stay during your weekend retreat, and The Livery Tavern has never sent away a visitor hungry or unsatisfied.

White Sulphur Springs

One of the greatest relics of the Cold War can be found near White Sulphur Springs. Deep under the stately Greenbrier Resort is the Government Relocation Facility. In 1962, the year of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the height of the Cold War, the United States government began work on a top-secret complex to house government officials, including Congress. In the event of nuclear war, if Washington DC was destroyed, the government was meant to continue operating from this secret location.

Today, its existence is well known, and visitors can tour the facility. However, no cameras, electronic equipment, or cell phones are permitted, so you will need a sharp memory.

Clifftop

Picturesque Clifftop is the entryway to legendary Babcock State Park. After setting up at the historic Morris Harvey House Bed and Breakfast, you can go horseback riding at one of the area stables or hike the park. From late July to early August, all West Virginians gather for the Appalachian String Band Music Festival. Their website describes it as “a five-day mountaintop gathering of musicians and friends with contests, concerts, workshops, square dances, camping, and vendors."

Old-time Appalachian music is played to an audience of more than 3,000 music lovers of all ages. The festival attracts visitors and participants from all over the world, including all 50 states and more than 20 foreign countries.” That is one music festival not to miss.

Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia and has even been featured in movies and television because of its dramatic outlook. Charming and rustic Appalachian Cabins is a great base for the weekend as you explore North Fork Mountain Lookout Tower or Seneca Rocks Observation Deck. The views from these towers compare favorably with any in the world.

Once you have taken in the breadth of the area and are ready to dive deeply, there is an old, renovated barn in the Potomac Wildlife Management Area that is worth checking out, and Seneca Caverns will get you underground for a great day of caving.

Snowshoe

For wintertime activities, no better weekend can be had than at Snowshoe, in the heart of West Virginia ski country. The Snowshoe Mountain Resort is the best place to stay, although the nearby Corduroy Inn and Lodge is also a good pick. Hit the slopes of the Allegheny Mountain range with 257 acres of skiable terrain, 1,500 vertical feet, and 60 trails.

In the summer, the area boasts hiking, lake activities, off-road tours, a golf course, and even adventure dining. For those looking for an outdoor experience, check out Snowshoe Campground at the base of the mountain.

The small towns of West Virginia offer an endless variety of activities for a weekend retreat. Many of them build on existing strengths, such as gorgeous rivers and springs, dramatic mountains, colorful and refreshing music, and art festivals. Don’t forget about the rich history to be explored in this neck of the woods. Visitors come from Washington, DC, as far away as the West Coast, and even abroad to explore the small towns of West Virginia. Pack a weekend bag, hiking boots, and mandolin, and join them.