West Virginia's 8 Most Underrated Towns To Visit In 2024
The wild and wonderful state of West Virginia is the only state located entirely within the Appalachian Mountains. Nestled in the "Mountain State" are several underrated towns for outdoor adventures, eclectic art, and unique cultural events. From the artistic community in Davis to the historic charm of Fayetteville, each town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and small-town hospitality. Whether looking for a peaceful getaway in Marlinton, world-class live music in Thomas, or quirky adventures in Sutton, these are West Virginia's eight most underrated towns to visit in 2024.
Thomas
Tucked away in the Allegheny Highlands with a population of 609, Thomas is a hidden gem known for its vibrant arts scene and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town is home to numerous galleries and studios, including Nellie Rose Textiles and Invisible, an artist-run gallery in the quaint downtown. The area also boasts incredible music venues, such as the Purple Fiddle, where live music takes place every weekend. The music venue overlooks the Blackwater Canyon Trail along the North Fork Blackwater River. In 2024, the town will host the inaugural Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival from May 31 through June 2. The event will celebrate the region's natural beauty and fly-fishing heritage.
For more outdoor adventures, Thomas is located near the Blackwater Sled Run in Blackwater Falls State Park. To get to the sled run in the winter, visitors can take the Magic Carpet ride, the longest conveyor belt ride on the east coast. The town also offers five miles of trails, a fishing dock, and a boat launch at Thomas City Park.
Fayetteville
Nestled in the stunning landscape of the New River Gorge is Fayetteville, an underrated town steeped in history. With its roots in the Civil War, the town's courthouse square was the site of the first indirect fire used in a Civil War battle. More history is etched into the Fayetteville Historic District, which includes 75 buildings and homes, such as the historic Fayette Theater. Built in 1933 as a movie theater, the performing arts theater showcases local and regional performances throughout the year.
Beyond the town's history, Fayetteville is one of the best places to explore natural beauty and outdoor activities. Situated along the New River Gorge, Fayetteville is a popular base for exploring the surrounding New River Gorge National Park. Visitors can go whitewater rafting in the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, as well as hike or bike along several trails in the park. For scenic views, discover the hidden waterfalls in the park, such as Wolf Creek Falls or the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. At 3,030 feet, the bridge is one of the tallest bridges in America.
Davis
Davis is located near the border of Maryland along the Blackwater River, a haven for both outdoor lovers and artists. With a population of 660, Davis is one of the most underrated towns to visit in West Virginia for outdoor adventures; Davis is a gateway to Blackwater Falls State Park, home to the stunning Blackwater Falls and 20 miles of hiking trails. During the winter, cold-weather enthusiasts can ski, snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe at Canaan Valley Resort State Park. More winter sports can be discovered at the Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia, situated in the charming downtown.
The town is also known for its eclectic art community, including the West Virginia Highlands Artisans Group, featuring works from local artists and artisans. Davis also hosts two annual art festivals throughout the year. In 2024, visitors can enjoy the ArtSpring Festival from May 24-26. In the fall, art enthusiasts gather in Davis and throughout the county for ARTober Fest, which will take place October 4-6, 2024.
Marlinton
Surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest, Marlinton is a wild and wonderful mountain town in West Virginia. This underrated town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts since National Forest visitors can fish, hike, and mountain bike on more than 920,000 acres. Nature lovers can also explore trails along the Greenbrier River, which runs through the picturesque town. The 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, a former railroad line, is now one of the longest trails of its kind in West Virginia.
The charming town also offers history buffs several historic sites and museums to explore. Situated in Pocahontas County, visitors to the town can learn more about the region's history at the Pocahontas County Historical Society, which is open from spring through fall. Travelers can also enjoy a performance at the historic Pocahontas County Opera House. Built in 1910, the Opera House showcases live performances throughout the year, as well as the Charlie Chaplin Silent Film Night on March 30, 2024. For a unique event, visit Marlinton on September 28, 2024, when the town hosts the Autumn Harvest Festival and Roadkill Cook-off, featuring crafts, games, and the region's unique cuisine.
Ripley
One of the most underrated towns in West Virginia to visit in 2024 is Ripley, known for its large Independence Day celebration, community events, and historic architecture. The quaint town is home to the Clerc-Carson House, an Italianate building from 1880 that is on the National Register of Historic Places. More history can be discovered while strolling along the Staats Mill Covered Bridge. Built in 1887, the 97-foot restored bridge is located in a Cedar Lakes park that offers fishing and hiking trails. Nature lovers can also stroll along the banks of Mill Creek along the Mill Creek Water Trail.
Ripley is also renowned for its vibrant community events, particularly the town's 4th of July celebration. Known as "America's Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration," Ripley hosts events for several days during the 4th of July holiday, including live music, a firecracker race, and a bicycle parade. Stay for the annual Mountain State Art & Craft Fair in Ripley, which will take place July 4-7, 2024. The town also hosts the annual Ripley On Sale on the Courthouse Lawn. On May 24 and 25, 2024, visitors can enjoy foods and crafts from over 100 local vendors.
Elkins
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Elkins is known for its rich cultural heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the town's historic downtown, which features Victorian-era architecture, art galleries, and the renowned American Mountain Theater. For history buffs and railroad enthusiasts, a stop at the West Virginia Railroad Museum is a must. Situated along railroad tracks, the museum showcases the importance the railroad played in the town's development. Visitors can also take a scenic train ride along the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad on historic train cards. The excursions leave from downtown Elkins, near the Allegheny Highlands Trail. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or bike along the trail, built in 1884 as part of the West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh Railway route.
More outdoor adventures await at the Stuart Recreation Area, a forested area along the Shavers Fork River. The area is a great place to fish for trout, hike along trails, and view Blackwater Falls. The natural beauty of the region is celebrated each year during the Mountain State Forest Festival. One of the oldest and longest festivals in West Virginia, nature lovers can enjoy lumberjack competitions, forestry exhibits, arts and crafts, and parades from September 28 through October 6, 2024.
Summersville
Situated near Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia, Summersville is a haven for outdoor adventures. Nature enthusiasts can swim, boat, or fish in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Nearby is Summersville Lake State Park, which boasts rock climbing, hiking and biking trails, and fishing; just be sure to purchase a West Virginia fishing license ahead of time. For an exciting outdoor adventure, visitors can whitewater raft in the Gauley River, which boasts Class V+ rapids.
Beyond its incredible outdoor activities, Summersville is also home to Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. Situated along the Gauley River Canyon, the battlefield played an important role in the Civil War, leading to the Confederate Army's eventual withdrawal from the state. The town celebrates its history and unique heritage at several yearly festivals and events. In August, the town will celebrate the annual Mountain Mama Hospice Regatta, when sailboats compete in a race in Summersville Lake. On September 6 and 7, 2024, visitors can enjoy the 54th annual Nicholas County Potato Festival when the town celebrates its potato heritage.
Sutton
Situated along the Elk River in the heart of West Virginia, Sutton offers a blend of natural beauty, unique heritage, and outdoor activities. The town boasts the historic Sutton Dam, a picturesque spot for hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. Visitors can also kayak along the stunning Elk River Water Trail throughout the year or enjoy the 10th annual Elk River Summer Float in July. Nearby is Sutton Lake, where outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking.
In town, Sutton features its unique cultural heritage at several museums and annual events. For those seeking an unusual experience, visit Sutton during the annual West Virginia Bigfoot Festival, June 27-29, 2024. The event began after the opening of the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum in the quaint downtown. More folk-lore adventures await on Main Street in the Flatwoods Monster Museum. The museum showcases memorabilia and shares the history of the 10-foot Flatwoods Monster, which was seen in the 1950s in the neighboring town of Flatwoods.
The Mountain State's Hidden Gems
These charming towns offer underrated adventures along historic streets, eclectic art scenes, and breathtaking outdoor activities. From taking a scenic train ride in Elkins to boating on the state's largest lake in Summersville or strolling along a historic covered bridge in Ripley, each of these West Virginia towns offers the perfect getaway. Whether seeking adventure in the great outdoors, immersing oneself in local culture and history, or simply finding solace in the beauty of nature, visitors to these towns will experience a taste of authentic Appalachian life.
