West Virginia Regions
55 Counties of WV: A Complete Guide to West Virginia's Counties, History, and Attractions
West Virginia is a state filled with breathtaking mountains, historic communities, scenic rivers, and small towns that reflect the spirit of Appalachia. Whether you are planning a vacation, researching local history, or exploring the Mountain State, learning about the 55 counties of WV is an excellent place to start.
Each of West Virginia's 55 counties has its own identity, history, and attractions. From the outdoor adventures of Fayette County to the historic streets of Jefferson County, every region offers something unique.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore all 55 counties of WV, highlighting their history, natural beauty, county seats, and popular destinations.
Quick Info
- Total counties:
- 55
- Statehood:
- June 20, 1863 (35th state)
- Oldest county:
- Hampshire (1754)
- Newest county:
- Mingo (1895)
- Capital:
- Charleston (Kanawha County)
- Highest point:
- Spruce Knob, 4,861 ft
How Many Counties Are in West Virginia?
West Virginia has exactly 55 counties, spread across its mountainous landscape. When West Virginia separated from Virginia and became the 35th state on June 20, 1863, it had 50 counties. Five additional counties were subsequently established, with Mingo County becoming the state's 55th county in 1895.
The counties serve as important centers for local government, education, commerce, and tourism. Charleston, located in Kanawha County, is the state capital, while communities such as Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington, and Martinsburg serve as regional economic centers.
Complete List of the 55 Counties of WV
The following alphabetical guide covers every county in West Virginia, including its county seat and a brief overview of what makes it special.
1. Barbour County
County Seat: Philippi — Located in north-central West Virginia, Barbour County is famous for the Philippi Covered Bridge and the Battle of Philippi, an early Civil War engagement. Visitors enjoy historic landmarks, rural scenery, and outdoor recreation.
2. Berkeley County
County Seat: Martinsburg — Berkeley County is in the Eastern Panhandle and is known for its growing communities, historic downtown Martinsburg, and proximity to Washington, D.C. It offers Civil War history, shopping, and outdoor activities.
3. Boone County
County Seat: Madison — Boone County has deep roots in West Virginia's coal mining industry. Its forested mountains, small communities, and recreational trails provide opportunities to experience traditional Appalachian culture.
4. Braxton County
County Seat: Sutton — Located near the geographic center of West Virginia, Braxton County is famous for the Flatwoods Monster legend. Sutton Lake and Burnsville Lake attract visitors interested in fishing, boating, and camping.
5. Brooke County
County Seat: Wellsburg — Situated along the Ohio River in the Northern Panhandle, Brooke County features historic communities, riverfront scenery, and an industrial heritage connected to steel manufacturing.
6. Cabell County
County Seat: Huntington — Cabell County is home to Huntington, Marshall University, and the Huntington Museum of Art. Visitors can explore Ritter Park, local restaurants, and cultural attractions along the Ohio River.
7. Calhoun County
County Seat: Grantsville — Calhoun County is known for its rural landscape, agricultural heritage, and annual West Virginia Wood Festival. Its quiet communities offer an escape into the Mountain State countryside.
8. Clay County
County Seat: Clay — Clay County is recognized for its Appalachian traditions and outdoor recreation. The Elk River provides opportunities for fishing and paddling, while nearby forests attract nature enthusiasts.
9. Doddridge County
County Seat: West Union — Doddridge County features rolling hills, farmland, and historic communities. The North Bend Rail Trail passes through the county, offering scenic opportunities for hiking and cycling near North Bend State Park.
10. Fayette County
County Seat: Fayetteville — Fayette County is one of West Virginia's premier outdoor destinations. Home to the New River Gorge Bridge and much of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, it attracts visitors for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking.
11. Gilmer County
County Seat: Glenville — Gilmer County is home to Glenville State University and the West Virginia State Folk Festival. The county celebrates Appalachian music, traditional crafts, and its rural heritage.
12. Grant County
County Seat: Petersburg — Grant County is located in the Potomac Highlands and features beautiful mountain landscapes. Popular attractions include Smoke Hole Caverns and nearby outdoor recreation areas.
13. Greenbrier County
County Seat: Lewisburg — Greenbrier County is famous for The Greenbrier resort, historic Lewisburg, and the Greenbrier River Trail. Visitors enjoy luxury accommodations, scenic drives, and cultural attractions.
14. Hampshire County
County Seat: Romney — Hampshire County is West Virginia's oldest county, established in 1754. Its historic towns, mountain scenery, and access to the South Branch Potomac River make it appealing to history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
15. Hancock County
County Seat: New Cumberland — Hancock County is West Virginia's northernmost and smallest county by area. Located along the Ohio River, it is known for its pottery heritage and communities such as Chester and Weirton.
16. Hardy County
County Seat: Moorefield — Hardy County is known for its agricultural traditions, scenic valleys, and mountain landscapes. The South Branch Potomac River offers fishing, paddling, and sightseeing opportunities.
17. Harrison County
County Seat: Clarksburg — Harrison County includes Clarksburg and Bridgeport. It is known for its Italian-American heritage, historic downtown areas, and the annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival.
18. Jackson County
County Seat: Ripley — Jackson County is home to Ripley and Ravenswood. Visitors enjoy Cedar Lakes, local festivals, and recreational opportunities along the Ohio River.
19. Jefferson County
County Seat: Charles Town — Jefferson County features Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Civil War landmarks, and scenic views where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet.
20. Kanawha County
County Seat: Charleston — Kanawha County is home to Charleston, West Virginia's capital. Attractions include the State Capitol, West Virginia State Museum, Capitol Market, and Kanawha State Forest.
21. Lewis County
County Seat: Weston — Lewis County is best known for the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, a historic landmark offering tours. Stonewall Jackson Lake and Stonewall Resort State Park are other popular destinations for fishing and boating.
22. Lincoln County
County Seat: Hamlin — Lincoln County is a rural region with a strong agricultural and coal mining heritage. Its rolling hills, farms, and small communities reflect traditional Appalachian life.
23. Logan County
County Seat: Logan — Logan County is known for coal mining history and the Hatfield-McCoy Trails. ATV riding and mountain recreation have become important attractions for visitors, and if you stay overnight, get ideas from our hidden gems guide.
24. Marion County
County Seat: Fairmont — Marion County is associated with the origins of the pepperoni roll, West Virginia's beloved snack. Fairmont State University and Prickett's Fort State Park are notable attractions.
25. Marshall County
County Seat: Moundsville — Marshall County is home to the historic West Virginia Penitentiary and the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex. Both attractions offer fascinating insights into the region's history.
26. Mason County
County Seat: Point Pleasant — Mason County is famous for the Mothman legend and the Mothman Museum. Point Pleasant also features Tu-Endie-Wei State Park and the historic confluence of the Ohio and Kanawha rivers.
27. McDowell County
County Seat: Welch — McDowell County has a rich coal mining history and rugged Appalachian scenery. The area offers access to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails and historic coal communities.
28. Mercer County
County Seat: Princeton — Mercer County includes Princeton, Bluefield, and Bramwell. Visitors enjoy the Princeton Railroad Museum, scenic mountain drives, and Bramwell's historic millionaire-era homes.
29. Mineral County
County Seat: Keyser — Mineral County is situated along the Potomac River and is home to Potomac State College. Its scenic valleys, historic communities, and outdoor recreation make it a destination in the Eastern Panhandle region.
30. Mingo County
County Seat: Williamson — Mingo County is known for the Hatfield-McCoy feud and its coal mining heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts visit for ATV riding, mountain scenery, and historical attractions. See our ATV trails guide.
31. Monongalia County
County Seat: Morgantown — Monongalia County is home to West Virginia University. Morgantown offers college sports, restaurants, cultural attractions, and access to Coopers Rock State Forest.
32. Monroe County
County Seat: Union — Monroe County is known for its peaceful countryside, agricultural communities, and historic sites. The county offers scenic drives and outdoor activities in southeastern West Virginia.
33. Morgan County
County Seat: Berkeley Springs — Morgan County is famous for Berkeley Springs State Park and its historic mineral springs. Visitors enjoy spas, art galleries, and the nearby Cacapon Resort State Park.
34. Nicholas County
County Seat: Summersville — Nicholas County is home to Summersville Lake, one of West Virginia's most popular recreational destinations. Visitors enjoy boating, swimming, scuba diving, and rock climbing near Summersville.
35. Ohio County
County Seat: Wheeling — Ohio County includes historic Wheeling, a major center of West Virginia's early development. Attractions include Oglebay Park, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, and Capitol Theatre.
36. Pendleton County
County Seat: Franklin — Pendleton County is home to Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest point, and Seneca Rocks. Its mountain scenery makes it ideal for hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
37. Pleasants County
County Seat: St. Marys — Pleasants County is a small Ohio River county known for its quiet communities and riverfront scenery. Fishing, boating, and local historical attractions are popular activities.
38. Pocahontas County
County Seat: Marlinton — Pocahontas County is an outdoor paradise featuring Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, and the Green Bank Observatory. It is a favorite destination for skiing, hiking, and scenic train rides, with Marlinton as the county seat.
39. Preston County
County Seat: Kingwood — Preston County is known for its agricultural traditions, mountain scenery, and the annual Buckwheat Festival. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking, and rural communities.
40. Putnam County
County Seat: Winfield — Putnam County is located between Charleston and Huntington. Its growing communities, recreational parks, and convenient location make it an important residential and business region.
41. Raleigh County
County Seat: Beckley — Raleigh County is home to Beckley, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Tamarack Marketplace, and Grandview within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It serves as a gateway to southern West Virginia's outdoor adventures.
42. Randolph County
County Seat: Elkins — Randolph County is West Virginia's largest county by area. Visitors enjoy the Monongahela National Forest, historic Elkins, mountain rail excursions, and the annual Mountain State Forest Festival.
43. Ritchie County
County Seat: Harrisville — Ritchie County is known for its rural charm and outdoor recreation. North Bend State Park offers hiking, fishing, biking, and camping opportunities.
44. Roane County
County Seat: Spencer — Roane County features scenic farmland, small towns, and a strong agricultural heritage. Local fairs and festivals celebrate its Appalachian traditions.
45. Summers County
County Seat: Hinton — Summers County is home to Bluestone Lake, Bluestone State Park, and Pipestem Resort State Park. The county is popular for fishing, hiking, camping, and scenic river views near Hinton.
46. Taylor County
County Seat: Grafton — Taylor County is known for its connection to the origins of Mother's Day and the historic International Mother's Day Shrine. Tygart Lake State Park offers boating and outdoor recreation.
47. Tucker County
County Seat: Parsons — Tucker County is famous for Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, and the mountain towns of Davis and Thomas. Outdoor activities include skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
48. Tyler County
County Seat: Middlebourne — Tyler County is known for its rolling hills, agricultural traditions, and the annual Tyler County Fair. Its quiet countryside offers a glimpse into rural West Virginia.
49. Upshur County
County Seat: Buckhannon — Upshur County is home to West Virginia Wesleyan College and the West Virginia Strawberry Festival. Its historic downtown and nearby natural areas attract visitors throughout the year.
50. Wayne County
County Seat: Wayne — Wayne County borders Kentucky and Ohio and includes communities along the Ohio River. Beech Fork State Park is a popular destination for fishing, camping, and boating.
51. Webster County
County Seat: Webster Springs — Webster County is known for its mountain wilderness, fishing streams, and traditional Appalachian communities. The Holly River area offers beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation.
52. Wetzel County
County Seat: New Martinsville — Wetzel County is located along the Ohio River and is known for its industrial heritage, small towns, and outdoor recreation. Fishing and scenic drives are popular activities.
53. Wirt County
County Seat: Elizabeth — Wirt County is one of West Virginia's least populated counties. Its quiet countryside, farms, and historic communities offer a peaceful rural experience.
54. Wood County
County Seat: Parkersburg — Wood County is home to Parkersburg, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, and historic riverfront communities. The county has a rich industrial and transportation history.
55. Wyoming County
County Seat: Pineville — Wyoming County is known for its coal mining heritage and mountain landscapes. Twin Falls Resort State Park offers hiking, golf, camping, and beautiful natural scenery.
Interesting Facts About the 55 Counties of WV
The 55 counties of WV include several fascinating geographical and historical distinctions.
- •Oldest county: Hampshire County, established in 1754.
- •Newest county: Mingo County, established in 1895.
- •Largest county by area: Randolph County, approximately 1,040 square miles.
- •Smallest county by area: Hancock County, approximately 88 square miles.
- •State capital county: Kanawha County, home to Charleston.
- •Highest point: Spruce Knob in Pendleton County, at approximately 4,861 feet.
These distinctions demonstrate the diversity of West Virginia's geography and history.
Exploring the 55 Counties of WV
One of the best ways to experience West Virginia is by exploring different regions of the state. Each offers distinctive attractions and experiences.
Southern West Virginia is known for coal mining history, ATV trails, and outdoor adventure. The Eastern Panhandle features historic towns, Civil War sites, and mountain scenery. North-central West Virginia includes college towns, national forest, and cultural destinations, while the Northern Panhandle offers Ohio River history and industrial heritage.
For travelers, exploring the 55 counties of WV provides opportunities to discover hidden waterfalls, historic buildings, charming downtowns, mountain resorts, and recreational trails.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 55 Counties of WV
How many counties are in West Virginia?
West Virginia has 55 counties, each with its own county government and county seat.
What is the largest county in West Virginia?
Randolph County is the largest by geographical area, covering approximately 1,040 square miles.
What is the oldest county in West Virginia?
Hampshire County is the oldest, established in 1754 before West Virginia became a separate state.
What is the newest county in West Virginia?
Mingo County was established in 1895, making it the last county created in West Virginia.
Which West Virginia county is home to the state capital?
Kanawha County is home to Charleston, the capital of West Virginia.
Final Thoughts on the 55 Counties of WV
The 55 counties of WV represent the history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage that make West Virginia special. From the mountains of Pocahontas County to the historic communities of Jefferson County, each county contributes something unique to the Mountain State.
Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, scenic drives, historic landmarks, or small-town festivals, there are countless reasons to explore West Virginia. Learning about the 55 counties of WV is more than a geography lesson—it is an invitation to discover the people, places, and experiences that make West Virginia one of America's most distinctive states.
For more travel ideas, local attractions, and destination guides, explore Discover WV Today and start planning your next Mountain State adventure.
Sources for county names and historical facts: State of West Virginia — Local Government and West Virginia Encyclopedia — Counties.
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Discover WV Today is an independent travel and outdoor guide dedicated to helping visitors discover the best places, outdoor adventures, small towns, state parks, historic sites and hidden gems throughout West Virginia. Learn more about us →