Thomas
Perched above the Blackwater Canyon, Thomas packs galleries, a restored opera house and the Purple Fiddle music venue into a few walkable blocks.
Thomas guide →
Small Towns
Best Small Towns in West Virginia
West Virginia's small towns are where the state's personality lives — independent bookshops, farm-to-table diners, river outfitters and Main Streets framed by mountains.
The best way to experience West Virginia is to slow down in its small towns. Many were built by railroads and coal companies, then reinvented themselves around art, food and outdoor recreation. You will find towns of a few hundred people with a world-class restaurant and towns of a few thousand with a live music venue that draws bands from across the country.
These are our favorites, grouped by what they do best. Pair a couple of towns with a nearby state park or trail system and you have the recipe for a great weekend.
Artsy mountain towns
Former coal and timber towns that traded industry for galleries, craft breweries and music venues.
Davis
The basecamp for Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley and Timberline, with outfitters, coffee shops and a ski-town energy all year.
Davis guide →Lewisburg
A gracious 18th-century town of brick storefronts, independent restaurants, a Carnegie Hall and the nearby Greenbrier resort.
Lewisburg guide →River & gorge towns
Fayetteville
The gateway to New River Gorge rafting, with a lively Main Street of gear shops and cafes.
Guide →Hinton
A Victorian railroad town on the New River, handy for Sandstone Falls and Bluestone Lake.
Guide →Marlinton
The seat of Pocahontas County and the hub of the Greenbrier River Trail.
Guide →Summersville
The lakeside jumping-off point for Gauley River rafting and Summersville Lake.
Guide →Historic river & panhandle towns
Harpers Ferry
A hillside national park town where two rivers and three states meet.
Guide →Berkeley Springs
A colonial spa town with warm springs, a state-run bathhouse and an arty Main Street.
Wheeling
A Victorian river city with a preserved centre, Oglebay Park and the state's birthplace.
Guide →Point Pleasant
At the confluence of two rivers, home of the Mothman Museum and a riverfront mural trail.
Guide →Huntington
A larger river city with museums, a revitalized downtown and riverside parks.
Guide →Elkins
A railroad town at the edge of the Monongahela National Forest with a lively arts scene.
Guide →How to enjoy a West Virginia small town
- 01Park once and walk Main Street. Most of the best shops, cafes and galleries sit within three or four blocks.
- 02Ask a local where to eat. The best meals in small-town West Virginia are often in spots with no website.
- 03Time your visit around a festival — they transform these towns and are the best window into local culture.
- 04Use the town as a basecamp. Nearly every one sits within 30 minutes of a trailhead, river or state park.
Small towns to put on your list
Small towns FAQ
What is the most charming small town in West Virginia?
Lewisburg and Thomas are the consensus favorites — one for refined historic charm, the other for a scrappy arts and music scene in the mountains.
Are small towns good bases for outdoor trips?
Absolutely. Davis, Fayetteville, Marlinton and Summersville sit minutes from major trails, rivers and state parks, and offer better food and lodging than camping alone.
Do I need a car to visit these towns?
Yes. Public transit between small towns is very limited, so a car is essential. Many are within two to four hours of each other by mountain roads.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring through fall is ideal. Summer brings festivals and warm evenings; early October pairs small-town wandering with peak foliage.
About
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 →