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West Virginia is world-famous for rugged, natural beauty — which includes dense forests, waterfalls, and rolling hills — but it also has a stacked roster of some of the most charming small towns in the Appalachian Mountains.
“What makes West Virginia small towns great, and really West Virginia as a whole, is that there are so many hidden gems over the next horizon or down the next holler,” says Chef Matt Welsch, owner and executive chef of Vagabond Kitchen. To find them, though, you’ll need to take the country roads, the same ones John Denver references in his timeless tune — you know the one. “The best destinations are not always the easiest to get to, but they are always worth the trip,” adds Doug Perks, a historian at Jefferson County Museum in Charles Town.
While Welsch likens narrowing down the list of best small towns in West Virginia to “going to a family potluck and trying to pick your favorites,” we were, with the help of several local experts, able to pinpoint our top 10. Read on to see which destinations made the cut.
Capon Bridge
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“Capon Bridge is a favorite because of its people and beautiful scenery. When traveling [there], I immediately felt embraced by the community. They are so passionate about their town and history,” says Emily Sokolosky, co-owner of Base Camp Printing Co. The Cacapon River passes right through town, where you’ll find a variety of locally owned businesses and interesting ways to pass your time. Start with the Capon Bridge Museum to learn more about the destination’s history, stretch your legs on The Green Bridge, and pick up some West Virginia-made souvenirs at Bent River Trading Company. And to experience what Sokolosky calls the “best burger you will ever eat,” place a lunch order at Farmer’s Daughter.
Wheeling
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Wheeling is located within the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, and as Chef Welsch notes, it’s relatively easy to get to, as Interstate 70 crosses through the downtown area. “With a multi-million-dollar street beautification project and scads of local investment, Wheeling has never looked better,” he says. “And she’s rediscovering who she is. Music, food, culture, history — Wheeling is brimming with it all.” When you’re in town, make sure to see a show at the Capitol Theatre, walk across the Suspension Bridge, and stop in Vagabond Kitchen for what Welsch calls “high-end Appalachian comfort food.”
Moundsville
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Just about 11 miles from Wheeling sits Moundsville, a place where Chef Welsch says “there’s some great local food to be had” and several must-see sights. He shares that the old West Virginia State Penitentiary and the Grave Creek Mound (after which the town is named) are important stops and “two completely different faces representing our complex history upon these banks of the Ohio River.” In classic West Virginia form, you’ll also find a variety of outdoor activities in the area. “Stop just out of town to visit Grand Vue Park. There’s a ton of fun to be had there, it’s beautiful, and I’ve been hanging about those trails since I was a wee one. Immerse yourself in the gentle rolling hills, go for a swim, whack some golf balls — you’ll have a blast,” he says.
Lewisburg
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According to ERay Haynie, adventure operations director at ACE Adventure Resort, travelers should make the time to visit Lewisburg, a city with a population of just over 3,800. “It’s another town known for an incredible independent restaurant scene, and the historic downtown is full of boutiques and antique shops to explore,” he says. In August, it plays host to the State Fair of West Virginia, dubbed “West Virginia’s Fried Food Capitol.” And if you’re hoping to quench your thirst while in the area? You’re in luck. “You’ll also find yourself close to Maxwelton, which is the home of both Smooth Ambler Spirits and Greenbrier Valley Brewing. Hawk Knob Cidery is nearby, as well,” says Chef Welsch.
Harpers Ferry
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You may be familiar with Harpers Ferry from history class; Perks notes it was the “site of John Brown’s failed attempt in 1859 to free enslaved men and women.” Today, it’s home to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which, he says “preserves a 19th century industrial town.” The park covers over 3,500 acres across West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia, and it happens to be one of the best places to see fall foliage in the state. The town of Harpers Ferry is also pretty photogenic — it’s positioned where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers come together, and you’ll find museums, tours, and heritage sites to keep you busy.
Buckhannon
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“Buckhannon holds a high place in my book,” says Haynie, who describes the town as a place that “prides itself on its community.” When plotting out things to do in the area, consider biking the paved walkway along the Buckhannon River, taking a kayak out on the water, or breathing in the mountain air while traversing local hiking paths. Or head further out of town and explore the West Virginia Wildlife Center and Audra State Park. Buckhannon is also home to West Virginia Wesleyan College, and the annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival, which Haynie says is “worth the stop to see its offerings.”
Richwood
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“The people [in Richwood] are revitalizing their small town into a Main Street full of unique small businesses. The first time I visited… a local gave me a hand-drawn map to a gorgeous swimming hole,” says Sokolosky. Billed as a gateway to the Monongahela National Forest, the small town is also the perfect base camp for all kinds of outdoor adventures. There are more than 150 miles of streams and rivers within a 25-mile radius of Richwood, so travelers who want to swim, fish, or paddle won’t be left wanting. Those who prefer to adventure on land can instead take to the 16-mile Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail that begins in town.
Thomas and Davis
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Chef Welsch has nothing but good things to say about the “twin towns” of Thomas and Davis. “I’m so proud of how these little mountain communities have grown up and become sustainable destinations while retaining what makes them unique. There’s amazing art, fantastic food, great suds, and breathtaking views,” he says. “It doesn’t matter what season it is, these towns are vibrant with life and good times.” The Purple Fiddle in Thomas is particularly notable; the intimate live music venue brings in all manner of acts — from Afroman to The Avett Brothers. The great outdoors isn’t very far away, either; Blackwater Falls State Park and Fairfax Stone State Park are both a quick drive from Thomas and Davis.“Do yourself this one favor: Get out of your car and walk as much as possible,” Welsch suggests.
Fayetteville
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“Fayetteville will always be a top favorite town of mine. It’s my hometown and I couldn’t be more proud of it,” says Haynie, who calls it the “heart of the outdoor recreation world.” This description stems from the fact that Fayetteville is located on the rim of the New River Gorge, making it the closest town to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. You’ll want to fuel up before and after hiking, climbing, or whitewater rafting (an absolute must) in the park, and Fayetteville has quite a few restaurants — including the Secret Sandwich Society and Wanderlust Creativefoods — that may call your name.
Charles Town
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Given the fact that Charles Town is just about an hour away from the D.C. metro area, it’s one of the more recognizable names on this list. “Perhaps the biggest draw in town is Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races,” says Perks, but slot machines and poker games are far from the only things to do in this part of the Eastern Panhandle. There’s also the Old Opera House Theatre Company, hiking trails at Cool Spring Preserve, and a number of shops to browse in the Downtown Charles Town Historic District.