West Virginia's most charming mountain towns
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Loading... - Nicola Collins
- 01 Apr 2022
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West Virginia’s mountain towns are more than just launchpads for Appalachian adventures. From the charming towns of Fayetteville and Lewisburg to historic Harpers Ferry, the state’s favorite mountain communities (and small cities) are also amazing spots for immersing in arts and culture, studying local history, relaxing in nature, and digging into delicious local fare.
Best West Virginia towns for outdoor fun
Fayetteville
Adjacent to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Fayetteville is easy to love. The courthouse and its tidy square anchor the downtown area, which buzzes spring through fall with whitewater paddlers tackling the New and Gauley Rivers. Hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers use the town as a base camp year-round.
Sunlight filters through stained-glass windows at Cathedral Cafe, setting a pretty scene for coffee and pastries. Handle Bar & Kitchen is the sudsy heart of Arrowhead Bike Farm, where mountain bikers converge for group rides, rentals, camping, burritos, and beer near the stacked-loop Arrowhead Trails. Pop into Water Stone Outdoors to upgrade your outdoor gear. Adventures on the Gorge and ACE Adventure Resort are full-service adventure centers that guide rafting and outdoor trips and offer camping, cabins, and dining.
Davis & Thomas
Sitting side-by-side in Tucker County in the Highlands, Davis and Thomas are twin beacons for fun. New businesses are revitalizing these former mining towns, where mountain bikers gather post-ride. Trails hurtle past waterfalls and natural features in Blackwater Falls State Park while the 8-mile Plantation Trail unfurls across Canaan Mountain in Monongahela National Forest.
And hikers? Those in the know explore the windswept terrain of the remote Dolly Sods Wilderness atop the Allegheny Plateau. Trails also meander through the boggy Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Hikers and bikers alike kick back with hearty burritos from Hellbender Burritos and craft beers at Stumptown Ales in Davis. In Thomas, Mountain State Brewing serves generous flights while mocha lattes and fresh pastries warm up crowds at Tip Top Coffee – which serves cocktails too. Overnight options include the Purple Fiddle hostel, the revamped Billy Motel. Visitors can also take advantage of West Virginia’s nearby state park accommodations, too; Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park both offer lodge rooms, cabins, and camping.
Hinton
Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains at the confluence of three rivers, Hinton is a low-key basecamp for family-friendly adventures. A former railroad hub, downtown Hinton today is a bastion of small-town friendliness. Red-brick streets, colorful murals, the 1929 Ritz Theatre, and the Market on Courthouse Square, known for its sandwiches and pizzas, are the highlights of the 16-block Historic District. The southern gateway to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Hinton is eight scenic miles from the park’s pretty Sandstone Falls.
Pipestem Resort State Park lies a mere 20 minutes south of Hinton. Here, inflatable trampolines bounce kids into the water at the Adventure Lake & Splash Park while ziplines hurtle riders through the adjacent forest. And rumors of ax throwing? They’re true. Just head to the Adventure Zone. The park also arranges whitewater rafting trips. For calmer float trips, explore the 2040-acre lake at Bluestone State Park, located in between Hinton and Pipestem, which offers kayaks, canoes, and boats for rent. Both parks have campgrounds and cabins, or stay at one of the lodges at Pipestem, which over looks Bluestone Gorge.
Best West Virginia towns for food
Charleston
Anchored by the state capitol building and its striking gold leaf dome, Charleston is an epicenter of politics, art, and cuisine tucked beside the Kanawha River in the foothills of the Appalachians. Perennial dining favorites in the Capitol Street area include Black Sheep Burritos, home of the tasty Flock of Tacos, and Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream, where scoops of Espresso Oreo bring families downtown year-round. Capitol Market is an indoor-outdoor market selling locally made and sourced products – an excellent pitstop for souvenirs!
In South Hills, innovative spins on Appalachian fare warms crowds at Chef Paul Smith’s 1010 Bridge, showcasing local and seasonal ingredients. Artisan pies at Lola’s Pizza also embrace locally sourced ingredients, from the bread to the greens to the sausage.
Morgantown
Students and alumni belt out John Denver’s Country Roads after football games at West Virginia University in Morgantown, a city infused with Mountaineer spirit. Students swarm downtown on weekends during the school year while hikers and sightseers arrive after exploring Coopers Rock State Forest and other state parks in warmer months.
Downtown, the multi-use Caperton Trail runs along the Monongahela River (“the Mon”), linking a slew of top-notch restaurants with riverfront patios in the Wharf District. One of these patios belongs to Table9, a gastropub serving comfort food elevated by fresh local ingredients. Another belongs to Flour and Feed, which features a menu of all-American staples with a twist. Beyond downtown, sushi, steaks, and cocktails collide for a delicious night out at Bartini Prime at the Suncrest Towne Centre. Read More…
