The 10 Most Beautiful Cities in West Virginia
Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, Huntington offers a vibrant blend of cultural and natural beauty just about 35 miles southwest of Charleston. The city’s Pullman Square is a lively downtown district where visitors can enjoy charming shops, eateries, and frequent live music events. For nature lovers, Ritter Park stands out with its well-maintained walking trails and blooming flower gardens, providing a peaceful oasis for a morning stroll or an afternoon picnic. Huntington’s position along the river also lends itself to scenic kayaking or paddleboarding, especially during the warm summer months when the water sparkles under the sun.
Venturing to the eastern part of the state, Shepherdstown sits approximately 15 minutes northwest of Martinsburg and radiates historic charm. Its compact downtown is lined with brick sidewalks and centuries-old buildings, hosting an array of artisan shops, cafes, and bookshops. Visitors can explore the nearby C&O Canal National Historical Park, which offers gentle biking and walking trails along the Potomac River. Autumn is particularly enchanting here when the surrounding Appalachian foothills burst into vibrant reds and golds, making for a perfect backdrop to the town’s colonial architecture.
In the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, the small town of Davis lies about an hour southeast of Morgantown. This gateway to adventure boasts the nearby Blackwater Falls State Park, famous for its striking 62-foot waterfall cascading over dark sandstone. Hiking the 1.4-mile Falls Loop Trail rewards visitors with breathtaking views and frequent sightings of native wildlife such as deer and colorful songbirds. Winter brings a magical cover of snow, transforming the falls and surrounding evergreens into a serene, almost otherworldly landscape for photographers and snowshoers alike.
Charleston, the state capital located on the Kanawha River, combines urban sophistication with Appalachian spirit. Its Capitol Market downtown offers a cornucopia of West Virginia’s freshest produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts, perfect for sampling local flavors. Nearby, the Haddad Riverfront Park provides walking paths and event spaces where festivals and concerts enliven the warmer months. The city’s unique blend of historic Art Deco architecture and scenic river views sets it apart, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom along the Kanawha Boulevard.
Just north of Charleston, the town of Fayetteville sits about an hour south of Beckley and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It serves as the jumping-off point for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, home to the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Adventurers flock here to hike the popular Endless Wall Trail, a moderate 2.4-mile loop offering sweeping cliffside views of the gorge below. Spring and fall are prime times to witness the gorge’s rugged beauty without the intense summer heat, and the annual Bridge Day festival draws thrill-seekers for BASE jumping and rappelling.
In the northern panhandle, Wheeling stands on the Ohio River just 45 miles north of Pittsburgh, offering a window into West Virginia’s industrial past alongside Victorian charm. The historic Centre Market district is rich with antique shops and eateries, while the nearby Oglebay Resort features over 1,700 acres of gardens, trails, and a zoo. The Good Zoo inside Oglebay, with its diverse animal collection, is a favorite for families. Summer evenings here are especially pleasant, perfect for wandering the resort’s carillon gardens or enjoying an outdoor concert.
Heading to the southeastern corner, Lewisburg is about 30 miles east of Beckley and known for its vibrant arts scene and well-preserved historic downtown. The Greenbrier River Trail begins near Lewisburg and stretches over 70 miles, inviting visitors to bike or hike through lush forests, alongside rivers, and past charming small towns. The trail’s moderate terrain makes it accessible to most ages and fitness levels. Fall’s crisp air and colorful foliage enhance the experience, turning the drive to Lewisburg into a prelude of scenic splendor.
In the northern part of the state, Morgantown lies along the Monongahela River roughly 75 miles northeast of Charleston and buzzes with youthful energy thanks to West Virginia University. The Deckers Creek Trail offers an excellent outdoor escape with 19 miles of soft-surface paths for hiking and biking, winding through wooded valleys and alongside bubbling streams. Morgantown’s historic Wharf District combines riverfront dining and nightlife with quaint shops, creating a dynamic urban-rural mix. Late spring and early summer deliver the best weather here, with long, sunny days ideal for exploring.
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the town of Elkins is about 50 miles southeast of Morgantown and serves as a gateway to the Monongahela National Forest. Nearby, the Elkins Depot Welcome Center and Train Museum highlights the town’s railroad heritage, while the surrounding area offers numerous hiking trails like the Bear Heaven Trail, a moderate 4-mile loop rich with wildflowers and panoramic views. Fall is a spectacular time to visit as the hillsides blaze with color, offering stunning vistas from the trailtop.
Finally, nestled along the banks of the Greenbrier River, Ronceverte lies approximately 20 miles south of Lewisburg. This small town charms with its easygoing riverfront and historic district full of well-preserved Victorian homes. Visitors can explore the Greenbrier River Trail here as well, enjoying the gentle, scenic ride or hike that showcases the tranquil beauty of southeastern West Virginia’s woodlands and waterways. The peacefulness of Ronceverte is especially pronounced in late spring when wildflowers bloom profusely along the trail, inviting quiet reflection amid nature’s splendor.