Central West Virginia, WV

Travel Guide

Summersville showing heritage elements
Summersville which includes a small town or village, street scenes and heritage elements
Central West Virginia which includes a small town or village, tranquil scenes and mountains
Central West Virginia which includes railway items, tranquil scenes and mountains
Central West Virginia featuring tranquil scenes and a small town or village
This rural area of West Virginia is known for its serene lakes, historic Civil War sites and independent boutique shops.

Also known as the “Mountain Lakes,” Central West Virginia is a peaceful oasis dotted with quaint towns and blessed with beautiful natural scenery. The region thrives on tourism to its lakeside resorts, as well as agriculture and wineries. Watch river otters in their natural habitat, go swimming on warm summer days and discover the historic battlegrounds of the Civil War.

Central West Virginia’s five lakes are Stonewall Jackson, Stonecoal, Summersville, Sutton and Burnsville. Each one promises a variety of watersports ranging from snorkeling and waterskiing to swimming. Visit Summersville Lake for its rock-climbing ledges and lighthouse tours. Try a unique form of exercise, aqua cycling, at Stonewall Jackson Lake, which was named for American Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.

See where General Stonewall Jackson lived from the age of 6 at Jackson’s Mill, which is located in Weston, 30 minutes’ drive northwest of Stonecoal Lake. While in Weston, take a tour of Lambert’s Winery and sample some of their wines. Delve into the wonderful world of glass making with a visit to the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia. Call ahead to see if a glass-blowing demonstration is being held at Appalachian Glass, a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Muster up the courage to listen to ghost stories at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, which served as a home for the mentally ill in the 1800s. Take a flashlight tour of the empty rooms late at night.

Discover more about local military history at the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, located near the city of Summersville, where reenactment events are often held. In the small town of Burnsville, visit the Bulltown Historic Center to learn about local living conditions during the war.

Time your visit to the Mountain Lakes to attend regional events. In spring, head to Buckhannon for the Strawberry Festival, be in Ripley in summer for the Mountain State Arts & Craft Fair and sip locally produced beer in December at Snowshoe’s Winter Brew Fest.

The rural nature of the region means that renting a car is a necessity. Roads are wide, well maintained and generally easy to navigate. Plan to carry cash with you as some smaller stores and cafés won’t take debit or credit cards.

Explore a region rich in history and natural scenery during your trip to Central West Virginia.

Where to stay in Central West Virginia

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South Mountain

While there might not be top attractions in South Mountain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Raven Golf Club and Split Rock Pools.

South Mountain
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Mountain Base

Though Mountain Base might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Split Rock Pools and Raven Golf Club.

Mountain Base
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Slatyfork Farm

While Slatyfork Farm might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ball Hooter Ski Lift and Split Rock Pools.

Slatyfork Farm
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Hawthorne Valley

While Hawthorne Valley isn't home to many top sights, Raven Golf Club and Split Rock Pools are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hawthorne Valley
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Locust Glen

While Locust Glen might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Pocahontas County Historical Society Museum and Mount Airy Gallery of Fine Arts.

Locust Glen
The Blennerhassett Hotel

The Blennerhassett Hotel

3.5 out of 5
320 Market Street, Parkersburg, WV
Fully refundable
The price is NT$4,651 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
NT$4,651
NT$5,414 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star historic hotel in Parkersburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
The Blennerhassett Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park

La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park

3 out of 5
106 Merchants Walk Shopping, Summersville, WV
The price is NT$3,017 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
NT$3,017
NT$3,409 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Summersville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park
The Lafayette A grand Riverboat Era Hotel

The Lafayette A grand Riverboat Era Hotel

3 out of 5
101 Front St, Marietta, OH
The price is NT$3,439 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$3,439
NT$3,895 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Marietta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
The Lafayette A grand Riverboat Era Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Brushcreek Falls RV Resort

Brushcreek Falls RV Resort

3 out of 5
5127 Eads Mill Rd, Princeton, WV
Stay at this 3-star golf cabin in Princeton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Brushcreek Falls RV Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central West Virginia