Central West Virginia

Travel Guide

Summersville which includes heritage elements
Central West Virginia
Central West Virginia
Central West Virginia showing a small town or village, mountains and tranquil scenes
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 South Mountain isn't home to many top sights, Raven Golf Club and Split Rock Pools are some notable places to visit nearby.

South Mountain
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Mountain Base

Though Mountain Base may 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

When in Slatyfork Farm, you can plan a visit to Soaring Eagle Express Ski Lift and Split Rock Pools, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Slatyfork Farm
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Hawthorne Valley

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

Hawthorne Valley
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Locust Glen

While Locust Glen may 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 refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €137 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
€137
29 Jul - 30 Jul
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Nice quaint hotel with a lot of history but lacking a few little things that would have made this a five. There were no amenities in the bathroom other than soap and shampoo. A couple of Q-tips might’ve been helpful. There was a coffee maker but no bottled water was provided and we had to buy water ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

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 €114 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
€114
22 Jul - 23 Jul
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,213 reviews)
"Rooms are clean staff is friendly. If you have a room on the road side it is noisy with all the trucks going by but that is not the hotels fault"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park
Quality Inn

Quality Inn

2.5 out of 5
1 Hospitality Dr, Ripley, WV
The price is €55 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
€55
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ripley. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
6.2/10 (624 reviews)
"Nice hotel, friendly staff, nicely renovated rooms."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Quality Inn
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.
Very private and secluded,  Cabin in the woods,  PET FRIENDLY

Very private and secluded, Cabin in the woods, PET FRIENDLY

Summersville
Stay at this cabin in Summersville. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (271 reviews)
Wonderful experience!
"Property was exactly as described.... Private and secluded! House was very clean, we enjoyed our stay very much. Property owners were very responsive to our inquiries and requests. Enjoyed it very much."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Very private and secluded, Cabin in the woods, PET FRIENDLY
River’s Edge Cabin- Perfect for Romance/Outdoor Adventures/Relaxation

River’s Edge Cabin- Perfect for Romance/Outdoor Adventures/Relaxation

Elkins
Stay at this cabin in Elkins. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Stuart Recreation Area and Gandy Dancer Theatre ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (141 reviews)
A PIECE of HEAVEN
"Beautiful original log home. Deck built out on Cheat River for gorgeous views and wildlife. Wonderful fire pit area. Definite location! The home is well equipped with many hospitalities. Awesome hot tub all of property direct views of the river. Fishing was fabulous too!"

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

River’s Edge Cabin- Perfect for Romance/Outdoor Adventures/Relaxation
Breathtaking Mountain View in Wild and Wonderful WV! Hot tub! Breathtaking views

Breathtaking Mountain View in Wild and Wonderful WV! Hot tub! Breathtaking views

French Creek
Stay at this cabin in French Creek. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions West Virginia State Wildlife Center and Fidler's ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (125 reviews)
Weekend Stay
"We had a great stay. The view is amazing and it is peaceful and quiet. Will be returning."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Breathtaking Mountain View in Wild and Wonderful WV! Hot tub! Breathtaking views
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.

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