Central West Virginia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Summersville featuring heritage elements
Central West Virginia
Central West Virginia
Central West Virginia which includes mountains, a small town or village and tranquil scenes
Central West Virginia showing a small town or village and tranquil scenes

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

Default Image

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
Default Image

Mountain Base

Though Mountain Base may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Raven Golf Club and Soaring Eagle Express Ski Lift.

Mountain Base
Default Image

Slatyfork Farm

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

Slatyfork Farm
Default Image

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 Snowshoe Mountain.

Hawthorne Valley
Default Image

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
The price is AU$271 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$271
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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! (1,009 reviews)
"It would be nice for them to offer free coffee in the morning as many historic properties do. Perhaps at the bar instead of the scan & go option"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

The Blennerhassett Hotel
Stonewall Resort

Stonewall Resort

3.5 out of 5
940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, WV
The price is AU$288 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$288
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Roanoke. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (809 reviews)
"The property was really clean and the staff was fantastic"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

Stonewall Resort
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$189 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
AU$189
30 Sept - 1 Oct
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! (1,287 reviews)
"No issues and pleased so far"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park
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.
Campfire Retreat with outdoor hot tub under the stars and WiFi

Campfire Retreat with outdoor hot tub under the stars and WiFi

French Creek
Stay at this vacation home in French Creek. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction West Virginia State Wildlife Center is located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (133 reviews)
"Very cute and relaxing little cabin. The hot tub was a hit. We will definitely come back."

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2025

Campfire Retreat with outdoor hot tub under the stars and WiFi
Private creek cabin with hot tub nestled in the foothills of Cheat mountain

Private creek cabin with hot tub nestled in the foothills of Cheat mountain

Huttonsville
Stay at this cabin in Huttonsville. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
"We have stayed in many VRBO homes and this place was exceptional from the cleanliness to the atmosphere! Our fur babies loved playing in the creek! We loved the fire pits and the hot tub! This home is in a world of its own! No noise from the world just a peaceful, relaxing vacation!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Private creek cabin with hot tub nestled in the foothills of Cheat mountain
Hillside Hideaway in Marietta, OH:  4 beds, 2 baths, stunning views!

Hillside Hideaway in Marietta, OH: 4 beds, 2 baths, stunning views!

2 out of 5
Marietta
Stay at this cabin in Marietta. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Legacy Library and Kremer Ampitheatre are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Incredibly cool property, 100% staying again!"

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Hillside Hideaway in Marietta, OH: 4 beds, 2 baths, stunning 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central West Virginia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia