Central West Virginia

Travel Guide

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

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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 6,000 Steps Nature Trail.

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 6,000 Steps Nature Trail and Soaring Eagle Express Ski Lift.

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 6,000 Steps Nature Trail and Snowshoe Mountain.

Slatyfork Farm
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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
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Hawthorne Valley

While Hawthorne Valley isn't home to many top sights, 6,000 Steps Nature Trail and Snowshoe Mountain are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hawthorne Valley
Stonewall Resort
Stonewall Resort
3.5 out of 5
940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, WV
The price is CA $187 per night from Apr. 28 to Apr. 29
CA $187
CA $236 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
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! (707 reviews)
"Beautiful resort!"

Reviewed on Apr. 13, 2025

Stonewall Resort
La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park
La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park
2.5 out of 5
106 Merchants Walk Shopping, Summersville, WV
The price is CA $144 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $144
CA $162 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Summersville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,165 reviews)
"Beds were comfortable. Good breakfast."

Reviewed on Apr. 22, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park
The Blennerhassett Hotel
The Blennerhassett Hotel
3.5 out of 5
320 Market Street, Parkersburg, WV
The price is CA $198 per night from May 5 to May 6
CA $198
CA $231 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on Apr. 13, 2025

The Blennerhassett 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.
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, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (266 reviews)
Quiet secluded cabin in the woods
"Had a great time at the cabin. It had everything we needed for our stay. The cabin was very quiet and comfortable. We hiked all day in the beautiful New River Gorge, Hawksnest State Park, and Babcock State Park. Saw hundreds of waterfalls after all the rain. The hot tub was just what we needed after ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 10, 2025

Very private and secluded, Cabin in the woods, PET FRIENDLY
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! (113 reviews)
The most beautiful view!
"Gorgeous view of WV mountains! Great hot tub, game and dvd selection! Everything you need in and more in the kitchen! Don’t be alarmed by the natural gas smell. We were unfamiliar with how natural gas smelled when we first arrived, but Dustin was prompt to explain. Wonderful stay if you want to disconnect ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 6, 2025

Breathtaking Mountain View in Wild and Wonderful WV! Hot tub! Breathtaking views
Mountain Lodge
Mountain Lodge
4 out of 5
75 Mountain Ldg Ln, Snowshoe, WV
Stay at this 4-star ski condo in Snowshoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and a free area shuttle. Popular attractions Snowshoe Mountain and 6,000 Steps Nature ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Everything was well taken care. Staff was super nice. Our view was amazing and look forward to staying again soon."

Reviewed on Jan. 18, 2025

Mountain Lodge
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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