The Most Beautiful Town in West Virginia: Discovering the Gem of Natural Splendor

Voting rules: Choose the town you think is the most beautiful!

Jun 16, 2023 10:17 (Updated on Dec 4, 2023 05:56)

Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinions truly matter! We are thrilled to present the ultimate ranking of "What is the most beautiful town in West Virginia?" — a question that has intrigued locals and tourists alike. With breathtaking landscapes, charming architecture, and rich history, West Virginia is a treasure trove of picturesque towns, but which one deserves the crown? As you embark on this visual journey through the Mountain State's enchanting locales, don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite or suggest a hidden gem that we may have missed. Every voice counts, so join the conversation and let's celebrate the scenic beauty of West Virginia's captivating towns together!

What Is the Most Beautiful Town in West Virginia?

1

42
votes
Mark Fickett · CC BY 3.0

Harpers Ferry

This historic town is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. It played a significant role in the Civil War and is now a National Historical Park.
Description

Harpers Ferry is a historic town located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in West Virginia. It is renowned for its picturesque beauty, charming architecture, and significant historical importance. Set amidst the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Harpers Ferry offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over.

Location: West Virginia, USA

Confluence: Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers

Historical Significance: Played a crucial role in the American Civil War

National Historical Park: Managed by the National Park Service

Architecture: Features well-preserved 19th-century buildings
2

30
votes
Lewisburg

Named "America's coolest small town" by Budget Travel, Lewisburg is known for its charming downtown area, vibrant arts scene, and historic architecture.
Description

Lewisburg is a picturesque town located in the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia. Nestled in the scenic Allegheny Mountains, it is renowned for its charm and natural beauty. With its tree-lined streets and well-preserved historic buildings, Lewisburg offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation.

Population: Approximately 3,860 residents

Historic District: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975

Downtown: Vibrant and walkable, featuring unique boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants

Carnegie Hall: Historic performing arts venue hosting various concerts and events

The Greenbrier: Luxury resort and hotel attracting visitors from around the world
3

27
votes
Shepherdstown

This picturesque town is home to Shepherd University and features a vibrant arts and culture scene, historic landmarks, and beautiful natural scenery.
Description

Shepherdstown is a picturesque town located in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Situated along the banks of the Potomac River, it exudes charm and beauty with its historic buildings, tree-lined streets, and scenic views. The town's rich history, vibrant arts scene, and friendly community contribute to its allure.

Population: Approximately 1,700

Year Founded: 1762

Historic Significance: Shepherdstown played a key role during the American Civil War and is home to several preserved historic landmarks.

Arts and Culture: The town is renowned for its thriving arts and theater scene, hosting numerous cultural events and festivals.

Natural Beauty: Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside, Shepherdstown offers stunning views and a serene environment.
4

5
votes
Fayetteville

Fayetteville is located in the heart of the New River Gorge and is a hub for outdoor recreation, including whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking. It also features a charming downtown area with unique shops and restaurants.
Description

Fayetteville is a picturesque town located in West Virginia, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Nestled in the heart of the New River Gorge, Fayetteville offers breathtaking views, charming small-town vibes, and a rich history. It is often regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in West Virginia, attracting nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and tourists alike.

Outdoor Recreation: Fayetteville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like rock climbing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and mountain biking. The New River Gorge National River is a popular destination for outdoor adventures.

Bridge Day: Fayetteville is home to Bridge Day, an annual festival held on the New River Gorge Bridge. It features the world's largest single-span arch bridge and attracts thousands of people who watch or participate in extreme sports such as rappelling and BASE jumping.

Historical Charm: Fayetteville has preserved its historical charm and features several well-preserved historic buildings. The town's architecture reflects its rich coal mining heritage, with structures dating back to the early 1900s.

Gauley River: The Gauley River, located near Fayetteville, is renowned for its challenging whitewater rapids. It offers thrilling rafting experiences and attracts enthusiasts from around the world.

Beautiful Scenery: Surrounded by lush forests, scenic mountains, and the New River Gorge, Fayetteville boasts breathtaking natural beauty. The area is particularly captivating during spring and fall when the vibrant colors of the foliage come alive.
5

17
votes

G. Edward Johnson · CC BY 4.0

Berkeley Springs

This spa town is renowned for its hot springs and has been a popular destination for relaxation and healing for centuries. It also features a charming downtown area with unique shops and restaurants.
6

9
votes
Weston

This historic town is home to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, a massive and imposing building that now offers tours and paranormal investigations. Weston also features a charming downtown area and beautiful natural scenery.
Description

Weston is a charming town located in Lewis County, West Virginia. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and rolling hills, it offers a quaint and serene atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. With its rich history, friendly community, and various attractions, Weston captures the essence of small-town charm.

Population: 4,110

County: Lewis

State: West Virginia

Year Established: 1818

Location: 39.0385° N, 80.4675° W
7

12
votes
Thomas

This former coal town has transformed into a thriving arts community, known for its galleries, live music, and festivals. It is also situated in the stunning Canaan Valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Description

Thomas is a charming town located in Tucker County, West Virginia. Nestled within the Allegheny Mountains, it is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The town is known for its vibrant arts scene, friendly community, and preserved historic buildings.

Population: Approximately 600 residents

Art Galleries: There are several art galleries showcasing local and regional artists' work.

Music Scene: Thomas has a vibrant music scene with live performances and music festivals.

Outdoor Recreation: The town is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

Historic Buildings: Thomas boasts beautifully preserved historic buildings that offer a glimpse into its rich past.
8

10
votes
Marlinton

Located in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, Marlinton is a hub for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and hunting. It also features a charming downtown area with unique shops and restaurants.
Description

Marlinton is a picturesque town located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Surrounded by lush green mountains, it offers breathtaking views of the natural landscape that make it a magnet for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. The town showcases a unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm, making it one of the most beautiful destinations in West Virginia.

Location: Pocahontas County, West Virginia

Scenic Views: Breathtaking views of mountains and natural landscapes

Natural Beauty: Lush green surroundings and picturesque landscapes

Historical Charm: Preserved architecture and historic sites

Outdoor Activities: Opportunities for hiking, fishing, and biking
9

7
votes
Buckhannon

This historic town is home to West Virginia Wesleyan College and features a charming downtown area with unique shops and restaurants. It is also situated near the beautiful Buckhannon River and several state parks.
Description

Buckhannon is a charming town nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, known for its natural beauty and historic charm. Its picturesque setting and welcoming community make it a popular destination for both residents and visitors alike. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and the tranquil waters of the Buckhannon River, offering stunning views and endless outdoor recreational opportunities. With its well-preserved historic downtown, filled with charming shops, vibrant restaurants, and beautiful Victorian-style architecture, Buckhannon exudes a timeless appeal. The friendly locals and vibrant arts scene add to the town's unique character and make it a place worth exploring.

Location: West Virginia, United States

County: Upshur

Founded: 1815

Population: approx. 5,600

Size: Approximately 2.96 square miles (7.67 square kilometers)
10

7
votes
Elkins

This vibrant town is the gateway to the Monongahela National Forest and features a thriving arts and culture scene, historic landmarks, and beautiful natural scenery. It is also home to the popular Mountain State Forest Festival.
Description

Elkins is a charming town nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. With its picturesque landscapes and rich history, Elkins captivates visitors with its natural beauty and small-town charm. The town is known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and warm community spirit.

Location: West Virginia, United States

Population: Approximately 7,000

Elevation: 2,021 feet (616 meters) above sea level

Scenic Railroad: Home of the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad

Tourism: Popular tourist destination in the Mountain State

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful town

Natural beauty

Consider the surrounding landscapes, such as mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests, that contribute to the town's overall attractiveness.
Historical and architectural significance

Look at the presence of well-preserved, interesting, and visually appealing historic sites or architectural landmarks in the town.
Urban design and layout

Evaluate the planning and design of public spaces, parks, gardens, and streetscapes, which contribute to the town's visual and functional quality.
Cleanliness and maintenance

Assess the town's cleanliness and how well the public spaces, buildings, and infrastructure are maintained.
Vibrancy and cultural resources

Consider the availability and presence of arts, cultural, and recreational opportunities such as galleries, museums, performance venues, festivals, and events that add richness to the town's quality of life.
Walkability and accessibility

Evaluate how easy it is to navigate the town by foot, bike, or public transportation and how accessible the amenities are to residents and visitors.
Safety and security

Take into consideration the crime rates and overall safety of the town.
Community engagement and pride

Consider the level of community involvement, social activities, and pride among residents in the town.
Amenities and services

Evaluate the availability and quality of essential services such as healthcare, education, shopping, and dining options in the town.
Scenic views and picturesque settings

Identify particularly striking or memorable views that can be found within or near the town that contribute to its overall beauty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful town in West Virginia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or town is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1366 views
166 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each town once every 24 hours. The rank of each town is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful town in west virginia

West Virginia is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and charming small towns. With so many picturesque places to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the most beautiful town in the state. However, through our extensive polling data and research, we have discovered some top contenders for this title. From the historic town of Harpers Ferry, where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, to the quaint streets of Lewisburg, there are many stunning towns to explore in West Virginia. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat, the most beautiful town in West Virginia is sure to capture your heart.