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

Default Image

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 Snowshoe Mountain.

South Mountain
Default Image

Mountain Base

Though Mountain Base might 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

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 Snowshoe Mountain.

Slatyfork Farm
Default Image

Hawthorne Valley

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

Hawthorne Valley
Default Image

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
The price is ¥22,745 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
¥22,745
¥26,473 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
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! (1,014 reviews)
"This is a spectacular hotel. Room is spacious. Shower delightful. Bed and mattress comfortable."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 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 ¥14,867 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥14,867
¥16,799 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
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 Sep 25, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park
Stonewall Resort

Stonewall Resort

3.5 out of 5
940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, WV
The price is ¥22,311 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥22,311
¥28,159 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
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! (810 reviews)
"The property was really clean and the staff was fantastic"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Stonewall 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.
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 Aug 18, 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 Sep 16, 2025

Hillside Hideaway in Marietta, OH: 4 beds, 2 baths, stunning views!
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 Sep 7, 2025

Campfire Retreat with outdoor hot tub under the stars and WiFi
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