Summersville Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Summersville featuring a small town or village, street scenes and heritage elements
The rugged and wild landscapes that surround this peaceful mining town are perfect for recreation activities. 

The small settlement of Summersville lies on the banks of Summersville Lake, West Virginia’s largest lake. Go swimming, fishing, boating and scuba diving on the scenic expanse of water, hike around the surrounding countryside and learn about the Civil War history associated with the region.

Summersville is a traditional mountain town in the heart of Appalachia. Like much of West Virginia, it relies heavily on the coal industry. In the process of extracting coal, mining companies have performed “mountaintop removals,” which involves blasting parts of the mountain peaks. As you travel outside the town, look for evidence of this mining process on the mountaintops.

Enjoy the area’s many outdoor opportunities. Head to the Summersville Dam for swimming in summer. The dam also marks the start of the upper Gauley River whitewater route. Enjoy the excitement of these explosive rapids, some of which are Class V. Lower Gauley River has a more manageable, scenic course that is suited to less experienced rafters.

Go hiking or boating in the Summersville Lake Retreat and stop at the lighthouse. In 2012, this 104-foot-tall (32-metre) tower was erected overlooking the lake. Climb the 122 steps to reach a viewing gallery, where you can gaze out at the lake and mountains. The panorama is particularly pretty in autumn when the foliage changes colour.

Delve into local history at the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, the site of an 1861 battle during which Union troops forced a Confederate retreat. Browse the exhibits at the Patterson Museum, open on weekends and holidays, to learn more about the history of the park site.

Sample fruit wine and corn-based spirits in a quiet rural winery settings. Other interesting activities within reach of Summersville include the Mystery Hole, a family-friendly roadside attraction with gravity-defying displays. 

The Mountain Transit Authority bus service operates routes between Summersville and Lewisburg, Webster Springs and several other destinations in the area. Rent a car for the freedom to explore all the great wilderness the region offers.

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Summersville
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Summersville
2.5 out of 5
1203 Broad St, Summersville, WV
The price is ฿3,050 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
฿3,050
per night
3 Jul - 4 Jul
Stay at this hotel in Summersville. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (469 reviews)
Excellent hotel and amenities
"Excellent hotel with clean spacious rooms, friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2024

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Summersville
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 ฿3,620 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
฿3,620
per night
9 Jul - 10 Jul
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Summersville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Cozy
"Very clean and comfy. No smoking or vaping in the building and the wifi is not great but overall the stay was pretty pleasant."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park
Sleep Inn Summersville
Sleep Inn Summersville
2.5 out of 5
701 Professional Park Dr, Summersville, WV
The price is ฿3,598 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
฿3,598
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Summersville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The original room we were in had an air conditioner that just was not cooling our room so my husband asked at front desk if something could be done & they moved us to another room and it was excellent!!! Front desk guy was great!!! Very happy. Room was clean & comfy beds!!"

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2024

Sleep Inn Summersville
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.
The Escape
The Escape
3 out of 5
399 Randolph Street East, Lewisburg, WV
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Lewisburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (344 reviews)
"Large comfortable main room and large bath. Excellent communication. Very clean. Excellent value. Very close to shops and all of downtown."

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2024

The Escape
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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