Summersville

Travel Guide

Summersville featuring heritage architecture, military items and a memorial
Summersville
Summersville which includes heritage elements
Summersville featuring a small town or village and a garden
Photo by J Lilly

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-meter) 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 color.

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.

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 P5,396 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
P5,396
P6,098 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,203 reviews)
"Clean room that was renovated..very comfortable bed .. very quiet"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park
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 P4,692 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
P4,692
P5,386 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (619 reviews)
"Close to the SUMMERSVILLE Retreat campsite."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Summersville
Sleep Inn Summersville
Sleep Inn Summersville
2.5 out of 5
701 Professional Park Dr, Summersville, WV
The price is P4,941 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P4,941
P5,584 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"We have stayed here many times and are always well satisfied with the room and the staff"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

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.
RELAX INN Wv
RELAX INN Wv
2.5 out of 5
635 Jefferson St N, Lewisburg, WV
Stay at this aparthotel in Lewisburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lewisburg Elks Country Club and Lost World ...
5.8/10 (55 reviews)
"If you need a roof over your head for a few days this is perfect for you. The staff was friendly, the area was quiet. The bedding was clean, the water was hot, and there were no bugs. There is a bit of a funky smell but nothing a bit of fabreeze couldn't tackle."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

RELAX INN Wv
The Escape
The Escape
3 out of 5
399 Randolph Street East, Lewisburg, WV
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Lewisburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Greenbrier Valley Theatre and Lewisburg ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (400 reviews)
Middle trip stay
"They sent a text with the codes and I was fine with that. I’ve stayed there before. The rooms are spacious and the bathrooms are clean and good sized. I love the location since I can walk anywhere and feel Lewisburg is safe."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

The Escape
Opossum Creek Retreat
Opossum Creek Retreat
3 out of 5
239 Opossum Creek Retreat Rd, Victor, WV
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Victor. Enjoy free parking, 9 hot tubs, and a garden. Popular attractions New River Gorge Bridge and New & Gauley River Adventures ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Very clean and accommodating"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Opossum Creek Retreat
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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