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When you step foot in West Virginia, it is easy to see what John Denver was crooning about in his hit song, 鈥淭ake Me Home, Country Roads.鈥� With its impressive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the flowing Shenandoah River, the aptly named Mountain State is characterized by its stunning natural wonders and friendly small towns. When you want to get a sense of what West Virginia is all about, plan a trip to one of the following quintessential towns, and you just might find yourself humming along with Mr. Denver鈥檚 famous tune.

Elkins

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of West Virginia is by rail, and the small town of Elkins is just the place to hop on board. Affectionately known as the gateway to the Monongahela National Forest, Elkins is home to the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad. A trip on these steam-driven locomotives will give you a unique look at some of the more remote regions of the West Virginia forests as you view areas inaccessible by cars. When you are ready to explore Elkins by foot, hike the scenic Otter Creek Trail, which follows the path of an abandoned railroad and features a long suspended footbridge. For local fun year-round, stop by the Augusta Heritage Center, which hosts regular community programs and workshops. Blues Week, in July, for example, features daily workshops, concerts, and dances, all centered on soulful blues music.

Harpers Ferry

Where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, you will find Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. With almost 4,000 acres of stunning parks, including Civil War-era battlefields, Harpers Ferry attracts nature lovers and history buffs alike. No trip to the town is complete without a visit to John Brown鈥檚 Fort, which was built in 1848 as a guard and fire engine house and used as a prison during the Civil War. To learn more about John Brown and the role Harpers Ferry played in American history, take the Guided Harpers Ferry Tour, which spans two and a half hours and gives you tells the story of the town鈥檚 natural history and geography. Don鈥檛 forget to stop by the Harpers Ferry Park Association Bookshop on Shenandoah Street to pick up a souvenir history book to take home with you.

Hinton

While Hinton got its start in the 1870s as a railroad town, today, visitors flock to it when they want to immerse themselves in nature. Hinton is home to Sandstone Falls, an impressive waterfall that spans the New River, creating several islands accessible by a boardwalk and short bridges. Whether you want to work on your fishing skills or challenge yourself on a hiking trail, Hinton has it all. Do you want to feel like you are stepping back in time? Stop by the Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House Museum. As the oldest residence in the town, the home is on the National Register of Historic Places and depicts the railroad history that helped Hinton thrive in the 19th century. For an even closer look at the role the railroad played in Hinton鈥檚 history, visit the Hinton Railroad Museum, which features historic memorabilia like tools used during the 1800s, railroad workers鈥� uniforms, and photos from the past.

Lewisburg

Known for its vibrant art scene, Lewisburg combines small-town charm with year-round events that attract visitors from across West Virginia. Who needs Broadway when you can take in a local production at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre? It hosts operas, musicals, holiday performances, and everything in between. In Lewisburg, nature makes its own art as well, which you can see for yourself with a visit to the Lost 麻豆AV Caverns. 120 feet below the Earth鈥檚 surface, you can explore stalagmites and stalactites in this natural wonder that stays at 52 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Do you have a sweet tooth? Plan a visit to the town in mid-April for the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival, which features street performers, live music, and delicious chocolate tastings.

Davis

If you love the great outdoors, Davis can be found along the Blackwater River, and it is an ideal spot for whitewater kayaking. However, land lovers are also drawn to the town because numerous hiking and mountain biking trails surround it. No matter what type of exploring you plan to do, you cannot go wrong with a visit to Canaan Valley Resort State Park. In the winter, hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing. In the summer, perfect your golf swing or practice your aim with clay shooting. If you want to bask in the beauty of nature in a more laid-back setting, visit Blackwater Falls State Park, which features a 57-foot cascading waterfall and 20 miles of hiking trails. After a long day outside, complete your trip to Davis by stopping by Stumptown Ales, a local brewery specializing in IPAs.

Berkeley Springs

Known as America鈥檚 first spa town, Berkeley Springs is perfect for anyone searching for more relaxation in their lives. Visit Berkeley Spring State Park to sit in the natural mineral spring water, which stays at a comfortable 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit all year. For a unique experience, try a Roman Bath at the Main Bathhouse, and add a massage or 20-minute sauna package to complete your relaxing experience. To continue your low-key day in Berkeley Springs, head to Cacapon River Outfitters, where you can float on a tube down a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of the Cacapon River while you soak in the sun. In October, attend the town鈥檚 annual Apple Butter Festival to feast on tasty baked goods, explore craft booths, and watch the Apple Butter Parade.

Buckhannon

Though it is home to West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon is not just for students. Audra State Park is a hidden gem in the town, with picturesque walking trails and 65 campsites with bathhouses, coin laundry, and picnic areas for long-term stays. You can also swim in the Middle Fork River in the park between April and October when you want to cool down. The town is perhaps best known for hosting The West Virginia Strawberry Festival, which brings in over 60,000 visitors each year. In addition to delicious strawberry treats, the festival has carnival rides, parades, and live entertainment. Do you fancy yourself a collector? Stop by the Buckhannon Antique Mall to search for your next great treasure. It is home to a collection of coins, postcards, glassware, and more.

Shepherdstown

As the oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown pre-dates the Revolutionary War, having been founded in 1762. To learn more about the town over the centuries, visit the Historic Shepherdstown Museum in the Entler Hotel. There, you can see Civil War artifacts, a mail wagon from 1905, and a room that is allegedly home to the hotel鈥檚 resident ghost. To experience a blend of the past with current updates, see a show at the Shepherdstown Opera House. Open since 1910, the theater hosts a variety of popular modern shows. Stop by O鈥橦urley鈥檚 General Store, where you can shop for everything from pocket watches to musical instruments in a charming business straight out of yesteryear.

Plan Your Next Adventure in West Virginia鈥檚 Iconic Small Towns

From stunning mountain peaks to cascading waterfalls, West Virginia is full of small towns that appeal to every traveler. Whether you want to plan a ski trip in Davis, ride a train in Elkins, or take a historical tour in Harpers Ferry, there is no shortage of places to explore in the Mountain State. Whether skiing in Davis, riding the rails in Elkins, or uncovering history in Harpers Ferry, these small towns offer endless reasons to visit West Virginia.