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 P6,680 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P6,680
P7,549 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (1,245 reviews)
"Our room was great but parking lot is in bad shape, and handicap parking, only 2 spaces"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,770 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
P4,770
P5,476 total
Aug 12 - Aug 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! (640 reviews)
"The rooms where very clean and you could tell they keep up with them. Short drive to a Walmart and several dining options. DQ in the parking lot and a Burger king right across the street. Staff was very friendly and helpful.."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Summersville
Super 8 by Wyndham Summersville/New River National Park

Super 8 by Wyndham Summersville/New River National Park

2 out of 5
306 Merchants Walk, Summersville, WV
The price is P4,827 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
P4,827
P5,455 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
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 helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Comfy bed. Great for a short stay."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Summersville/New River National Park
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 WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Greenbrier Valley Theatre and Lewisburg ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (406 reviews)
Very nice
"The only downside to this stay was the inaccurate information given on my hotels.com reservation regarding calling the property 24 hours in advance to receive the access codes for entry. The host actually sends you a text on the day of your arrival with that information. The hotel has no parking, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

The Escape
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 (57 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
Washington Street Quarters

Washington Street Quarters

3 out of 5
1146 Washington St East, Lewisburg, WV
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Lewisburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Greenbrier Valley Theatre and Lewisburg Historic ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"Amazing place. I did not expect much from the photo of the outside of the house but was just amazed at how huge my room was and how lovely!!! Super clean, great bed, living room and bedroom! This is a hidden jewel of a stay!"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Washington Street Quarters
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

Things to do