Summersville Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Summersville featuring heritage architecture, a memorial and military items
Summersville
Summersville featuring heritage elements
Summersville which includes a garden and a small town or village
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 ₹10,170 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹10,170
₹11,492 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Summersville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,221 reviews)
"Rooms are clean staff is friendly. If you have a room on the road side it is noisy with all the trucks going by but that is not the hotels fault"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville / New River National Park
Quality Inn

Quality Inn

2.5 out of 5
903 Industrial Drive North, Summersville, WV
The price is ₹9,438 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹9,438
₹10,665 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Summersville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Very nice area to spend a vacation"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Quality Inn
Sleep Inn Summersville

Sleep Inn Summersville

2.5 out of 5
701 Professional Park Dr, Summersville, WV
The price is ₹9,053 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹9,053
₹10,230 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,005 reviews)
2 day stay for Bigfoot festival in Sutton.
"Hotel was in a good location, rooms were clean, and front desk staff were friendly."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lewisburg Elks Country Club and Lost World ...
5.8/10 (56 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 30 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Greenbrier Valley Theatre and Lewisburg ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (403 reviews)
big room very clean
"very nice and clean, comfortable bed, nice bath. not a problem for us but no elevator to 2nd floor, window blind was broken. TV pixated a lot on some channels lol"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

The Escape
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Greenbrier Valley Theatre and Lewisburg Historic ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
Nice but cold
"Big space, elegantly if sparsely appointed, with a pleasant back patio all to myself. Main problem was AC was blowing very cold and couldn't be adjusted since, presumably, it's kept at one temperature for the entire house and there's no thermostat for one's room per se."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 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.

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