The Mountain State is home to many wonderful small towns filled with fun and interesting things to see and do. These include a hidden Swiss village, a hot springs town where George Washington bathed, and a tiny town filled with beautiful Victorian homes, to name a few. But that’s not the extent of the must-visit small towns in West Virginia. The following tiny town of just over 1,000 residents is brimming with things to do, places to eat, and exciting places to visit.

Welcome to Marlinton in Pocohontas County.

Facebook/Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau

The area was first settled all the way back in 1759, no doubt for the scenic vistas that surround Marlinton as well as for the lazy Greenbrier River that now runs through the middle of town.

Google Maps

It’s not the only thing that runs through town; the Greenbrier River Trail begins in Marlinton and attracts many bikers eager to pedal the 78-mile path that follows the river nearly all the way to Cass.

Facebook/Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau

If history is your thing, you’ll love the architecture in Marlinton. The stunning old buildings have just the right amount of wear to signal the kind of people you’ll meet inside. Make a special effort to stop into CJ Richardson Hardware.

Facebook/CJ Richardson INC

This old-fashioned hardware store could be called a general store… they have just about anything you’ll need for the home. And if they don’t have it, then they’ll order it. Sounds just like the good ol’ days!

Facebook/CJ Richardson INC

It may not have a performance the day you arrive to explore Marlinton, but the Pocahontas County Opera House is a sight to behold. Built in 1910, the three-story concrete building was restored more than 20 years ago and hosts more than a dozen performances each year.

Facebook/Pocahontas County Opera House

If there’s one thing the folks in Marlinton know, it’s how to relax and enjoy life. Each October, the town hosts thousands of visitors for the annual Fall Festival which features the famous Road Kill Cook-off.

Facebook/West Virginia Roadkill Cook-Off and Autumn Harvest Festival

Roadkill Cook-off aside… If you explore Marlinton any other time of the year (especially during the festival), there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, including Alfredo’s Italian & Greek.

Google Maps/Alfredo’s Italian & Greek

Your taste buds can’t go wrong when they can choose from delicious pasta, pizza, gyros, and salads of both the Greek and Italian variety!

Google Maps/Gena S

Over by the bridge and located right on the river is the Greenbrier Grill and Lodge.

Google Maps/Tracy De Henau

Traditional American fare is the specialty here - in addition to outdoor seating on the back porch facing the Greenbrier River.

Google Maps/Emily Steele

No visit to Marlinton would be complete without popping a few miles south of town to take a peek at Watoga State Park.

Google Maps/Ashley Lenox

From hiking trails, to cabins and a lodge, a public swimming pool, and numerous other ways to reconnect with nature, this state park is ideal for a day, a weekend, or longer.

Google Maps/Hanibal Mahdi

Located all the way over on the far right side of the state, the tiny town of Marlinton may be a bit out of the way for most, be it’s worth the effort to get there! Have you ever visited? We’d love to know!

Facebook/Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Google Maps

Facebook/CJ Richardson INC

Facebook/Pocahontas County Opera House

Facebook/West Virginia Roadkill Cook-Off and Autumn Harvest Festival

Google Maps/Alfredo’s Italian & Greek

Google Maps/Gena S

Google Maps/Tracy De Henau

Google Maps/Emily Steele

Google Maps/Ashley Lenox

Google Maps/Hanibal Mahdi

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Address: Marlinton, WV, USA