Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in West Virginia

Some of my favorite travel memories are when I stumble into a tiny little town where it feels like I’ve been transported back through time. West Virginia has plenty of them, but few can compare to Davis. This small historic town in West Virginia was once leading the league in timber, but has since become a favorite for folks who crave those charming mountain towns West Virginia does so well. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy Mother Nature’s playground, Davis is the place to be. 

The History Behind This Small Historic Town in West Virginia

Davis is a charming little mountain town in West Virginia in the heart of Tucker County that sits at an elevation of 3,520 feet—the highest incorporated town in the state! Like many historic towns in West Virginia, the railroad played a large role in the town’s success. The railroad arrived in Davis in 1884, and the town was officially incorporated in 1889. Davis was one of the earliest timber towns in West Virginia, which helped it grow exponentially over the next 30 years. By 1900, Davis had grown to a population of 2,391 with 80 businesses.

Like many towns, once the trees had been cut and the beaver, mink, and muskrat populations had been trapped to near extinction, Davis’ population numbers dwindled. The last factory closed down by 1950. By 1960, fewer than 1,000 residents remained.

Today, about 600 residents call this small historic town in West Virginia home. Visitors and locals have turned their attention to another natural resource: outdoor adventures. Davis has become a premier destination for outdoor recreation, ranging from mountain biking to cross-country skiing and everything in between.

Best Things to Do in This Historic Gem

Davis is the best place to visit for a nature lover. This historic town in West Virginia is centrally located to endless outdoor adventures, including the Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area, Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Fairfax Stone State Park, and plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails and scenic overlooks to take you to new heights. 

For those who love a good view, you can’t pass up the Lindy Point Overlook. This short and sweet hike takes you to an observation deck on the cliff’s edge that gives you a mesmerizing view of Blackwater Canyon. 

A visit to Davis isn’t complete without exploring Blackwater Falls State Park. Tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains, the crown jewel of this West Virginia state park is the 57-foot Blackwater Falls, known for the fallen hemlock and red spruce needles that give the waterfall its iconic color. If aquatic adventures are calling your name, you can rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards from the boathouse at Pendleton Lake (open Memorial Day to Labor Day). 

If chasing waterfalls is on your bucket list, Davis is the perfect town in West Virginia to use as a home base. Of course, we touched on Blackwater Falls, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Douglas Falls, Big Run Falls, and Albert Falls are just a few of the waterfalls near Davis that are worthy of a side quest. You might even be inspired to check out Blackwater Outdoor Adventure to tackle some wild whitewater rafting!

Davis is a small historic town in West Virginia that offers four seasons and endless activities. Share this article with someone you want to visit Davis with, and then try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.