Let's take a peek at this enchanting and small West Virginia town (population 232), to discover some exciting things to do in Hillsboro, West Virginia. A great reward about West Virginia still being underestimated as a place of tourism is that we Mountaineers can still escape to unspoiled little places right here at home without being overrun by tourists. One of our favorite, tiny little towns in the Mountain State is located in Pocahontas County and it certainly has a LOT to see and do. Discover some hidden goodness you may not have known was here.
1. Droop Mountain
Every West Virginian or visitor should visit the first state park in the Mountain State. Not only was it the site of West Virginia’s last significant Civil War battle, it also involves another lesser-known piece of history. While serving in the WV House of Delegates, a former private in the Union Army during the Civil War (John D. Sutton) was instrumental in getting the state to create a park commemorating the battle. Droop Mountain State Park opened in 1928 in Hillsboro, WV.
2. The Birthplace of Pearl S. Buck
We take exceptional pride in the Mountain State in being the place where legendary writer Pearl S. Buck was born. The old homestead is now a museum and more than worth the drive all the way to Hillsboro just to take a tour. The house and museum are open for tours seasonally from May through November, Thursday through Saturday. During the remainder of the year, the house is easily visible from the road.
3. The Levels Depot
This one-year-old Hillsboro, West Virginia, convenience store offers groceries and gas. But that's not why we're here. Breakfasts and lunches are served with love out of the Depot Cafe in the back, receiving big ratings, especially for the biscuits and gravy in the mornings. The innovative chef creates soups, salads, wraps, and other fresh foods with organic, gluten-free, and locally sourced ingredients.
4. Gesundheit Institute
Although not an official touristy-type spot, the renowned Gesundheit Institute in Hillsboro, West Virginia, is an official Patch Adams location that was a former communal home for holistic wellness from 1971 to 1983. Today, the facility hosts people who are interested in learning and volunteering with the Patch Adams organization. Learn more on the company's website, and find it on a map.
5. Locust Creek Covered Bridge
No trip to Hillsboro, WV, would be complete without driving 10 minutes to the south to walk across the only remaining historic covered bridge in Pocahontas County. The original bridge here was built in 1870 for a cost of $1,250. The bridge on this site today is the third covered bridge built at this crossing. It was completed in 1901 and, surprisingly, was open to vehicular traffic through 1990 when the state finally bypassed the bridge with a new concrete crossing nearby. Find it at this spot on a Google map.
6. Little Mountain Retreat
The charming three-bedroom, two-bath Little Mountain Retreat is a custom-log home that was completed in 2008 sleeps six and is near everything. You'll love the mountain views from the living room.
As you can see, there are many fun things to do in Hillsboro, West Virginia, which you can discover more about on the town's Facebook page. It is filled with understated beauty, history, and so much to see and do that you'll be amazed you haven't discovered it sooner!
If you are looking for more, most people don’t know these 10 super tiny towns in West Virginia exist.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!