Marlinton Is The Out Of The Way Town In West Virginia You Need To Spend More Time In

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. Read on to discover several things to do in Marlinton, West Virginia.

Welcome to Marlinton in Pocahontas County.

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.

It's not the only thing that runs through the 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.

Explore the Greenbrier River Trail on an 80-mile bike ride from Caldwell to Case Trailhead in this video from Pinay Outdoor. Learn interesting facts about the trail along the way:

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.

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!

Note: Unfortunately the CJ Richardson Hardware Store has closed.

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.

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.

Would you like to try some samples of the Road Kill Cook-off in Marlinton, West Virginia? Follow along in this video as The Traveling Underwood tries everything at the 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Learn a little more about Watoga State Park in Marlinton WV in this video from On the Road in West Virginia:

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! What are some of your favorite things to do in Marlinton, West Virginia?