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.
Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook
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 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.
Greenbrier River Trail, Marlinton, WV, USA
Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook


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.
CJ Richardson INC/Facebook
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!
CJ Richardson INC/Facebook
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.
Pocahontas County Opera House, 818 3rd Ave, Marlinton, WV 24954, USA
Pocahontas County Opera House/Facebook

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If there's one thing the folks in Marlinton know, it's how to relax and enjoy life.
Roadkill Cook-Off, 200 8th St, Marlinton, WV 24954, USA
West Virginia Roadkill Cook-Off and Autumn Harvest Festival/Facebook
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.
Alfredo's Italian & Greek/Google Reviews
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!
Gena S/Google Reviews
Over by the bridge and located right on the river is the Greenbrier Grill and Lodge.
Tracy De Henau/Google Reviews
Traditional American fare is the specialty here - in addition to outdoor seating on the back porch facing the Greenbrier River.
Greenbrier Grille and Lodge, 814 1st Ave, Marlinton, WV 24954, USA
Emily Steele/Google Reviews
No visit to Marlinton would be complete without popping a few miles south of town to take a peek at Watoga State Park.
Ashley Lenox/Google Reviews
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.
Watoga State Park, 4800 Watoga Park Rd, Marlinton, WV 24954, USA
Hanibal Mahdi/Google Reviews


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?

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More to Explore

More things to do in Marlinton, WV

Chris Muras | March 17, 2023

What are some fun things to do in Marlinton, West Virginia?

You may have heard about the road kill festival or the Greenbrier River Trail, but that isn't all there is to do in this charming small town in WV. Here are a few more things to do in Marlintoon West Virginia:

  • Camp at the Tea Creek Campground: This beautiful campground in the Monongahela National Forest is incredibly scenic and peaceful. Tea Creek itself is fun to explore, and there are numerous hiking trails in the park.
  • Drive along the Seneca Skyway: One of many mountain drives through beautiful West Virginia, the Seneca Skyway loop starts in Lewisburg and passes through Marlinton on State Route 219.
  • Visit an Old West school house: The Buckeye School building in Marlinton has been turned into a massive bookstore. With 40,000 books of all genres, there are plenty of hidden gems for everyone. Take a break from your bike ride on the Greenbrier Trail and stop in for a new book.
  • Visit Devil's Backbone: This fascinating rock formation carved from Tuscarora Sandstone near Marlinton is an interesting natural wonder best seen as you kayak Knapp's Creek or from a roadside pull-off area along WV-39.

 

What is Marlinton WV known for?

Marlinton West Virginia is best known for its proximity to Watoga State Park and the beautiful natural wonders throughout the area. The Greenbrier River Trail also runs through Marlinton, which is a 78-mile former railroad trail used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

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