5 Unique Places to Stay the Night in West Virginia
Spread throughout West Virginia you will find charming towns and scenic wilderness areas full of history, culture, and adventure. Why should you limit your visit to the mountain state, when you could stay somewhere that would make your trip unforgettable? I've compiled a list of 5 unique places to stay in West Virginia, that are sure to create a magical and unforgettable experience.
Thorny Mountain Fire Tower -Seneca State Forest
Located in Seneca State forest the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower will take you 65 feet up above the mountain tops for 365-degree views of the surrounding area. Originally built in the 1920s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, to watch for fires in the surrounding areas. In 2010 the WV State Parks system acquired the property and by 2015 had renovated the space to allow for overnight rentals. The tower has two cots inside and can sleep up to 4 people. While it is lacking in Wi-Fi and indoor plumbing, you can't beat the view. Not only is there a wraparound porch, but the walls consist of windows allowing for unobstructed views of the mountains and night sky. This is the only rentable fire tower east of the Mississippi making it a truly unique stay. The Thorny Mountain Fire tower can be rented from May through October. It's recommended to make a reservation a year in advance, as spots are limited, and you can do that on the WV State Parks website.
2. Cass Company Houses- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-, photographer
Take a step back through time when you stay in one of the company houses at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. In 1901 the town of Cass was founded by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company. They built the town including a company store, post office, train depot, and 40 almost identical homes now dubbed "the company houses". Currently, 23 of these houses are available for visitors to rent and although their exteriors have been preserved, the interior has been updated to reflect modern life in West Virginia with Wi-Fi and central air. There is a variety of houses that you can rent that can accommodate anywhere from 1-14 people, and two have been modified to be wheelchair accessible. While you're staying in the town of Cass make sure to take a ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad, and find yourself transported to a time when the steam-driven locomotives and company houses were an essential part of everyday life for the people who lived and worked here.
3. Castaway Caboose- Durbin, WV
https://mountainrailwv.com/tour/castaway-caboose-overnights/
All Aboard! right down the road from the Cass Scenic Railroad is a different locomotive inspired yet equally as unique stay, the Castaway Caboose. That's right, you can stay in one along the railroad tracks beside the Greenbrier river in a classic train caboose. These train cars can host up to 6 people and comes fully equipped with indoor plumbing, heat, a fridge, and a cooking range! To reach these unique stays, you first board the Durbin Rocket at the Durbin Train Depot. The hour-long scenic ride will take you to a special spot along the greenbrier river where you can spend up to 5 nights in this unique stay. At the end of your trip, the Durbin Rocket will be back to pick you up and give you a ride back to reality. You can book this unique stay here, but make sure to do it well in advance spots fill up quickly!
4. Holly Rock Treehouse - Hilco, WV
When you think about a treehouse, you might imagine the hideaway from your childhood. The Holly Rock Treehouse is just that but with all the modern convivences to make your stay covenant and comfortable. This treetop cabin is located near the New River Gorge National Park. Walking out the canopy bridge you will find a sturdy structure built around a tree trunk, with a wraparound deck. With a queen-size bed, a fully equipped kitchen, central AC/heat, and a hot tub this is the ultimate unique getaway for any adventurer. You can reserve the Holly Rock Treehouse online, and leave your worries behind you when you stay at this unique and fun cabin among the trees.
5. Mountain Creek Lodge - Pipestem State Park
This unique stay is very special to me. Growing up 10 minutes from Pipestem Resort State Park, we would always visit the park and ride the tram down to the Bluestone River. The ariel tramway descends 3,600 feet from the canyon rim to the Bluestone River gorge. This mode of transportation is the only way to reach the Mountain Creek Lodge. This lodge has 30 beautiful rooms with stunning views of the gorge and the scenic Bluestone River. This lodge is also host to the Mountain Creek Restaurant which is considered to be fine dining and is known for its gourmet food with a view. Because of its unique location, the Mountain Creek Lodge is only open from mid-May through the end of October. You can reserve a room and check the status of the Tram online.
Do you know of any places you would add to this list? Post them in the comments if you do! Regardless of where you choose to stay, I hope you find a unique slice of West Virginia that reminds you that this state really is "Almost Heaven".
