Ghost Towns in West Virginia
15 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of West Virginia.
All Ghost Towns
Cass
Cass was a lumber company town that became a ghost. Now it's a state park featuring steam train excursions up Bald Knob mountain....
Dobbin
Dobbin sits on a high, wind-swept plateau. It was a lumber and railroad town. Today, the ruins of the Dobbin House (a large stone structure) stand alo...
Glen Jean
Glen Jean was the center of the McKell coal empire. It was a major railroad hub. The impressive stone Bank of Glen Jean still stands and serves as off...
Helvetia
Helvetia was founded by Swiss immigrants in 1869 and remains remarkably preserved. About 60 people live in the remote village, which features Swiss-Ge...
Kaymoor
Kaymoor was a coal mining community perched on the walls of the New River Gorge. The mine operated from 1899 to 1962. Today, the ruins are accessible ...
Kimball
Kimball was a coal town in McDowell County, once the coal capital of WV. The first African-American elected to WV legislature (R.L. Gaines, 1890s) was...
Matewan
Matewan was the site of the 1920 Matewan Massacre, when a gunfight between miners and Baldwin-Felts detectives killed 10 people. The event helped spar...
West Virginia Penitentiary
The West Virginia Penitentiary operated from 1866-1995, earning a reputation as one of the most violent prisons in America. 94 men were executed here....
Nuttallburg
Nuttallburg produced smokeless coal. In the 1920s, Henry Ford purchased the mine to supply his auto factories. He installed a massive conveyor system ...
Nuttallburg
Nuttallburg was a Colorado coal baron's operation in the New River Gorge—Henry Ford later owned the mine briefly. The conveyor system, tipple, and cok...
Royal
Royal was one of many mining camps lining the New River. It is accessible via the Glade Creek Trail. Stone walls and foundations of the coal operation...
Sewell
Sewell was a major industrial center in the gorge. It is famous for its long row of 193 beehive coke ovens, which are still visible today along the ri...
Thayer
Thayer is one of the most isolated coal camps in the New River Gorge. Still inhabited by a handful of people, it features a collection of decaying com...
Thurmond Depot
Thurmond Depot was once the busiest station on the C&O Railroad, shipping more coal than any other. The Dunglen Hotel hosted a legendary 14-year poker...
Thurmond
Thurmond once processed more freight than Cincinnati and was a major C&O Railway hub. The longest-running poker game in history allegedly ran here for...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in West Virginia?
We have documented 15 ghost towns in West Virginia. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in West Virginia safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in West Virginia?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.