Hinton, West Virginia - Where the River Runs Wild

Ingrid Lemme
May 18
5 min read

Updated: May 19

Escape from Paradise with Ingrid Lemme-Chalut

Hinton, West Virginia: Where Rails, Rivers, and Renaissance Meet

Woven into the mountains of Appalachia, along the scenic New River in Southern West Virginia, lies the charming city of Hinton—a place where rich history, wild beauty and small-town revival blend seamlessly. Just a 30-minute drive from our summer base at the Glade Springs Resort in Daniels, Hinton is often our go-to for Sunday getaways, filled with discovery, delicious bites, and soulful stories.

Where the River Runs Wild

My husband and I began our latest visit with a stop at the iconic Sandstone Falls, just 15 minutes north of Hinton. As the widest waterfall on the New River, it’s always a sight—but after recent downpours, the water was absolutely roaring.

The familiar rocks we used to stand on were completely submerged, and the flow was so intense it created a mesmerizing optical illusion—as if the river were running backwards. The New River is one of the few rivers in the world that flows north, but when it surges over rocks and hidden ledges, it plays tricks on the eye.

It’s also a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. That same day, Fabiano and his young son stood on the pedestrian bridge above a rushing side stream and reeled in an incredible 18-inch bass. Their excitement was contagious—rods bending, smiles wide, and a sense of pure mountain joy. It was the perfect reminder that in Hinton, world-class fishing is never far away.

A Railroad Town Reawakens

Hinton’s roots run deep in railroad history. Founded around 1871, the city blossomed during the railroad boom and enjoyed a golden age between 1890 and 1920. Known as a “railroad town,” it became a vital hub for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Though the glory days of the trains have passed, the legacy lives on in every brick building and iron rail.

In 1984, the Hinton Historic District—with over 200 preserved structures—was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Architectural gems ranging from American Gothic and Classical Revival to Victorian and Greek Revival styles line the downtown streets, inviting visitors to take a step back in time.

Today, Hinton is experiencing a thoughtful, organic renaissance. Buildings are being restored, small businesses are thriving, and a deep sense of community pride fuels the town’s steady revival. hintonwva.com

hintonwva.com

The Market on Courthouse Square

Hungry from the river air, we headed to The Market on Courthouse Square for lunch. Marcus had a juicy house burger, while I enjoyed the Flagman Turkey Club, served on toasted wheat with perfectly crisp bacon, and paired with a perfect pickle.

What really stood out? The young crew behind the counter—absolutely incredible, considering the busy Sunday afternoon rush. They handled the pace and the occasional demanding customer (yes, like my husband) with grace, speed, and smiles. Their energy added so much to the experience. themarketwv.com

Otter & Oak!

Just a few steps away is Otter & Oak, one of my favorite downtown stops. Part outfitter, part art gallery, it features work by over 30 regional artists—plus clothing, hiking gear, gifts, and an inviting café upstairs.

We were warmly welcomed by a gracious young man who not only manned the shop with ease but also personally led us upstairs to the Otter Café, where he made my coffee exactly how I like it—hot, half coffee and half hot water (no kidding!). It’s those small, thoughtful gestures that make a place truly memorable. Call them at 304-466-4870 to find out what’s on display—or brewing—when you visit! www.otterandoak.com

The Ritz: A Jewel Restored

Built in 1929 and beautifully restored in 2009, the Ritz Theatre is a 310-seat gem in the heart of Hinton’s historic downtown. It’s part of West Virginia’s Historic Theatre Trail and serves as both a movie house and a live performance venue—with state-of-the-art digital projection and sound.

Believe it or not—we still haven’t watched a movie there (yet!), but it’s absolutely on our list… especially when we saw the ticket prices:

Movie Ticket Prices

$6 – Adults (19–64)

$5 – Seniors (65 & Over)

$5 – Students (2–18 or up to 21 with valid student ID)

$4 – Matinees (movies that start before 5 p.m.)

No kidding.

A classic theater with old-school charm and prices to match? Yes, please. Check out what’s playing at ritzwv.com

We also paused at the town’s Veterans Memorial, a solemn and impressive tribute with the emblems of all U.S. military branches, including the newly added Space Force. It stands in the heart of town, reminding visitors of Hinton’s enduring patriotism and sacrifice.

Hinton, a Living Museum with Outdoor Adventure

Hinton isn’t just for history lovers—it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled between the New River Gorge National Park, Bluestone State Park, and Pipestem Resort State Park, the area offers world-class fishing, whitewater rafting, biking, hiking and golf.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, families flock to the Hinton Pool and Waterslide for affordable summer fun. Open daily with a modest $8 entrance fee (kids under 4 swim free), it’s a refreshing spot with unforgettable mountain views. Call 304-466-1600 for seasonal info.

Best of all? Hinton is within a one-day drive of half the U.S. population, making it a perfect long weekend escape.* And if you’d rather relax, you can simply hop on Amtrak’s Cardinal line, which rolls straight into downtown Hinton.

*(A one-day drive—typically 8 to 10 hours—puts Hinton within reach of major metro areas like New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Chicago. Collectively, these regions account for over 50% of the U.S. population.)

Hinton Today & Tomorrow

Since 1987, community leaders and the National Park Service have worked together to restore Hinton as a living museum, one that honors its past while embracing a new future. In 2006, the city celebrated the opening of the Hinton Technology Center, a hub connecting small rural communities to the digital world. Spearheaded by Senator Robert C. Byrd and Congressman Nick Rahall, the initiative supports technology, transportation, and tourism as the three pillars of economic growth in the region.

With its lovingly preserved downtown, thriving arts scene, and access to world-class adventure, Hinton has become a model of what a small town can be when heart meets hard work.

Whether you’re strolling through history, enjoying a gallery latte, catching a film at the Ritz, floating down the New River, or reeling in bass from a bridge near the falls—Hinton, West Virginia offers a soul-satisfying mix of past and present. It’s not just a town—it’s a story. One worth stepping into.

🎉 Annual Festivals in Hinton, WV (2025)

Hinton, West Virginia, hosts a variety of vibrant festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage and community spirit. Here’s a chronological list of the main events for 2025:

Second Saturdays in Hinton
Dates: Monthly on the second Saturday, from May through September 2025
Description: A recurring celebration featuring live music, food, and community activities in downtown Hinton, promoting local businesses and artists.
More info: Hinton 2nd Saturdays on Facebook
Color the River
Date: June 14, 2025
Description: A vibrant event where participants come together to celebrate and color the river, fostering community engagement and environmental awareness.
More info: Color the River 2025 Event
West Virginia State Water Festival
Dates: July 20–28, 2025
Description: A week-long festival honoring Hinton’s rivers with events like the Queen Mermaid coronation, parades, live music, and various contests.
More info: 2025 Water Festival Announcement
Festival of the Rivers
Date: Labor Day Weekend, August 30–31, 2025
Description: A free two-day music festival showcasing grassroots Appalachian music, highlighting Hinton’s river and railroad culture.
More info: Festival of the Rivers Information
Hinton Railroad Days
Dates: October 11–13, 2025
Description: Celebrates Hinton’s railroad history with live music, food vendors, craft booths, and family-friendly activities.
More info: Hinton Railroad Days Official Page