Browse the highlights of the AFNHA, in all eighteen counties!
Cumberland, MD
A historic city that blazed the trails of change
Oakland, MD
Fall in love with an artsy town in the storied highlands of Maryland
Berkeley Springs (Bath), WV
Accolades include America’s First and Best Spa, top Small Arts Town, top Historic Small Town, and WV’s Coolest Small Town
Thomas, WV
A powerhouse duo rich with environmental, cultural, and historical assets
Davis, WV
A powerhouse duo rich with environmental, cultural, and historical assets
Elkins, WV
Heritage locomotes forward in the headquarters of the AFNHA
Helvetia, WV
Little Switzerland in the Appalachian forest
Lewisburg, WV
Unbounded opportunity in America’s Coolest Small Town
Wardensville, WV
A new Appalachian experience
Franklin, WV
Mountains with much to offer
Marlinton, WV
The stories of West Virginia come alive
Petersburg, WV
Incredible heights, grounded history, and underground exploration
Summersville, WV
Gorgeous and refreshing
Buckhannon, WV
Prepare to be dazzled
Sutton, WV
The center of the supernatural
Philippi, WV
Civil War history, unabridged
Kingwood, WV
Landmarks of heritage
Romney, WV
Aged with perfection
Keyser, WV
A sweet spot
Webster Springs, WV
Community among the woods
For a more curated experience, check out the following guided maps, which string together the best towns for outdoor adventures , railroad heritage , the arts , Appalachian history , and taking in the unique culture of the AFNHA !
Off The Beaten Trail
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian Forest in these special locations.
Included: Romney, Davis, Petersburg, Franklin, Sutton, Webster Springs, Marlinton, Summersville, and Lewisburg,
Take in outstanding views at Davis, Franklin, and Petersburg or connect with nature along the Greenbrier River Trail in Lewisburg and Marlinton.
Enjoy water-based activities such as fishing, kayaking, rafting, or swimming in Summersville, Sutton, Wardensville, and Webster Springs among others.
Check out the unique natural wonders of Romney, Davis, Marlinton, and Franklin.
Transportation Stations
Included: Elkins, Cass, Cumberland, Romney, and Oakland
Ride the rails or dive into their history in these towns, once hubs for an expansive industry that forever shaped the region.
Ride the Durbin and Greenbrier Railroad in Elkins and Cass, take the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland, or hop on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad in Romney.
Dive into in transportation history in the museums of Oakland and Elkins.
Art Gems
In the AFNHA local art traditions survive and thrive. Explore the crafts, music, food, and more that make this region overflowing with unique culture.
Included: Berkeley Springs, Oakland, Thomas, Buckhannon, Webster Springs, and Lewisburg
Check out vintage and independent movie theaters in Buckhannon and Berkeley Springs or the large concert halls of Lewisburg.
Browse the galleries and shops in Thomas, Oakland, Webster Springs, Wardensville, and Lewisburg.
Enjoy the depths of the Appalachian sound in the venues of Thomas, Lewisburg, Oakland, and Webster Springs.
Heritage Hotspots
Our National Heritage Area holds great significance for the history of the country, with a distinct Appalachian culture of isolation, a logging boom that built the nation, and an abundant and resilient forest.
Included: Cumberland, Romney, Keyser, Kingwood, Thomas, Philippi, Elkins, Marlinton, and Lewisburg
The logging industry is tied to that of the railroad, which you can find more about in Cumberland, Elkins, Cass, and Romney among others. the coal industry has its own point of interest in Thomas.
The AFNHA's frontier history can be found in Cumberland, Lewisburg, Keyser, and Romney.
The Civil War that split Virginia has its episodes in Marlinton, Romney, Philippi, and Lewisburg.
Chase the traces of the New Deal in Elkins and Kingwood.
Unique Culture
The preserved traditions and distinct features of the AFNHA make these towns worth a trip!
Included: Berkeley Springs, Keyser, Wardensville, Buckhannon, Sutton, Helvetia, and Summersville
Relax in historic hot springs in Wardensville and Berkeley Springs.
Find local culinary delights in Summersville, Helvetia, Keyser, and Wardensville.
Explore fantastical side of the AFNHA in Buckhannon, Sutton, and Helvetia, ranging from cryptid lore to Swiss festivals.