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Cities and Towns in Summers County, West Virginia

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Founded in 1871, Summers County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Summers County was formed from Fayette, Greenbrier, Mercer, and Monroe counties. The city of Hinton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 89, Summers County has a population of 11,908 and area of 361 square miles (935 km²).

List of all cities in Summers County, WV alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Ballengee, WV 24981 304
Brooks, WV 25951 304
Elton, WV 25965 304
Forest Hill, WV 24935 304
Green Sulphur Springs, WV 25966 304
Hinton, WV 25951 304
Indian Mills, WV 24935 304
Jumping Branch, WV 25969 304
Lovern, WV 25979 304
Meadow Bridge, WV 25966 304
Meadow Creek, WV 25977 304
Nimitz, WV 25978 304
Pence Springs, WV 24962 304
Pipestem, WV 25979 304
Sandstone, WV 25985 304
Streeter, WV 25969 304
Talcott, WV 24981 304
TRUE, WV 25951 304

Major Cities and Towns in Summers County, West Virginia

Summers County, located in the southern part of West Virginia, is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and historical significance. The county, nestled along the New River and bordered by the Appalachian Mountains, is a blend of rural charm and natural splendor. Below are some of the major towns and cities in Summers County, each offering unique histories, local schools, and landmarks that define the character of this picturesque region.

Hinton

Location and History

Hinton is the county seat of Summers County, located at the confluence of the New River and the Greenbrier River. It was founded in 1873 and named after James Hinton, a railroad executive. Hinton’s early growth was fueled by the arrival of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in the late 19th century, which transformed it into an important transportation and trade hub. The town’s economy was initially based on coal, timber, and railroad industries, and it played a vital role in the development of the surrounding region. Throughout the 20th century, Hinton’s economy diversified, though it remained heavily reliant on the coal industry. Today, Hinton has become known for its historic architecture, natural beauty, and growing tourism industry, with visitors flocking to the New River Gorge National Park and surrounding outdoor recreation areas.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 2.3 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,600
  • Zip Codes: 25951
  • Latitude: 37.7147° N
  • Longitude: 80.8977° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hinton is served by the Summers County School District, with Hinton Area Elementary and Summers County High School offering educational opportunities. The town boasts several historical landmarks, including the Hinton Railroad Depot, a beautifully preserved building that reflects the town’s railroad heritage. The New River Gorge, one of West Virginia’s most famous natural landmarks, is nearby and offers numerous recreational activities like hiking, rafting, and rock climbing. Hinton also serves as a gateway to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, drawing tourists to the area for outdoor adventures. The town is known for its annual events, including the Hinton Railroad Days festival, which celebrates its railroad history with a variety of activities, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.

Summersville

Location and History

Summersville is located in the northern part of Summers County and serves as an important commercial and cultural center for the region. Founded in the early 19th century, Summersville is named after the county, which was named in honor of George W. Summers, a prominent early settler. The town’s growth was closely tied to the construction of the Summersville Dam in the 1960s, which created the popular Summersville Lake. This large reservoir became a key recreational and tourism destination, significantly boosting the town’s economy. Summersville is now a blend of small-town charm with easy access to outdoor activities and nature, serving as a popular destination for fishing, boating, and hiking. The town also remains an important service center for the surrounding rural areas.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 1.3 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 3,000
  • Zip Codes: 26651
  • Latitude: 38.2582° N
  • Longitude: 80.6132° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Summersville is served by the Nicholas County School District, with schools such as Summersville Middle School and Nicholas County High School providing educational opportunities. The town is home to the Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia, which offers a variety of water-based recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and waterskiing. Summersville is also close to the Gauley River National Recreation Area, which provides opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and hiking. Landmarks in the area include the Summersville Historic District, with several buildings dating back to the town’s early days, and the Summersville Dam, which is a popular spot for scenic views and photography. The town hosts the annual “Summersville Lake Festival,” which draws visitors to the area for water sports, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Jumping Branch

Location and History

Jumping Branch is a small unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Summers County, along the Greenbrier River. The area was originally settled in the early 19th century and was named for the Greenbrier River’s small tributary, Jumping Branch, which flows through the area. Jumping Branch was historically a rural farming community, but over time, the surrounding coal industry became the main economic driver. The town has remained largely rural, with agriculture and small-scale industries playing a central role in its economy. Today, Jumping Branch is a quiet, peaceful community with a deep connection to its farming roots and local heritage.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 0.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 200
  • Zip Codes: 25969
  • Latitude: 37.6961° N
  • Longitude: 80.8473° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Jumping Branch is served by the Summers County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Hinton or other parts of the county. While small, the community is close to several notable natural landmarks, including the Greenbrier River, which provides fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities. The surrounding area is rich in rural landscapes, offering numerous outdoor activities such as birdwatching, camping, and exploring the Appalachian foothills. The community itself is home to local farms, which produce agricultural goods that support the economy. While Jumping Branch is a quiet community, it is close to larger towns like Hinton, making it a peaceful rural retreat while still offering easy access to more urban amenities and recreational opportunities.

The Settlement of Summers County

Location and History

Summers County was formed in 1871 from parts of Greenbrier and Fayette counties. It was named after George W. Summers, a prominent politician in the early state of West Virginia. The county, located along the New River and in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, has a rich history rooted in agriculture, coal, and timber. Early settlers were drawn to the area due to its fertile land, abundant waterways, and strategic location for transportation. The construction of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad in the late 1800s and the creation of Summersville Lake in the 1960s spurred growth and development in the region. The county’s natural beauty and historical significance make it an appealing destination for tourists and residents alike.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Summers County is served by the Summers County School District, with schools such as Summers County High School in Hinton and the Summersville Middle School providing educational opportunities for local students. Major landmarks in the county include the Summersville Lake, a major recreational attraction, and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which offers hiking, rafting, and rock climbing. The county is also home to several historic sites, including the Hinton Railroad Depot and the Summers County Courthouse. Local festivals such as the Hinton Railroad Days and Summersville Lake Festival bring the community together to celebrate the county’s heritage, while the area’s parks, lakes, and rivers provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.

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