Summers County at a glance…

Welcome to the mountains, and to the friendly community of Summers County, West Virginia! Summers County is located in the scenic Appalachian mountains near the Virginia border. Our community offers the appeal of small-town living, but is easily accessible to major urban areas. We are located 84 miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, and 350 miles from Washington, DC.

Population

There are 14,204 residents in Summers County.

Industry

Hinton was the main terminal for the Chesapeake and Ohio (C & O) Railway for 75 years. Although the terminal closed in the 1950’s, Hinton remains a railroad town, with passenger trains traveling through town several times each week. Today, tourism is one of the major industries in Summers County.

Education

Summers County offers education at all levels, from elementary education to college. Summers County is home to three elementary schools—Hinton Area Elementary School, Jumping Branch Elementary School, and Talcott Elementary School—and one middle school, Summers Middle School. Summers County High School, a consolidated county school, is a recent addition to the community and houses grades 9-12. The private Pipestem Christian Academy houses grade K-12. In nearby Athens, West Virginia, is Concord College, a four-year institution. Just 24 miles away in Beckley, West Virginia, is Mountain State University.

Recreation

Summers County offers many recreational activities. Hinton, the county seat, is located in whitewater rafting country. The New River, well-known to rafting fans, flows right through town. The New River meets the Greenbrier River at Hinton, and just south of town forms Bluestone Lake, site of the largest boat race in the world in 1993 and 1994. Hinton is also home to the Hinton Railroad Museum, which celebrates Hinton’s heritage as a once bustling railroad town.

The town of Hinton itself offers walking tours that allow visitors to view the more than 200 historic buildings in the community. Fiction comes alive when one visits John Henry Monument and Big Bend Tunnels, the site where legendary John Henry won the famous race with the steam drill. For the golf enthusiast, Pipestem State Park is the place to go. Pipestem offers a championship 18-hole golf course, two lodges, a tramway into the river’s canyon, gorgeous views, and many other outdoor activities.

Health Services

Summers County is home to Summers County ARH Hospital and the ARH Summers County Clinic. Beckley ARH Hospital and the ARH Southern West Virginia Clinic are located just 24 miles away in Beckley.

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