Pendleton County

Pendleton County is a county in eastern West Virginia that spreads across mountainous terrain with extensive forests. The area sits at around 2,000 feet (600 meters) elevation and includes sections of major national forests.

The county was established in 1787 and named after Edmund Pendleton, a Virginia politician of that era. It was formed from portions of three earlier administrative divisions.

The Franklin Historic District shows buildings from different times that reveal how people have lived and built here across generations. Walking through, you can see in the architecture how life in this mountain region has evolved.

The area is mountainous and heavily forested, so be ready for unpaved roads and changing conditions depending on the season. Spring and fall offer the most stable weather for exploring the region.

Spruce Knob, a mountain peak within the county, is the highest point in West Virginia and the entire Appalachian region. On clear days from this peak, you can see views stretching across several states.

Location: West Virginia

Inception: December 4, 1787

Capital city: Franklin

Elevation above the sea: 667 m

Shares border with: Grant County, Augusta County, Hardy County, Rockingham County, Pocahontas County, Randolph County, Highland County

Website: http://pendletoncounty.wv.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.68000,-79.36000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:05