Summers County

Summers County is an administrative division in southeastern West Virginia that stretches across river valleys and rolling terrain. The region contains several small communities with Hinton serving as the main hub where multiple waterways converge.

The county was established in 1871 when the West Virginia Legislature combined territories from four neighboring counties into a single administrative unit. This formation followed the Civil War and represented part of the state's post-war reorganization efforts.

Coal mining and railroad heritage shaped community identity here, and these traditions still influence how people connect with their surroundings. Local families pass down skills and stories tied to the region's industrial past.

Visitors reach the area via Interstate 64, with Amtrak rail service available at Hinton several times weekly for those arriving by train. Exploring the river valleys and natural areas works best with a car or by foot along local trails.

The area contains sections of the Bluestone National Scenic River, a wild waterway that winds through narrow gorges and canyons. This river remains a lesser-explored paddling destination compared to more famous water routes in the region.