Overview
Reedsville is a small incorporated community in Preston County, West Virginia, with a population of roughly 600 residents. It sits in the Appalachian highlands of north-central West Virginia, surrounded by rolling hills, forested ridges, and the agricultural landscape typical of the region.
The town itself is modest in scale — a quiet rural community rather than a conventional tourist destination. Visitors who pass through tend to be road-trippers exploring West Virginia's back roads, outdoor enthusiasts heading to nearby natural areas, or people with family and personal ties to the area.
Preston County as a whole is known for its rural character, mountain scenery, and proximity to several state and federal public lands. Reedsville serves as one of several small service communities in the county and provides a genuine, unhurried glimpse into everyday Appalachian life.
Getting There
Reedsville is located along US Route 50, a major east-west corridor through West Virginia, which makes it accessible by car from both directions.
By Car
Driving is the most practical way to reach Reedsville. The town is roughly 20 miles west of Morgantown, WV, which itself sits along I-79. From the east, US-50 connects through the Eastern Panhandle and into Maryland. Most visitors arriving from outside the region will fly into a larger hub and rent a car.
Nearest Airports
- Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) — approximately 20 miles east; limited regional service, verify current routes before booking.
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) — approximately 90 miles north; the most practical major airport for the region with broad national and some international connections.
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) — approximately 180 miles east; another option for travelers coming from the east.
Public Transit
There is no scheduled intercity bus or rail service directly to Reedsville. A personal vehicle or rental car is essentially required.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is necessary to get around Reedsville and the surrounding Preston County area. The community itself is small enough to walk across, but accessing nearby natural areas, county roads, and neighboring towns requires a car.
There are no rideshare services reliably operating in Reedsville; verify availability of apps like Uber or Lyft before relying on them. Road conditions on rural county routes can be variable, particularly in winter — carry basic supplies if venturing onto back roads in colder months.
Where to Stay
There are no major hotel chains within Reedsville itself. Accommodation options in the immediate area are limited; travelers should verify current availability through booking platforms before finalizing plans.
Nearby Options
- Morgantown, WV — approximately 20 miles east, Morgantown has a substantial range of hotels and motels at various price points, largely serving West Virginia University visitors and business travelers.
- Camping — Chestnut Ridge Park and other county and state public lands in the area may offer camping facilities. Verify reservations and current status locally.
- Vacation rentals — platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO may list private rentals in Preston County; availability is limited but worth checking.
Things to See & Do
Reedsville itself has limited formal attractions, but the surrounding Preston County region offers several outdoor and cultural points of interest worth exploring.
Outdoor Recreation
- Chestnut Ridge Park — a Preston County park offering camping, trails, and natural scenery; verify current operating hours and facilities locally or through the Preston County Parks & Recreation office.
- Coopers Rock State Forest — located east of Morgantown, this popular state forest features hiking trails, rock overlooks, and picnic areas. It's a relatively short drive and one of the more visited natural areas in the region.
- Cheat River corridor — the Cheat River and its tributaries run through Preston County and attract whitewater paddlers, anglers, and hikers. Conditions vary significantly by season and rainfall.
Scenic Driving
US Route 50 and the network of county roads through Preston County offer genuine Appalachian scenery — forested hillsides, small farms, and creek hollows. Autumn foliage season (typically October) is particularly scenic.
Local Character
Spending time in small communities like Reedsville, visiting local diners, and talking with residents can itself be a rewarding experience for travelers interested in rural American life.
Food & Drink
Dining options in Reedsville are limited given the town's size. Visitors should expect basic local fare rather than a broad restaurant scene. Verify what establishments are currently operating before planning meals around specific stops.
Bringing your own groceries or snacks from Morgantown or another larger town before arriving is a practical approach for extended stays in the area. Morgantown, approximately 20 miles east, has a full range of dining options including chains and independent restaurants catering to the university community there.
Preston County's small towns occasionally host community events — fairs, church dinners, and seasonal festivals — where locally made food is available. Check local community boards or the Preston County Convention & Visitors Bureau for any scheduled events during your visit.
Practical Information
Connectivity
Cell service in rural Preston County can be inconsistent, particularly on back roads and in valleys. Download offline maps before traveling.
Weather
Reedsville sits at Appalachian elevation and experiences cold winters with potential for significant snowfall. Summers are mild to warm. Spring and fall are generally pleasant but can be wet. Pack layers regardless of season.
Services
Basic services — fuel, limited groceries — may be available in or near Reedsville, but for a wider range of services, plan stops in Kingwood (the Preston County seat) or Morgantown. Verify fuel availability before long drives on rural routes.
Emergency Services
- Dial 911 for all emergencies in the United States.
- Preston Memorial Hospital is located in Kingwood, the county seat — verify current hours and services before travel.
Visas
Reedsville is in the United States. For entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for the most current information applicable to your nationality.
Safety
Reedsville and Preston County are generally quiet and low in crime by most measures. Standard rural travel precautions apply: let someone know your itinerary if hiking in remote areas, carry water and a basic first-aid kit, and be aware that emergency response times in rural areas can be longer than in cities.
Wildlife awareness is appropriate in forested areas — black bears are present in West Virginia. Follow standard guidelines: store food properly when camping, do not approach wildlife, and be aware of your surroundings on trails.
Winter driving in the Appalachian highlands can be hazardous. Check road conditions through the West Virginia Division of Highways before traveling in winter months.
