Is West Virginia a friendly state? Yes… and no. The people here are genuine and loving. They make the best neighbors and the most loyal friends. But our roots run deep, and we’ve been hurt by outsiders before. So don’t be surprised, Newbie, if it takes a little time for us to warm up to you. For the best chance of being welcomed with open arms, though, try a visit to the Mountain State’s friendliest city: Logan, West Virginia.
Perched at the confluence of the Guyandotte River and Island Creek, Logan is a small (population under 1,800) mountain town in the rugged Appalachian Mountains of Southern West Virginia.
Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia
Flat land is hard to come by here; instead, houses dot hillsides and narrow streets cut through sharp valleys.
Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia
The area is rich in history, including that of West Virginia’s ancient inhabitants like the Shawnee and Mingo Indian tribes. In the Industrial Age, Logan was a thriving coal hub.
Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia
The town boomed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, reaching a size of 5,000 in 1940.
Jack Corn / Wikimedia
Remnants of that coal history dot the town: grand old buildings, historic markers, railroad tracks.
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These days, Logan is no longer booming. It’s not rich. It’s not famous. But it has acquired the honorable distinction of being known as the friendliest town in West Virginia.
Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia
It boasts its own state park and a portion of the famed Hatfield and McCoy Trail System. You’ll find restaurants, hotels, shopping, outdoor recreation, and historic sites scattered throughout the region. You’ll find West Virginia’s only elk herd nearby.
Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia
Yes, this friendly, often-overlooked little town is well worth a visit.
Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia
Have you ever been to Logan, West Virginia, the friendliest town in the Mountain State? To learn more about planning a trip here, check out Logan on the West Virginia Tourism website. And here are a few other of West Virginia’s friendliest towns to consider visiting as well.
Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia
Jack Corn / Wikimedia
Nyttend / Wikimedia
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Address: Logan, WV 25601, USA
