Welcome to Paw Paw, West Virginia—where mountain trails meet canal towpaths, and small-town charm flows as freely as the Potomac. Plan your visit, explore local gems, and experience Appalachian hospitality in every step.
Let us introduce you to our town! Paw Paw, WV is a small town nestled in the mountains of Morgan County in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Though a small town by definition, with a population of just over 670 in 2019, it has a lot to offer. Possibly best known for the Paw Paw Tunnel, we have so much more to offer.
Come along with us as we introduce you to our amenities, places to eat, places to stay, events and so much more that make our little town such an amazing place.
There have been many books, songs, and reviews about our little town of Paw Paw, but one of my favorites that definitely speaks to our town and our people is a Facebook post by a gentleman named Sean Dietrich. As Mr. Dietrich and his wife passed through on a biking trip, they arrived at their Paw Paw campsite and went in search for food. In his write up, he tells the tale of the dog he nicknamed Fred and his experience in our wonderful town.
One of the best descriptions I’ve read, Dietrich starts out with “Your Authentic backwater town” and leads into what we as “PawPawians” know as every day life.
“You rarely see this sort of thing anymore. I can’t tell you the last time I saw guys drinking Coca-Colas in filling stations, or lady fry cooks take care of hungry strangers. And you certainly don’t have music with fiddles in it these days. I feel like I’ve fallen into a time warp. This little station is the way the world used to operate. This is the way I remember things being. And when I was a kid, this is the way I thought things would always stay.”
Yes, Mr. Dietrich. This is Paw Paw, WV. This is “Our Town”. And these people are the heart of it!
Why Visit Paw Paw?
Paw Paw is a small town with a big heart — a place where mountain views, river adventures, and rich history come together. Whether you’re passing through or planning a weekend escape, Paw Paw offers a quiet kind of magic you won’t find anywhere else.
Top reasons to visit:
Rich history — railroads, orchards, floods, and stories that shaped the Potomac Valley
Outdoor adventure — hiking, biking, paddling, and exploring the famous Paw Paw Tunnel
Small‑town charm — friendly faces, local shops, and a slower pace of life
Scenic beauty — river overlooks, mountain ridges, and peaceful country roads
Bear with me as I grow this wonderful resource on all things “small town wonderful”. Please feel free to contact us with any info you’d like to see or share.
*Visit Paw Paw, WV is not affiliated with the Town of Paw Paw. It is simply a way to list resources for travelers and locals alike, and allow others to see what an awesome town we think it is.