Tucked along the banks of the Kanawha River in Fayette County, West Virginia, lies a hidden gem where history, nature, and hospitality come together in one unforgettable experience Historic Glen Ferris.

Whether you are a weekend traveler, a history lover, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape, Glen Ferris offers a journey that feels both timeless and welcoming. With its breathtaking views, storied past, and the beautifully restored Glen Ferris Inn, this destination invites you to slow down, explore, and truly step back in time.

Begin Your Visit at Kanawha Falls

Your adventure starts at Kanawha Falls Parking, where the sound of rushing water immediately sets the mood. From here, a short walk leads you to the Falls Overlook Walkway, offering one of the most picturesque views in southern West Virginia.

For those who want a closer look, the Falls Trail (0.3 miles) winds along the riverbank, giving visitors a front-row seat to the power and beauty of the falls. Along the way, you can imagine how travelers in the 1800s would have paused here, just as you do today, captivated by the same natural wonder.

Discover the Historic Glen Ferris Inn

A short stroll down the river brings you to the heart of the site—the Historic Glen Ferris Inn.

Built in the early nineteenth century along the old Midland Trail, this grand riverfront inn has welcomed travelers for generations. Today, it continues that tradition as both a restaurant and a bed-and-breakfast with limited rooms, allowing guests to not only visit history—but live in it.(2)

Enjoy a meal overlooking the Kanawha, where every window frames a scenic masterpiece. If you choose to stay overnight, you’ll wake up surrounded by the same landscape that once greeted nineteenth-century travelers and Civil War soldiers alike.

Staying at the inn is more than lodging—it’s an immersive heritage experience.

Walk in the Footsteps of History

Just beyond the inn, your tour leads to Public Fishing Access, where you can relax along the riverbank, cast a line, or simply take in the calm beauty of the water.

From there, history comes vividly to life at the Civil War Encampment site. During the war, the Glen Ferris Inn served as Union headquarters, and soldiers camped along the river nearby. Today, interpretive displays and reconstructed elements help visitors imagine what life was like for those stationed here more than 160 years ago. During the Civil War, the Glen Ferris Inn occupied a strategically important position along the Kanawha River and the Midland Trail, making it a valuable asset for Union forces operating in the Kanawha Valley. In 1861–1862, Federal troops used the inn as a temporary headquarters and staging point while securing transportation routes, protecting river traffic, and monitoring Confederate movement in southern West Virginia. The nearby riverbanks also served as a makeshift encampment for soldiers, tying the inn directly to the military landscape of the valley and the broader Union effort to control western Virginia.(1)

Standing in this spot, it’s easy to feel connected to the past—hearing echoes of marching boots, crackling campfires, and the river that carried both soldiers and supplies through the Kanawha Valley.

A Perfect Day Trip or Weekend Getaway

Whether you visit for a few hours or plan a full weekend stay, Glen Ferris offers something for everyone:

• Scenic overlooks and riverside walks
• A beautifully preserved historic inn
• Delicious dining in a heritage setting
• Easy access to fishing and nature
• Meaningful Civil War history
• A peaceful atmosphere far from the crowds

And with your beautifully designed brochure and map in hand, visitors can follow a clear, engaging self-guided tour that brings every stop to life.

Come Experience Glen Ferris for Yourself

Historic Glen Ferris is more than a destination—it’s a story written in water, stone, and memory.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring history, or simply looking for a quiet place to recharge, Glen Ferris welcomes you with open doors, scenic views, and a deep sense of place.

Pack your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, and come discover why this special stretch of the Kanawha River has captivated travelers for generations.

Glen Ferris is waiting for you.

1. Otis K. Rice and Stephen W. Brown, West Virginia: A History (Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 1993), 121–124.
2. Glen Ferris Inn, “Dining,” official website, accessed February 5, 2026, https://www.glenferrisinn.com/dining