West Virginia Film Set Locations: A Movie Lover’s Road Trip
- Angie - Your Guide
- 10 hours ago
- 7 min read
Pack your bags, load up your favorite soundtrack, and get ready to follow the reel footsteps of Hollywood! West Virginia’s misty mountains, charming towns, and wild rivers aren’t just a feast for the soul—they’ve starred in films that range from heart-tugging dramas to edge-of-your-seat thrillers. This cinematic road trip will whisk you through the Mountain State, with each stop showcasing real-world settings where movie magic came alive. From blockbuster legends to quirky indie gems, let’s set out on a journey that’s as colorful (and deliciously dramatic) as a box of movie theater candy!
Many people do not even realize there is a West Virginia Film Office. To be honest, until I was doing some research into this blog, I was not aware. I was also not aware that so many movies have portions filmed in the state, or that so many are claimed to be based in West Virginia.
Let's discuss just a few of the many film set locations that have West Virginia roots. This is a great way to get to know the state I love better. Take a road trip to some of the towns and surrounding areas listed and you will get a true idea of what West Virginia is all about.
Your West Virginia Film Set Location Road Trip Itinerary:
Northern Panhandle
We’re embarking on a vibrant loop through the state, touching all corners and packing every mile with silver screen sparkle. Each stop is an invitation to imagine, remember, and create stories of your own.
Weirton, Follansbee, & Wheeling: Super 8 (2011) and Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004)
Begin your adventure in the Northern Panhandle, a pocket of West Virginia whose small-town charm has attracted some truly big-time productions. Easy access by car to the northern panhandle is achieved from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Interstate 7o takes you from Pittsburgh to Wheeling and from there drive Route 2 to Follansbee and Weirton. At the end of your drive, you can take Route 22, taking you right back to Pittsburg. Take your time on the drive, spend time int he towns and cities and explore other sites while here or do it all in 1 day.
Hancock County in Weirton, Main Street was completely transformed for J.J. Abrams Super 8, doubling as a 1970s Ohio town under the watchful eye of Steven Spielberg. The dazzling chaos of the train derailment was filmed nearby, and wandering these streets is like time-travel with a bucket of popcorn in hand.
But the romance doesn’t end there! Make a pit stop in nearby Brooke County for Follansbee and travel onto the larger city of Wheeling, where Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! set the stage for its small-town meets Hollywood heartthrob story. The local fairground and streets gave soul (and plenty of giggles) to this lighthearted romcom.
Moundsville: The Silence of the Lambs (1991) & Night of the Hunter (1955)
Next, head to Moundsville. At the historic West Virginia Penitentiary, Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter chilled the world in The Silence of the Lambs. Take a tour—if you dare! Just a few decades prior, Moundsville and the Ohio Valley also lent their haunting atmosphere to the enduring classic Night of the Hunter, filming along the Ohio River and enveloping you in shadowy magic. There is a lot of rich history and exciting sites in this area of West Virginia.
Moundsville is also easy access to the rest of the northern Panhandle and Pittsburgh. It is located less than 20 minutes south of Wheeling West Virginia.
New Martinsville: The Rain People (1969)
If you would like to drive a little bit further south, just outside of the Northern Panhandle. Spend an extra 30 minutes or less in the car and check out this little area of West Virginia
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Rain People chased existential dreams across America, stopping right in New Martinsville. The town and its surrounding highways set the stage for personal journeys and unexpected encounters.
Northern, Western and Central West Virginia
These areas are near or closely located near Charleston WV, or Huntington WV. But are also manageable from Pittsburgh PA. But these areas clearly need a few days, this is not for a 1-day road trip.
Clarksburg, The Glass Castle (2017)
Journey onward to Clarksburg, where The Glass Castle drew from the real-life memoir of Jeannette Walls. This movie will be mentioned again in Southern WV.
Huntington, Kenova & Marshall University: We Are Marshall (2006)
Emotion runs high in Huntington. We Are Marshall immortalized the town’s recovery after its heartbreak—the Marshall University memorial, Spring Hill Cemetery, and city streets all play starring roles. Hop over to Kenova, solemn site of the tragic crash, and feel the sense of community that inspired the world.
Morgantown & Charleston: Super Size Me (2004) & Primal Fear (1996)
Documentary fans, unite! Charleston is famously the capital, but it’s also the setting for key interviews and scenes in Super Size Me, Morgan Spurlock’s eye-opening fast food journey. Meanwhile, Primal Fear (starring Edward Norton) slipped into the region for courthouse shoots and atmospheric exteriors.
Charleston: The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005) & Patch Adams (1998)
Dive into musical genius (and turmoil) with scenes from The Devil and Daniel Johnston, filmed partly in Charleston. And don’t skip the heartfelt hilarity of Patch Adams, which staged several memorable moments at the Kanawha State Forest and the state capitol’s gleaming gold dome.
Southern West Virginia
Welch & The Greenbrier: The Glass Castle (2017) & A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Mentioned Earlier for Northern West Virginia with Clarksburg, it must also be mentioned for Southern West Virginia. The Glass Castle (2017), From rough beginnings in Welch (McDowell County) to scenes filmed at the opulent Greenbrier resort—stand in awe of the places where resilience and hope shine brightest.
While most of A Beautiful Mind’s shooting took place elsewhere, the Greenbrier also made a cameo, lending the film layers of elegance and history. Many people don't have a clue that John Nash actually grew up in Bluefield WV.
Fayetteville, The New River Gorge & Summersville: The River Wild (1994), and The Last Mountain (2011)
Buckle up for adventure! The roaring rapids of the New and Gauley Rivers hosted Meryl Streep’s aquatic heroics in The River Wild. New River Gorge is pure cinematic adrenaline—pack a raft or peer down from the famous arch bridge. The area also hosted the environmental documentary The Last Mountain, diving into real-life drama of coal mining and activism.
Thurmond, Matewan & Bramwell: Matewan (1987), Shenandoah (1965) & Deer Hunter (1978)
History breathes in Thurmond, a virtual living time capsule and cinematic stand-in for Matewan’s labor uprisings. Shenandoah, the classic Civil War epic, spread its tale of family and forgiveness around Bramwell and the lush countryside, while The Deer Hunter, featuring Robert De Niro, shot harrowing “homefront” scenes in the state, capturing small town spirit and industrial grit.
Hinton: Lassie (1994)
Smile wide—Hinton's pastoral beauty set the stage for America’s favorite dog in Lassie, most memorably near Sandstone Falls. Rolling farmland, river banks, and friendly faces turned Summers County into movie gold. The natural beauty of this area is amazing, as parts of this county are in the New River Gorge National Park. I remember one time a group of young children watching this movie after its release in Hinton WV.
Beckley: Still Bill (2009)
Ready to change gears? Still Bill, the moving documentary about the legendary Bill Withers, showcases his Raleigh County roots. Wandering these streets, let inspiration strike—maybe with “Lean On Me” humming in the background. Born in Slab Creek with Family in the Beckley area, there is even a statue in Beckley of him.
The drive from Welch, WV to Bluefield takes about an hour via Route 52. From Bluefield to Beckley, it's another hour, but at least you're on Interstate 77. Then, there's an additional hour on Interstate 64 to reach The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. In between Beckley and White Sulphur Springs is an exit that will take you to Hinton WV, but it will take some time on the curvy road to get there and explore. To fully appreciate the interesting sites along the way, it's best to spread this road trip over several days. I consider this area my home, and Southern West Virginia is rich with beautiful parks, historic houses, and fascinating history that are worth exploring.
Southern WV is easy to get to from depending on which area you are going too.
Charlotte NC (3 Hours on Interstate 77)
Raleigh NC (3 hours on Interstate 40 and 77)
Roanoke VA (2 hours on Interstate 81)
Kingsport/Bristol TN (2 hours on Interstate 81)
Charleston WV (an hour from Beckley)
Since this area has been my home for many years of my life, I have several blogs you can read if you like. A few are linked below.
Suprise, not filmed in WV
Point Pleasant: The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
Although it was filmed in Pennsylvania, I strongly recommend visiting Point Pleasant WV. There are museums, one focusing on the actual 1967 incident that offers a nostalgic experience, and another dedicated to the movie. Additionally, the charming city and the Mothman Statue are worth seeing. They also host an annual festival, which is a fantastic time to visit.
Wrong Turn (2003)
It's unfortunate that some people only associate West Virginia with the Wrong Turn movies. I recall the opening line of the first film, where a radio broadcast reports on two missing people from Bluefield State College. Initially, hearing this was exciting, but as the movie progressed, I was really disappointed by the film and the typical stereotype it perpetuated about West Virginia. Fortunately, none of the Wrong Turn movies were actually filmed in West Virginia.
Roll the Credits on Your Own Road Trip
The best road trips are made of unexpected detours, offbeat adventures, and moments that make you feel a little bit like a star. West Virginia invites you to experience film history in your own unique way—stop for a selfie at iconic sites, let your imagination run wild, and let every twisty mountain road call “action!”
With a basket of memories, a notebook full of stories, a group of friends, and a camera with wonder, your West Virginia film journey will leave you cheering for an encore. Now—lights, camera, adventure! Where will your story begin?
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