County Guide • Tygart Valley Region • West Virginia

Upshur County, West Virginia

An in-depth guide to Upshur County — its towns, landmarks, economy, and the real travel patterns that shape how residents shop, work, and access services across the Tygart Valley and North-Central West Virginia.

County Seat
Buckhannon
Region
Tygart Valley
Major Routes
US-33 • WV-20 • WV-15
Common Service Hubs
Buckhannon • Clarksburg-Bridgeport • Weston

About Upshur County

Upshur County sits at the heart of the Tygart Valley region, anchored by Buckhannon and shaped by higher education, small business activity, and strong regional travel connections. The county balances a walkable historic downtown with rural communities that rely on nearby hubs for expanded services.

Its central location along U.S. Route 33 places Upshur County in a natural connector role between Lewis, Barbour, Randolph, and Harrison counties, making it an important crossroads for commerce, education, and healthcare.

Towns & Communities in Upshur County

Buckhannon
County seat and primary hub, home to West Virginia Wesleyan College, a historic downtown, healthcare services, and regional shopping.
Rock Cave
A small rural community reflecting the agricultural and residential character of southern Upshur County.
French Creek
A quiet community with historic roots and strong ties to Buckhannon for work, education, and services.

Landmarks, Culture & Outdoor Places

  • West Virginia Wesleyan College: A major educational and cultural anchor for the county.
  • Jawbone Park: A community park and trail system in downtown Buckhannon.
  • Buckhannon River: Central to the county’s history, recreation, and identity.
  • Strawberry Festival: A long-running annual event drawing visitors from across the region.

Economy & Work Life

Upshur County’s economy is driven by education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, construction, and small businesses. Buckhannon serves as an employment center not only for county residents but also for commuters from surrounding counties.

How Residents Travel for Shopping & Services

Everyday Needs (0–15 minutes)
Daily shopping, schools, dining, and healthcare centered in Buckhannon.
Weekly Errands (20–40 minutes)
Larger retail, specialty services, and appointments toward Clarksburg-Bridgeport and Weston.
Destination Trips (45–70 minutes)
Major healthcare systems, courts, and extended shopping in Morgantown or other large regional centers.

Regional Connections

Upshur County maintains strong connections with Lewis, Barbour, Randolph, and Harrison counties, forming a shared travel and service network across the Tygart Valley and North-Central West Virginia.

County pages are written to reflect real-world community behavior and regional connections across the Tygart Valley.