Preston County, West Virginia

Preston County sits along West Virginia’s borders with Maryland and Pennsylvania, surrounded by rolling hills, wooded valleys, and hardworking communities. The county is especially known for its buckwheat, a local tradition celebrated each fall during the famous Buckwheat Festival.

Adventure seekers have plenty to enjoy here, thanks to the Cheat River, which winds through the county and creates exciting whitewater rapids. But Preston County isn’t all about thrills. The surrounding mountains may not be the tallest in West Virginia, but their beauty changes with every season.

Kingwood, the county seat, has a classic small-town atmosphere that feels increasingly rare. Visitors can explore historic covered bridges scattered throughout the countryside, while nearby sections of the Monongahela National Forest offer beautiful scenery and outdoor opportunities.

CategoryDetails
County NamePreston County
County SeatKingwood
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesKingwood, Terra Alta, Rowlesburg, Bruceton Mills, Masontown
Interstates and HighwaysUS-50, WV-7, WV-26
EtymologyNamed after James Patton Preston, a Governor of Virginia
FIPS Code54-077
Total Area (Land and Water)651 sq mi (Land: 649 sq mi; Water: 2 sq mi)
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.4756° N, 79.6945° W
Major LandmarksCathedral State Park, Cheat River, Tygart Lake State Park
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) Fayette County, Pennsylvania (North), Garrett County, Maryland (East), Tucker County (South), Barbour County (Southwest), Taylor County (West), Monongalia County (Northwest), Grant County (Southeast)
PopulationApproximately 34,000
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