Overview
Clay is a town of 440 people (as of 2019) in West Virginia. Local residents, enamored of its small-town charm, sometimes call it "Clayberry". It's the county seat of Clay County, whose claim to fame is being the home of the Golden Delicious apple, which was discovered in 1905 and grown commercially in 1912, at a time when apples were predominantly red.
1 things to do · 4 places to eat · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Clay
Clay County Golden Delicious Festival
Held one weekend in mid-September since 1972. Apple baking contest, world's smallest apple pie contest, apple peeling contest, apple eating contest, decorated apple contest, apple archery, chili cook-off, quilt show, pag…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Sep. Summer highs reach about 70°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Snowshoe)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CRW Yeager Airport, Charleston — 28 mi away. Directions
- BKW Raleigh County Memorial Airport, Beaver — 47 mi away. Directions
- CMH John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus — 144 mi away (major hub). Directions
Clay is located on WV-4, which runs from the county border to Sutton in the northeast, and WV-16, from near Parkersburg in the west to Fayetteville in the south.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $15–$39 a night (typical $39), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$110, comfortable ~$200.
Options are grouped as Hotels and motels, Campgrounds and cabins in the Sleep guide ↓.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
Clay is located on WV-4, which runs from the county border to Sutton in the northeast, and WV-16, from near Parkersburg in the west to Fayetteville in the south.
See
- Solomon's Secret, Dundon Hill, +1 304-587-4452. Held annually during two weekends in late September. Outdoor drama about one Cherokee family's struggle to find peace and love in a time of selfishness and destruction. Performances begin at 8PM; admission $8; children 5 & under are free.
- Rush Fork of Big Otter Creek, formerly called Booger Hole, was reportedly once a violent area where thieving, disappearances and murders were commonplace; the unsolved crimes of the area have led some to believe that the hollow is now a paranormally-active site.
Do
- People tend to visit Clay County for its outdoor sports: kayaking, canoeing and fishing on the Elk River and Laurel Creek, and hunting in the Wallback Public Hunting Area.
- Rail Explorers USA opened a division of their rail bike tour attractions here in 2024. This two-hour tour runs along the Elk River and Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad, passing the Devils Sawmill waterfall and crossing the rebuilt Sandfork Bridge. Bookings are recommended.
Events
Do Clay County Golden Delicious Festival
Held one weekend in mid-September since 1972. Apple baking contest, world's smallest apple pie contest, apple peeling contest, apple eating contest, decorated apple contest, apple archery, chili cook-off, quilt show, pageants, amusement rides, karaoke, vendors, parades, fireworks, and live entertainment.
Buy
- Spunky le chat, M-F 9AM to 5PM. A pet store if not mini zoo inspired by the town's hero Spunky. Gift shop and deli are also in the making.
Eat
Eat Betty's Place
1950s-themed restaurant. Try their fried bologna sandwiches and 2-for-$1 hot dogs.
Eat Freda's Restaurant
Breakfast all day long, however sometimes they will not make all of their breakfast items such as biscuits any time of the day. Friday night music, dancing and karaoke.
- Go-Mart deli. Junction Rt 4 & 16. The town hang out. Serves the best mashed potatoes and potato wedges in Clay County. Offers everything from chicken dinners, pizza, hamburgers to Chinese food.
Eat Breakfast Club
Serving breakfast, lunch, appetizers, gourmet salads and sandwiches.
Eat Country Kitchen
Breakfast, lunch, & gourmet salads.
Sleep
Hotels and motels
- Country Inn, exit 40 off I-79 in Ivydale, +1 304-286-3300. RV camping available. Motel $35-40, RVs $10.
Stay Historic Henry Clay Hotel & Restaurant
Campgrounds and cabins
- Bessie Braley's Campground, in Ivydale, +1 304-286-2904.
Stay Curry's Cabin
In Duck. Open year-round; call for reservations. 100-year-old farmhouse on 80 private acres bordering the Wallback Public Hunting Area. 4 twin beds, 1 full bed.
- Jinx's Cozy Outdoor Inn, About one mile up Adonijah Hollow. Set apart from other sleeping arrangements. There is one main cabin, where food is served three times a day. Choose the tent you like from tents that sleep 2, 4, or 8 people. Bears, and panthers no longer a problem on camping grounds. $15-45.
Go next
- Sutton is about 50 minutes northeast on WV-36 / I-79.
- Charleston is about 1 hour southwest on WV-36 / I-79.
- Fayetteville is about 1 hour south on WV-16.
- Summersville is about 1 hour southeast on CR-19.
Nearby
Summersville
City / town · 15 listings · 18 mi away
Sutton
City / town · 28 listings · 24 mi away
Spencer
City / town · 8 listings · 28 mi away
Fayetteville
City / town · 21 listings · 28 mi away
Charleston
City / town · 64 listings · 31 mi away
Oak Hill
City / town · 12 listings · 33 mi away
Richwood
City / town · 12 listings · 34 mi away
New River Gorge
Park · 3 listings · 35 mi away
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