Overview
Welch is a town of 1,600 people (as of 2019) in West Virginia, and the county seat of McDowell County. Incorporated in 1894, it was named for Confederate captain Isaiah A. Welch, who founded the city and was a leader in the area's coal development. Historically, Welch was a prosperous coal town, but the community fell on severely hard times when the coal boom of the early 20th century came to an end. The area still suffers from regular flooding, which has kept the economy depressed.
These days, the area has become well-known for its connection to author Homer Hickam Jr, a native of nearby Coalwood, whose 1998 autobiographical book Rocket Boys: A Memoir was adapted as the 1999 film October Sky.
4 sights · 2 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 Welch
McDowell County Courthouse
An imposing Romanesque Revival style stone building atop a hillside overlooking downtown. The courtyard steps were infamously the site of the murders of Edward Chambers and Sid Hatfield, who was the sheriff of nearby Mat…
Berwind Lake Wildlife Area
18,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain and 20-acre lake, with picnic areas, swimming pool, hiking trails, hunting and fishing. 8 camping sites.
The Pocahontas Theatre
3 screens.
Panther State Forest
South of Panther. Swimming, picnicking, hiking, hunting and fishing. 6 rustic camping sites. Camping $13.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Wettest: Sep and Jun. (climate data from nearby Boone)
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.
- BKW Raleigh County Memorial Airport, Beaver — 35 mi away. Directions
- CRW Yeager Airport, Charleston — 65 mi away. Directions
- GSO Piedmont Triad International Airport, Greensboro — 130 mi away (major hub). Directions
Welch is located on US-52 between Williamson in the west and Bluefield in the east.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning McDowell County Courthouse, Berwind Lake Wildlife Area
- Lunch Sterling Drive Inn
- Afternoon The Pocahontas Theatre, Panther State Forest
- Dinner Ya'Sou Deli
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
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
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Welch is located on US-52 between Williamson in the west and Bluefield in the east.
See
See McDowell County Courthouse
An imposing Romanesque Revival style stone building atop a hillside overlooking downtown. The courtyard steps were infamously the site of the murders of Edward Chambers and Sid Hatfield, who was the sheriff of nearby Matewan and an outspoken union organizer, by agents of the coal company.
- Many abandoned tipples, which were used to transport coal and slate to dump sites, can be seen throughout the county.
- The interestingly-named town of War, a mining community on WV-16. Homer Hickam's 1960 science fair award was on display in Big Creek High School, which unfortunately was demolished after catching fire in 2015.
Do
Events
- Autumn Harvest Festival. Live entertainment, fairground rides, food booths.
- October Sky Festival, in Coalwood. Held annually in early October. Book signings by Homer Hickam and the Rocket Boys, representatives from NASA and Space Camp USA, rocket shootings, parade, speeches, live entertainment, food and souvenir booths.
Buy
- If you want a local souvenir, the Coalwood Community United Methodist Church has published a cookbook entitled Cooking the Coalwood Way with favorite regional recipes.
- As McDowell County is the heart of West Virginia's coal-mining territory, coal sculptures are also a popular local souvenir.
Eat
- Friendly Mart Diner, in Panther, +1 304-938-3031. Try the slaw-topped hot dogs and french fries.
Eat Sterling Drive Inn
Try their famous submarines with deep-fried buns.
Eat Ya'Sou Deli
Breakfasts, subs, sandwiches and Greek dishes.
Sleep
Motels
- Count Gilu Motel, Vocational School Road, 304-436-3041.
Stay Pocahontas Motel
Bed and Breakfasts
Campgrounds
Go next
- Bluefield is about 1 hour southeast on US-52.
- Williamson is a little over 1.5 hours northwest on US-52.
- Pineville is less than 30 minutes north on WV-16
Nearby
Pineville
City / town · 5 listings · 10 mi away
Mullens
City / town · 6 listings · 15 mi away
Bramwell
City / town · 13 listings · 17 mi away
Gilbert
City / town · 12 listings · 20 mi away
Bluefield
City / town · 22 listings · 23 mi away
Princeton
City / town · 30 listings · 27 mi away
Grundy
City / town · 3 listings · 31 mi away
Beckley
City / town · 24 listings · 32 mi away
My experience
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