Is Hinton Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Hinton, West Virginia, is a small Appalachian mountain town along the banks of the New River.

The city flourished as a key railroad town for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in the early 19th Century, which brought industry and people to this once-remote area.

Today, Hinton retains much of its historic charm, with the Hinton Historic District showcasing well-preserved architecture from its railroad heyday.

With a population of just over 2,000, Hinton offers a slow-paced, welcoming atmosphere.

The town sits on a bend of the New River, one of the oldest rivers in North America.

It is also at the southern end of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which is known for its epic rafting, rock climbing, and scenic views from dozens of hiking trails.

The Sandstone Falls section of the park, where the river dramatically cascades over a series of ledges, is particularly close to Hinton and provides stunning views.

The best times to visit Hinton are in the spring and fall.

Spring brings wildflowers, blooming trees, and milder temperatures, ideal for hiking or exploring the historic district.

Fall is especially beautiful, as the surrounding hills transform with vibrant autumn colors, drawing leaf-peepers from all over.

Summer is perfect for water-based activities on the New River and nearby Bluestone Lake, while winter offers a quieter experience, with fewer crowds and the occasional dusting of snow highlighting the town’s historic buildings.

Hinton offers a unique slice of West Virginia that captures the heart of Appalachia and celebrates one of the newest parks in the National Park Service system.

Warnings & Dangers in Hinton

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk in Hinton, as it’s a very small town anchoring some great outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a touristy town with a lot of “indoorsy” things to do, this isn’t the place for you.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You’ll need a vehicle to get around Hinton and the New River region. Public transportation doesn’t extend to the city, but Amtrak does stop in town. Taxis and rideshares will be found sparingly.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

No pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in Hinton over the past five years. The risk of theft is low overall but even lower with this particular type of theft.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Hinton faces a medium risk, primarily from flooding due to its location along the New River and surrounding mountainous terrain. Occasional severe thunderstorms, winter storms, and landslides also pose risks.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robbery is another low risk in Hinton, with only about one happening each year. I’m only half joking when I say there’s a better chance of a bear robbing you than a person.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There are no known significant threats or vulnerabilities related to terrorism in Hinton. The risk is low, but illegal drugs are a problem across the state. Report any suspicious activity you see to the local police.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. The most common concerns here are spoofed phone calls, largely targeting residents, not visitors.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime data or recent headlines stands out that would make a trip here more dangerous for women. Use standard precautions when it comes to personal safety and outdoor safety to have the best experience.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1.

Safest Places to Visit in Hinton

The Hinton website has a section with events, attractions, and amenities.

You can also visit the Explore Summers County website to see a regional look at things to do.

There is a tourist guide available, but you have to give personal information to get access to it.

Downtown Hinton is also a historic district with a collection of shops, restaurants, and other businesses.

Among the dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries is the McCreery Hotel, an old landmark with a unique façade.

The Hinton Railroad Museum is in an old train station and offers a deep dive into the town’s past, including its role as a key hub in the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway system.

You’ll find artifacts, photographs, and model trains that capture the spirit of this once-bustling railroad town.

If you’re interested in a bit of relaxation, Bluestone Lake and Bluestone State Park are excellent spots for water activities like boating and fishing just south of Hinton.

The park also offers camping, picnicking, and hiking, with plenty of places to just enjoy the view of the lake against the backdrop of the Appalachian hills.

Even further south is Pipestem Resort State Park, which has ziplining, a splash park on the lake, and hiking trails.

The resort also has a spa, restaurants, and shops.

Route 20 is a scenic byway that runs 30 miles from Princeton to Hinton.

You’ll pass both of the parks mentioned above along that route, in addition to some small picturesque towns and historic spots.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve’s footprint is long and narrow, with the southern edge right at the doorstep of Hinton.

Sandstone Falls is one of the closest park attractions nearby.

Fall foliage around Hinton and New River Gorge peaks in mid to late October.

Look for the Fall Foliage Map from the West Virginia Tourism Bureau.

Those usually come out in late summer.

The best times of year for rafting trips on the New River are spring and fall, with September and October bringing some of the most robust rapids of the year.

Pairing a rafting trip with the fall foliage is outstanding.

I would also recommend looking up the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.

There are three stops in Summers County, with 43 (and counting) stops along the full route.

If you’d rather just find the ones in Summers County, they are Sandstone Falls, Big Branch Falls, and Pipestem Falls.

Places to Avoid in Hinton

You won’t have to worry about dangerous neighborhoods or bad parts of town.

Hinton is small in terms of population but also by footprint.

It’s just a little more than two square miles in size, laid out like a skinny rectangle.

The drive to New River Gorge National Park takes about 45 minutes from Hinton, but be sure to get the West Virginia Department of Transportation’s real-time traffic map to see about traffic jams leading into the park.

You should also review the West Virginia Turnpike toll information online.

While the toll area doesn’t encompass Hinton, it will impact anyone driving the designated turnpike sections of I-64.

The West Virginia Parkways Authority website has more information.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Hinton

So... How Safe Is Hinton Really?

Hinton hasn’t had more than three violent crimes in a year since 2015, and all the victims were known to their assailants.

The same low rates and risks go for Summers County, with fewer than 15 violent crimes a year going back five years and no strangers being victims of a violent crime.

Theft in Hinton is surprisingly low, with less than 11 a year since 2018.

Shoplifting makes up the bulk of thefts here.

Even across Summers County, the theft rate is low, with about five car break-ins happening each year over the past five years.

The biggest safety risks come with the weather, such as flash flood watches/warnings, severe thunderstorms, or winter storms.

Being along the New River makes for beautiful scenic shots but also brings a healthy number of risks.

Stay informed and don’t make bad decisions, like trying to drive across a flooded road.

Follow this guidance, and you’ll have a great time enjoying the beauty of the New River and Hinton, West Virginia.

How Does Hinton Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Hinton gets a nice blend of all four seasons. Summers are warm, averaging highs in the mid-80s°F, while winters are cold, with lows often in the 20s°F. Spring and fall are mild, with moderate rainfall. The area sees about two feet of winter snow.

Airports

The closest commercial airports to Hinton are Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) in Lewisburg, about an hour's drive, and Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) near Beckley, around 45 minutes away. For larger airports, Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston is roughly 1.5 hours by car, offering more flight options.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Hinton Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City