Hinton is a town with a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere. The wealth of museums in the area—including the Hinton Railroad Museum and the Woods Clock Museum—speak to the importance of the past in present day Hinton. The New River runs through Hinton and offers recreational opportunities in the form of canoeing and fishing.The annual West Virginia Water Festival also spotlights the river culture in the area and features live entertainment, food and vendors. There are a number of parks in the area (including Bellepoint Park and the City Side-Track Park) that offer basketball and volleyball courts as well as restrooms, playgrounds and more. One of the more unqiue displays in Hinton is the John Henry Woodcarving Exhibit, a depiction of the mythical John Henry and his work on the local railroad. For more history, the Hinton National Historic District offers a wide variety of information and buildings to explore.