west virginia road trip route

Our Epic 7-Day West Virginia Road Trip Itinerary [2024]

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Check out our ultimate West Virginia road trip itinerary – An epic 7 days full of country roads, hiking trails, waterfalls, and more. 

When you think of West Virginia, what comes to mind? Is it towering gorges, dense forests and turbulent waterfalls?

What about spectacular hikes, fascinating history and quaint European-style villages?

All this and plenty more awaits travelers who are looking for an off-beat adventure through one of the United States’ most interesting destinations.

While West Virginia isn’t usually on the list of tourists top locations to check out on a US road trip, it definitely should be!

Especially if you love outdoor recreation and adventures, because West Virginia is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone who loves exploring nature. 

West Virginia is the 10th smallest state in the United States, and its small size makes it a great destination for road trips.

Nicknamed “The Mountain State”, this is the only state that lies completely within the Appalachian Mountain region. 

That means West Virginia is overflowing with lakes, rivers, gorges, waterfalls, forests, and of course, mountains. 

In addition to the variety of natural beauty and adventure activities, the state is also full of history. There are historical towns and landmarks scattered all over the place. 

The best way to see all the history and nature of the area is with an epic West Virginia road trip.

Fly into Washington DC , rent a car, and embark on a journey through the winding forest roads and charming historic towns. 

After recently completing a wonderful West Virginia road trip ourselves, we wanted to share our favorite places and experiences.

We have included our suggested 7 day West Virginia road trip itinerary, as well as some other tips and advice based on our own travels.

Ready to hit the road? Let’s get into it.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Table of Contents

The Best Time For Your West Virginia Road Trip

Explore downtown.

• Walk or Bike along Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath

Harpers Ferry Town

Appalachian national scenic trail, maryland heights trailhead, climb seneca rocks, blackwater falls, albert falls, douglas falls, blackwater canyon trail, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, visit cathedral falls, hike long point trail, canyon rim visitor center, drive the fayette station road, new river gorge bridge, nuttallburg mine sites, go on a whitewater rafting trip, mountain biking, got more time in west virginia, fly into washington d.c., renting a car, accommodation for a west virginia road trip.

West Virginia is a state full of outdoor recreation. As this itinerary is focused on outdoor adventures, we think the best time to plan a West Virginia road trip is either in Spring or Autumn.

Spring or Autumn, particularly the months of May, September, or October, have pleasant weather that isn’t too hot or too cold. 

We did our West Virginia road trip in May and the weather was lovely. May is late Spring, so the weather was warming up but the summer crowds hadn’t hit yet. 

Early Autumn is also an amazing time for a West Virginia road trip. You’ll get to see that stunning fall foliage as the leaves change from green to brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows.

The mornings and nights can get a little chilly, so pack some extra layers just in case.

Try to avoid visiting West Virginia in July and August when the heat and crowds are both at their highest.

In the USA, July and August are the busiest months for travel due to summer school holidays, so many attractions are jam-packed with kids and families. 

West Virginia Road Trip Itinerary

Now let’s get into the ultimate West Virginia road trip itinerary for adventure lovers!

We had a blast exploring all of West Virginia’s scenic attractions, so we hope this article inspires other travelers in the USA to visit this underrated state. 

Day 1 – Drive to Shepherdstown

Start your road trip by driving about an hour and a half from Washington DC to Shepherdstown. This is where you will spend the afternoon and the night. 

Shepherdstown is a quaint college town in West Virginia situated on the banks of the Potomac River.

You can easily fill an afternoon here exploring the streets, walking along the river, or sipping on a drink in a cafe. It is a great half-day trip.

If you are interested in the Antietam National Battlefield , the site of one of the Civil War’s most brutal and deadly battles, you can visit that while you’re in town.

The Shepherdstown Museum is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about this.

Here are some other fun things to do in Shepherdstown.

With the many historic buildings lining the streets, you might feel like you’re in Europe instead of the United States. 

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, and museums to explore. We went into many of the stores and enjoyed looking around. The locals were so welcoming and were always up for a great conversation.

Grab a delicious coffee at the Lost Dog Coffee Fine Arts Drink Emporium in the early afternoon to keep your day going or in the morning to get your day started. 

Walk down some of the residential streets and you will see the colorful European-style houses.

Free parking can be hard to find downtown. We recommend leaving your car at your accommodation and going for a walk.

If you are there on the weekend, there is free parking at the University lot at the corner of Princess and High Streets.

Walk or Bike along  Chesapeake & Ohio Canal  Towpath

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath (also referred to as the C&O Canal Towpath) is a dirt and stone trail that runs along the border of West Virginia and Maryland.

The trail goes through Shepherdstown and is a great way to get outdoors and learn a little about the history of the area.

The 297km (184.5 mile) pathway follows the Potomac River. It is a great path for walking, running, or biking. Check with your accommodation where you can rent a bicycle!

Along the path, you’ll find informational signs about the area and what happened in that particular spot.

The Potomac River was a lifeline for the communities in the past. Coal, Lumber, and agricultural products would float down the waterway to the local market.

The path was originally built for the canal mules to walk beside the canal towing their canal boats through the waterway.

This trail is definitely worth walking along in the afternoon or early morning.

Day 2 – Drive to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Next on your West Virginia road trip is  Harpers Ferry National Historical Park , which is only a 20-minute drive from Shepherdstown.

The historical park consists of 4,000 acres of parkland spread out across three states. It’s full of historic monuments, hiking trails, and more. 

Here are the highlights of the area. 

Within the Historical Park is the town of Harpers Ferry.

This town has a turbulent past and played an important part in the US Civil War. It’s important to learn all about the destinations we visit, both the good and the bad.

Harpers Ferry was a border town during the war between the South and North, and the infamous Battle of Harpers Ferry was fought here on September 12–15, 1862.

Here you can drive deep into the American Civil War history through museums, building displays, battlefields, and information boards. The town thrived mainly during the industrial era of the mid-1800s. 

Today it’s a very popular attraction for millions of people every year, and visiting makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

Don’t miss this spot on your West Virginia road trip! Highlights of the area include:

• John Brown’s Fort
• Jefferson Rock
• St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church
• Ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church

Parking is tight in the town centre. Our advice would be to park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Centre and get the shuttle to the town centre.

Check out our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Harpers Ferry , for more ideas!

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world at 2,180 miles (3,508km) long.

It goes from Maine to Georgia and covers a vast territory across several states.

The trail starts in Harpers Ferry, and from here you can complete a small section of the famous trail if you have time.

Follow the trail from downtown and it will lead you to spectacular views of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, which converge in this corner of West Virginia. 

If you have time on your West Virginia road trip, definitely spend a morning or afternoon walking along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

If you are interested in the  Appalachian Trail , you can visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters.

If hiking is your thing, then you’ll be spoilt for choice in Harpers Ferry, one of West Virginia’s top tourist attractions. 

Maryland Heights Trailhead is another incredible hike in the area. You will traverse forests and hills and enjoy a gorgeous overlook from Bolivar Hill.

The shorter hike is about 7.4km return and it’s moderately challenging.

It will take about 2.5 hours before you reach the beautiful viewpoint. This hike is well known, so you will not be the only one on the trail. It is popular for bird watchers, runners, other hikers and dog walkers.

If you are keen to do the longer hike, this one will take you 3.5 hours and continues on from the lookout point.

There is great signage for both hikes.

Day 3 – Head Out To Seneca Rocks

From Harpers Ferry, make your way towards Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.

This national recreation area is located in the Monongahela National Forest of eastern West Virginia, and it’s a great stop on your road trip. 

As this is a mountain state, hiking is great in so many areas, especially this one. This area is known for the hikes of  Seneca Rocks  (478m) and  Spruce Knob  (1482m), which is the highest point in West Virginia.

On the way stop off at the Lost River Trading Post, which is a great halfway point. This place has everything. We are not joking. From food to artwork to home decor, you can pick up a gem here if you have room in your suitcase.

This is obviously the must-do activity in the area!

When we heard that this amazing hike is meant to be one of the most beautiful trails in West Virginia, we had to do it. So we took a little detour on our road trip to see what all the fuss was about.

The hike is called the Seneca Rocks Trail. The 5.8km return walk cuts through gorgeous forests all the way up to an incredible viewpoint where you can see for miles. It will take you about 2 hours to head up and back.

Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area is well known for hiking and there is also some great rock climbing. We will have to do some rock climbing next time we visit.

If you are keen to hit some more hiking trails, head to the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center to find out more information about the area.

You can also head deeper into Monongahela National Forest and explore the area more if you have time on your road trip.

Day 4 – Head to Blackwater Falls State Park

From Seneca Rocks,  Blackwater Falls State Park  is about an hour’s drive.

It is located in the Allegheny Mountains in the Canaan Valley. This state park got its name from the   amber waters of Blackwater Falls, which is one of the best things to see on any West Virginia road trip. 

This area of West Virginia is most well known for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails. Here are some of the highlights of the area. 

This is not your average-looking waterfall! We had no idea it was going to be this grand.

We parked the car and walked down the short trail and could hear it tumbling, but it still amazed us when we first caught sight of it.

Blackwater Falls is an 18.8 meter (62 foot) cascade where the Blackwater River flows down the Canaan Valley into the rugged Blackwater Canyon.

It is a short walk down the path until you reach the first observation deck where you can view the waterfall. There is an upper deck and a lower deck.

If you have a drone with you, you can get a drone permit from the lodge. This is what we did and got some great shots.

Another beautiful waterfall along the Blackwater River is Albert Falls. This relatively unknown waterfall tumbles over red sandstone and into a wide, deep natural pool. 

It branches off the North Fork of the Blackwater River. 

To reach Albert Falls, follow Douglas Road until you see the turn-off for Rail Falls Road. This road is gated, so you’ll have to walk just under a mile before you reach the falls. 

READ NEXT: Consider a short trip to neighboring Virginia with all the best things to do in Richmond !

Douglas Falls is another lovely waterfall you can find if you continue past Albert Falls. 

This waterfall is taller than Albert Falls, and it drops into an emerald pool of fresh water. The surrounding rocks have a unique, brassy orange tint to them from West Virginia’s coal mining days. 

It’s another gorgeous spot that is worth checking out during your West Virginia road trip. 

For the ultimate outdoor adventure, check out the Blackwater Canyon Trail. This 10.5-mile long hiking and mountain biking trail covers the best scenery of Blackwater Canyon. 

It includes a steep ascent up Backbone Mountain and passes by numerous historic sites from the building of the railroads in the 1800s. 

If you’re hitting the trail on a mountain bike, it should only take about an hour. Hiking will take longer, so make sure you have enough time in your West Virginia road trip schedule. 

For more hiking in the Appalachian region, head over to Asheville, North Carolina !

Day 5 – Summersville/ New River Gorge National Park

From the Blackwater Falls State Park in Canaan Valley, make your way towards Summersville. It should take you about 2.5 -3 hours.

Summersville has many things to do. From hiking in the mountains to exploring the lake, this is a popular destination on any West Virginia road trip. 

Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia, and one of the cleanest lakes east of the Mississippi River. So bring your bathing suit and get out on the water!

Here are some of the top activities in the area:

Because the lake is so huge and clear, it’s the perfect spot for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. Cruise around the lake and admire the sandstone cliffs, green forests, and peaceful scenery. 

Both kayaks and SUPs are easy to use and popular among locals and tourists around the lake. 

There are a few places to rent kayaks and SUPs around Summersville Lake. All of these are reputable local companies with great reviews. 

• Sarge’s Dive Shop
• Lakeside Outfitters
• Summersville Lake Retreat

Another one of the best things to do just outside of Summersville during your West Virginia road trip is visiting Cathedral Falls. 

This beautiful waterfall is easily accessible from US Route 60. The stream begins up on Gauley Mountain, which is just outside the West Virginia town of Gauley Bridge. 

Tumbling down 100 feet through a canyon towards the New River, the creek passes over sandstone ledges and creates the magnificent Cathedral Falls. 

You can see the falls by following a short walk just off the side of the road outside Gauley Bridge. It’s easy to reach and well worth a stop when you visit West Virginia. 

Once you have spent some time kayaking, paddleboarding, and chasing waterfalls, consider embarking on a hike. 

The Long Point Trail is a local favorite in West Virginia. It is relatively short at just 1.6 miles long, but it’s moderately challenging. 

The trail snakes through the forest and brings you to a rocky outcrop known as Long Point. From here, you can admire the views of the New River Bridge and Gorge surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. 

Day 6 – New River Gorge National Park

The next stop on your West Virginia road trip is  New River Gorge National Park . This is the USA’s newest national park and it is full of adventure activities.

The nearest town to the New River Gorge is Lansing. This is a great place to base yourself for all the best adventures. Lansing is only a 30-minute drive away from Summersville so not a long drive at all. 

The town of Fayette is just over the New River Gorge Bridge, if this is a better option for you or if you need supplies for your water adventures.

With over 70,000 acres of land and one of the world’s oldest rivers, you have to stop here if you are up for an adventure.

Here are the top things to do on this portion of your West Virginia road trip. 

The first thing you should do in the area is stop at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. This is where you can plan your activities and get some local advice. The workers here are so helpful and are happy to help you plan your adventure. 

They have a short video about the area that is a great introduction to New River Gorge National Park.

This is a true highlight of West Virginia, so definitely take the time to chat to the locals, plan some activities, and really make the most of this place. 

• Address:  162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing, WV 25862
• Hours:  9am – 5pm daily

Fayette Station Road is a highlight of West Virginia. This one hundred-year-old road winds all the way down the gorge to the bottom, across a narrow bridge, and up the other side.

You can stop off at viewpoints along the way and read about the history on the information boards. It is truly one of the best ways to see all the scenery of the area, as the road traverses the entire gorge. 

Because you already have a car for your West Virginia road trip, it is absolutely worth taking a few hours to just drive this scenic road and admire some of the best views in West Virginia. 

Keep in mind, the road is very windy and is not suitable for large vehicles like RVs or campervans. It is also not recommended in winter weather when the roads can be icy. 

Check out the New River Gorge Bridge, the most famous landmark in the park. When it was built in 2003, it was the largest steel arch bridge in the world. 

Now it is the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the United States. It is a sight to see, and it’s a beloved landmark of West Virginia. 

If you hike the Long Point Trail or drive the Fayette Station Road, you will get wonderful views of the bridge. 

Nuttallburg was an unincorporated community named by English pioneer John Nuttall who discovered coal in the area. It once was a little community town with homes and even a post office until 1955 when it was closed. It is no longer inhabited today and has become a popular attraction to see in West Virginia. 

The hiking trail to the site 3.5km and it is quite steep. Park at the Short Creek parking lot, walk about half a kilometre up a gravel road, then you arrive at the Headhouse trailhead. 

The old mining site has not been restored. It appears that it was abandoned and you will get to explore it as it was left. If you want to see some mining history, then this is a great place to visit on your West Virginia road trip.

Nuttallburg is located not too far from Lansing. You can hike down or take a narrow windy road.

Read next: The 21 Best Things To Do In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Day 7 – New River Gorge National Park

With another day in this beautiful national park, it’s time to take on one of the best activities in West Virginia: whitewater rafting. 

This area of West Virginia has some of the best whitewater rafting on the east coast of the United States. This is a must on your West Virginia road trip!

The New River is the oldest river in the United States and the second oldest river in the world, estimated to be anywhere between 10 and 360 million years old. 

Make the most of your trip by rafting down this ancient body of water, through the lush West Virginia scenery. 

We headed out on the New River with the  Adventures on the Gorge  tour company to tackle a bunch of class 4 and class 5 rapids.

It was the first time either of us had rafted through rapids that big, and we loved every second of it.

If you are interested in a rafting trip, you will love West Virginia! We recommend dedicating your whole day to this adrenaline-pumping activity.

Relax for the rest of the day, and gather your energy for one more day of your West Virginia road trip. 

Have an Extra Day? Stay New River Gorge National Park

Spend the last day of your West Virginia road trip tackling any more activities in New River Gorge National Park that you haven’t gotten to yet. 

It’s a great idea to spend a full 3 days here as there is so much to do and it is one of the best places to visit in West Virginia. 

Another fun activity to include in your West Virginia road trip is ziplining. 

Imagine soaring through the forest as high as the treetops and feeling the cool Appalachian air on your face. Ziplining allows you to explore the gorge area from an exciting new perspective. 

It’s a great adventure activity for those who live a thrill, and it’s less intimidating than something like skydiving or bungee jumping. 

Here are some amazing local tour companies with top-rated ziplining packages. 

• Ace Adventure Resort
• Adventures on the Gorge
• Adrenaline: Zipline West Virginia

If you’re into mountain biking, a road trip through West Virginia will bring you to some of the Appalachian Mountains’ best trails. 

The entire New River Gorge area has a wide variety of trails. There are long ones, short ones, easy ones, and challenging ones. Check out the  National Park Service website  for a detailed list of all the trails.

If you’re completing your entire West Virginia road trip by car without flying in, you can bring your own bikes with you. 

But if you’re flying into West Virginia and you have no gear for your road trip, you can rent bikes at any of the following spots: 

• Arrowhead Bike Farm
• New River Bikes
• Adventures on the Gorge  doesn’t have bike rentals, but they offer guided mountain bike tours

If you have longer on your West Virginia road trip and are looking for some more things to do, check out our suggestions below.

• Stay longer in the New River Gorge area and do more adventure activities. Go rock climbing, repel down the cliff face, go caving or horseback riding.
• Check out the Highland Scenic Highway
• Head to Charleston, the state capital city. Check out the West Virginia state museum, drink some local craft beers, and check out the city center.

How to Get Around for Your West Virginia Road Trip

Now that we’ve covered the best things to do on your West Virginia road trip, here are our tips for planning transportation.

Of course, you’ll need a car, and depending on where you are coming from, you may need to fly into West Virginia. 

Hopefully, these recommendations will help you feel prepared for the best West Virginia road trip!

Washington DC is your best airport to fly into for your West Virginia road trip. West Virginia itself doesn’t have many large international airports, except around the borders with other states. 

Because Washington DC is a huge international travel destination, there are many flights available and rental car companies available. There are three major airports to choose from: 

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) 
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

There are many airlines that fly into one of the above airports. Choose which would be best for you, as you will most likely fly out of the same airport after completing your West Virginia road trip. 

Check out our list of the best things to do in Washington DC if you have some time there before your road trip!

Picking up a rental car from the airport is your best option. You have a few companies to choose from at the airport. You can leave straight from there and get into your West Virginia road trip.

We would recommend a medium/small car. You’ll be driving mostly along quaint country roads, with the occasional dirt track. Some of the mountain roads are winding and may be more comfortable with a smaller car. 

But if you would prefer to use a large vehicle such as a campervan or RV, you can still have an amazing West Virginia road trip. You just may have to skip the skinnier roads such as the Fayette Station road. 

There are great hotels, Airbnbs, and campgrounds around West Virginia. If you are traveling with an RV or campervan, or you are transporting your own camping equipment, check out  this list  of West Virginia state park campgrounds. 

But if you’re driving a normal car and you just want to find accommodations throughout your West Virginia road trip, there are lots of great options. 

Booking.com  has a huge selection of hotels and guesthouses. You can also check Airbnb for local homestays and guesthouses. 

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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7 Day West Virginia Road Trip Itinerary: New River Gorge, Canaan Valley, Spruce Knob, & more!

Last updated on September 30th, 2023

Going on a West Virginia road trip? In this guide we’re sharing a West Virginia road trip itinerary, plus where to stay, when to visit, and more! Until a few months ago, we didn’t know much about West Virginia. And it wasn’t really on our radar of places to visit. But after our plans to visit New England in the fall fell through, we started researching a good Plan B. Our criteria was: lots of hikes, beautiful fall foliage, and ideally, not super busy. We somehow stumbled upon a blog post about West Virginia. And we saw the gorgeous nature in the state and we were sold! We spent about a week going on a West Virginia road trip and stopping in cool small towns, hiking, chasing waterfalls, learning history, seeing mountain views, and freaking out over fall foliage. It was one of the best surprises we have had since hitting the road in our van almost a year and a half ago! We loved how natural and remote West Virginia felt. Most of the roads we drove on were country roads (“ take me homeeee! ”), we didn’t see many people on hikes (well, minus the Dolly Sods 😅), and it felt like everywhere we looked, we saw mountains (they don’t call it the Mountain State for nothin’!).

After sharing our adventures on YouTube , we learned that we weren’t alone in not knowing how epic West Virginia is! So we are especially pumped to share this West Virginia road trip itinerary with some of our favorite stops during our adventures so you can recreate it for yourself! This West Virginia itinerary is for 7 days, which will give you enough time to see most of the spots we visited (and spend more time in some of them), but if you have more time, we’re including some other spots at the end that you should check out as well. We hope you enjoy wild and wonderful West Virginia as much as we did!

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

About West Virginia

West virginia road trip route, when to visit west virginia, getting to west virginia, getting around west virginia, where to stay in west virginia, 7 day west virginia road trip itinerary, have an extra day or two.

As we mentioned above, West Virginia is nicknamed “The Mountain State” because not only is the state home to many mountains and is the third most forested state, it’s the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain range. With mountains, rivers, lakes, valleys, gorges, small and medium towns, skiing and winter activities, and interesting history, the state is home to about anything you could possibly want, minus maybe a professional sports team and the ocean.  Despite being located within a day’s drive from 75% of the US population, it doesn’t feel crowded or over developed. And you’ll experience much more solitude compared to neighboring states.

This West Virginia road trip route is almost identical to our trip. But with a little bit more time in some places and without one stop that is a bit more out of the way. Want to see our exact trip? Watch our road trip here . While this West Virginia itinerary isn’t an exhaustive list of all of the best things to do in West Virginia, as there are some amazing spots we missed, it is a great starting point if it’s your first time in the state!  In this West Virginia road trip we’re including:

• Blackwater Falls State Park
• Canaan Valley (Read our Canaan Valley guide !)
• Dolly Sods Wilderness
• Seneca Rocks (or our favorite…NROCKS!)
• Spruce Knob
• The New River Gorge

This itinerary is meant to be super modifiable to make the trip perfect for you! We’re including a variety of options for restaurants and activities so you can customize it to fit your tastes and preferences.  And if you have less than 7 days, you can cut down the itinerary to just visit the spots that excite you the most. Have more than 7 days? We’re including a few extra options at the end that you can check out too!

While the weather varies a little bit across the state, West Virginia is a state that you can visit year-round and still have a great time! The winters are cold (but not horrible ) and there are lots of winter activities across the state. Like skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, and sledding, which makes the colder weather a lot more fun! You also may have the chance to see frozen waterfalls, which are magical! In the spring , the temperature starts to warm up a bit. Wildflowers will pop out. And the waterfalls will also be especially raging this time of the year due to the snow melting. This is also a quieter time of the year to visit. So if you dislike crowds, this may be a good season to go! During the summer , the temperatures are pretty mild compared to some parts of the United States, but it can be humid. The crowds may also be higher during this part of the year due to summer vacations. But if you want to hike and be out on the water, this would be a great time to visit! We visited in the fall , during the end of September and early October. And not only was the weather incredible, minus a rainy day or two, but we got to see a lot of fall foliage across the state! The peak foliage varies depending on what part of the state you’re in. But the late September to mid-October time frame will give you a chance to see some areas at their most colorful. We didn’t think the crowds were too bad during the fall. But we definitely noticed more people at some of the popular spots and in areas with lots of foliage. This West Virginia road trip itinerary is geared more towards warmer weather activities. Like hiking and rafting instead of snow sports. So to enjoy this itinerary to its fullest, we’d suggest visiting between May and October !

With West Virginia being within a day’s drive to 75% of the US population, it is pretty close to many major cities. However, the state is only home to one major airport, Yeager Airport in Charleston, WV (the state capitol). American Airlines, Delta, United, and Spirit fly in and out of this airport. With non-stop service from Charlotte, DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Myrtle Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The Yeager Airport is 2.5 hours from the starting point of this guide. Which is Morgantown, WV, but super convenient to the ending spot of this guide, which is Charleston. So it is a pretty good option if you’re flying into West Virginia! You could also fly into the Morgantown Municipal Airport , which has non-stop flights to Baltimore and Pittsburgh. This would be a convenient airport for the start of your West Virginia road trip. But your flight options will be very limited. If you want more flight options, we’d suggest flying into the Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania. This is the largest airport nearby and you’d have a higher chance of getting a non-stop flight or a more affordable flight. The Pittsburgh airport is only 1.5 hours from Morgantown, WV, but it is 3.5 hours from Charleston, the ending point of this guide.  Live nearby and want to drive to West Virginia? Here is how long the drive is from some nearby major cities.

• Pittsburgh, PA : 1.5 hours from Morgantown, 3.5 hours from Charleston
• Cleveland, OH : 3 hours 15 minutes from Morgantown, 3 hours 45 minutes from Charleston
• Columbus, OH : 3.5 hours from Morgantown, 2 hours 45 minutes from Charleston
• Washington, DC : 3.5 hours from Morgantown, 5.5 hours from Charleston
• Baltimore, MD: 3.5 hours from Morgantown, 5.5 hours from Charleston
• Cincinnati, OH : 4 hours 45 minutes from Morgantown, 3.5 hours from Charleston
• Richmond, VA : 5 hours from Morgantown, 5 hours from Charleston
• Philadelphia, PA : 5 hours from Morgantown, 7 hours from Charleston
• Lexington, KY : 5 hours from Morgantown, 2 hours 45 minutes from Charleston

To experience all of the best things to do in West Virginia, including the items on this road trip, you’ll definitely want to rent a car if you’re flying in so you can properly explore!  We tried to group the days together on this road trip so some days you’ll drive 1-3 hours and some days you won’t drive at all. But even on the days you do have to drive, the views from the car make it pretty enjoyable!

There are two main areas we would suggest staying while on your West Virginia road trip to limit how often you have to move accommodations: Canaan Valley (Davis & Thomas) and the New River Gorge (Fayetteville) . These two areas are convenient to almost everything on this West Virginia road trip itinerary. So you’ll be able to spend more time adventuring and less time packing and unpacking. We’re listing a variety of accommodations for both areas below. And we will include what area you should stay in each night under each day of the itinerary.

Canaan Valley

From lodges to campgrounds to vacation rentals, there are quite a few options when it comes to where to stay in Canaan Valley. Here is a list of some of the best places to check out for your visit!

Want the comforts of a home, but tucked into nature? The cabins at Blackwater Falls, as well as the neighboring Canaan Valley Resort, offer a mix of cabin types and amenities to choose from! Blackwater Falls State Park Cabins Blackwater Falls State Park is home to 39 fully-furnished cabins. Ranging from classic cabins to vacation cabins, 10 of which are pet friendly. The 26 classic cabins have various room arrangements. And all have water, electricity, a TV, WiFi, kitchens, linen service, and private bathrooms with showers. The 13 vacation cabins have 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, making them great for larger groups. These are a bit higher end and nicer than the classic cabins. And come with a full kitchen and dishwasher, washer and dryer, a gas fireplace, and a porch. Canaan Valley Resort Cabins Canaan Valley Resort also offers cabins and cottages, ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms. All of these cabins or cottages include furnished kitchens, wood burning fireplaces, TV, internet, and even a BBQ grill and fire pit! However, there is no air conditioning in the cabins or cottages, but you will also have access to the other amenities at the resort.  Traveling with your dog? Pets are allowed in 11 of the cabins and cottages for a fee depending on what size room you book.

Canaan Valley is home to two lodges. Which will give you lots of amenities, while still having a rustic, nature-y vibe. Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge is located in the state park, on the southern rim of Blackwater Canyon. The lodge was built in the 1950s and there are 54 rooms, a restaurant on site, fitness center, tennis courts, a game room, and more! While we were not guests at the lodge, we walked inside of the lodge and checked out the views of the canyon from the large back patio! Canaan Valley Resort Lodge This lodge is a much larger and luxurious lodge than Blackwater Falls. With 160 rooms and even nicer amenities, including granite countertops and more room options.  Along with the lush accommodations at the resort, it is also close to some of the top golfing and skiing in the region. The resort is also home to an outdoor pool, which sounds like a nice, relaxing activity after a day full of hiking and adventuring.

Campgrounds

Looking to spend as much time as possible in nature? There are many campgrounds to choose from! Blackwater Falls State Park Campgrounds The campground at Blackwater Falls State Park is open from late April to October 31, weather permitting. There are a total of 65 total tent and trailer sites and 30 of the sites include electric hookups. Normally starting November 1st, the non-electric sites (31-65), as well as the shower house, close, while sites 1-30 stay open. However, the campground is 100% closed for the 2020-2021 winter season. Keep in mind that when booking for Friday and Saturday nights, you must book at least two consecutive nights. Canaan Valley Resort Campground This campground has 34 campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as 3 primitive tent sites. All sites have a fire ring and a picnic table, and the campground has shower and laundry facilities, which are open year-round. There is also WiFi, although it may not be strong. Restrite Campground The Restrite Campground is located close to the entrance of the park, in Davis, WV.  This campground has full electric and water hookups for RVs and trailers and they also have tent camping sites. Almost all of the most recent Google reviews say the campground is very well maintained and the bathrooms are nice and very clean. They don’t seem to have a website, but you can reach them at (304) 259-5569 for reservations and more information. Five River Campground The Five River Campground is about a half an hour drive from Blackwater Falls State Park. They have 160 RV and tent sites with full hookups and dump stations. Amenities include hot showers, restrooms, and a laundromat. While the campground is open year-round, the bath house is only open from April until the end of October. Horseshoe Recreation Area This campground is open from mid-May until mid-September and has both RV and tent sites available for $22/night. It’s also located in a valley along the Horseshoe Run River, where you will find great fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities!

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Vacation Rentals

Want something a little more homey and closer to restaurants? Both Davis and Thomas, two cute towns in Canaan Valley, have a handful of vacation rental options to choose from! Davis Adorable Tiny Home: This 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom tiny home is so incredibly unique!! Charming Loft Cabin: A cute 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit that sleeps 4. 2 Bedroom Townhouse : This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse sleeps 6.  Thomas Tiny Home in Thomas #1 : A beautiful brand new 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom tiny home near the Purple Fiddle in Thomas. Don’t let the tiny home notion scare you away, this place has everything you’ll need, including a gas fireplace, BBQ, deck, and washer/dryer! Tiny Home in Thomas #2 : This tiny home technically has 2 bedrooms and sleeps 4 people! House in the woods: A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house with lots of privacy and is only 1 mile from Thomas! 2 bd, 2 bth: A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house right in Thomas

The Billy Motel (Davis): This motel looks SO cool! Bright Morning Inn (Davis) Cooper House Bed & Cocktail (Thomas)

New River Gorge

The best area to stay in the New River Gorge is near Fayetteville, which is in the center of all of the action, has some solid restaurants, and is super charming!

Adventures on the Gorge This spot has a variety of cabins, ranging from small to large, as well as basic to more luxurious, all located right by the New River Gorge! Ace Adventure Resort Ace Raft offers 50 different cabin options, all of which look a bit different from one another!  Their options can sleep anywhere from 3 to 16 people, so they have an option for almost any size group. The property also has a few restaurants and a water park, so you can stay fed and entertained while staying there.

Hawk’s Nest State Park Lodge   This state park, which is right by the New River Gorge, has a 31 room lodge. There is also a restaurant on site, a pool, and mini golf!

New River Gorge Campgrounds The NPS has 9 FREE campgrounds around the New River Gorge. These are all primitive campsites, without water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities. These are all first-come, first-served campgrounds and you can stay up to 14 days. Ace Adventure Resort Ace Adventure Resort also offers campsites in addition to their cabins. There are both tent campsites (starting at $15 per person/night) and RV sites (starting at $49/night). The tent camping is mostly in just an open field, so there is no privacy and not all sites have a table and fire pit. You can also rent tents ($10) and sleeping gear ($5), which is a really cool feature we have never seen at a campground before! American Alpine Club Campground This campsite has 40 private campsites, each with a picnic table and elevated tent platform, which cost $30/night if you are not an American Alpine Club member. They also offer communal campsites, which are in an open area, for $12/night for non members. The campground has coin operated showers, communal fire rings, communal grills, and a climbing wall!

New River Tiny House: A cute tiny home that sleeps 4 and is just minutes away from the river adventures. Newly Built Home: This brand new 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has a huge deck with a grill! New River Gorge Cabin: A 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom cabin that sleeps 6 and is pet friendly! The Steel Caboose: It’s a train car turned into a house!! There’s 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a kitchenette. Perfect Basecamp: This is a super cute 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom historic home in downtown Fayetteville.

To be honest, not many of the hotels have great reviews, so the options are a bit more limited. But The Histor ic Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast is a cool spot with lots of historic charm.

Now that you have a better idea of when to visit West Virginia, your options of how to get there, and where to stay, it’s time to start planning what you’ll do on your West Virginia road trip! In this 7 day itinerary below, we’re sharing some of the best things to do in West Virginia. While this list doesn’t include all of the amazing things you can do in the state, it’s full of tons of the must-see highlights if it’s your first trip. And if you have more than 7 days, we’re including some extra ideas at the end too. Ready to see West Virginia? Let’s hit the road!

Day 1: Morgantown, Coopers Rock, & Local Eats

Day 1 of your West Virginia road trip will kick off in Morgantown, which is probably best known for being home to West Virginia University. You’ll enjoy some scenic views and some iconic local West Virginia foods!

• Start your morning with breakfast in downtown Morgantown! A couple good options are The Grind and Blue Moose Cafe .  
• Raven Rock Trail : 2.5 miles, 433 ft of elevation gain. This super rocky trail leads to an amazing overlook of the river! 
• Coopers Rock State Forest Loop : 4.7 miles, 600 ft of elevation gain. Along this trail you’ll see cool rock formations, an old iron furnace, and a pond. This trail is a series of trails, so we recommend using AllTrails to make sure you don’t get lost!  
• Head to Fairmount , a small town just south of Morgantown to try one or two local food specialities !  
• First up: pepperoni rolls ! If you google iconic foods in West Virginia, pepperoni rolls are pretty much always the first to show up. They are basically just rolls with sticks or slices of pepperoni inside and they originated when Italian immigrants worked in the coal mines. Miners would work long hours, and they needed a filling, simple lunch they could take with them into the mines. And in the 1920s, an Italian coal miner named Giuseppe Argiro noticed his coal miner friends eating a stick of pepperoni in one hand and bread in another, so he married the two and created pepperoni rolls. They became so popular that he quit the coal mines and started Country Club Bakery in Fairmont in 1927. We tried our pepperoni rolls at the original spot, Country Club Bakery , which are pretty simple, just pepperoni and bread, but very tasty! We hear Colasessano’s also has amazing pepperoni rolls, but with sauce and cheese in them too!  
• Next, try a West Virginia hot dog ! Similar to pepperoni rolls, hot dogs also became popular in the 1920s around the time of the Great Depression. Hot dogs were cheap and easy to eat when working in the coal mines. And they are now a staple in the state! In West Virginia there is a specific style of hot dog, which includes mustard, onions, sauce (which is basically chili without beans), and slaw. However, there is a bit of a line across the state when it comes to the slaw. In the north, they do not put slaw on them and the focus is more on the sauce, but in the south they put slaw. Since you’ll be in the north, slaw dogs are less common. But if you want to try the slaw dog, head to Woody’s , where you can ask for slaw on top. If you want to try a dog without slaw, head to Yann’s . This is an iconic local spot that is only open Tuesdays-Fridays from 8:30 AM-1:30 PM (or until sold out) and is known for having some spicy sauce. Don’t ask for ketchup or slaw here, it’s strictly mustard, onions, and sauce. And make sure to get chocolate milk! We preferred these over the slaw dogs.  
• Head to the Canaan Valley , where you’ll call home for the night and start exploring tomorrow!    Where to sleep: Canaan Valley

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Day 2: Canaan Valley- Blackwater Falls, Douglas Falls, & Thomas

On day 2 of your West Virginia road trip you’ll begin to explore the Canaan Valley (pronounced “kuh-nayne”), which is located in Northeastern West Virginia in Tucker County. The valley is nestled among the Allegheny Mountains and is 13 miles long and between 3-5 miles wide, with an average elevation of 3,200 feet. And first up: chasing waterfalls at Blackwater Falls State Park and the nearby Douglas Falls, as well as exploring the super cute town of Thomas! For a more detailed list of things to do in the Canaan Valley, check out our Canaan Valley guide ! 

• Wake up bright and early to catch sunrise at Lindy Point at Blackwater Falls State Park ! We know this sounds brutal, but it’s SO worth it! This 0.8 mile hike, which is more of a walk through the woods, takes you to a wooden overlook, which has views in both directions of the mountains, canyon, and rock outcroppings, including a 35 ft rock tower, which makes the view extra unique. We loved seeing the sun pop over the mountains and light up the trees. It was magical! A couple notes: You can go around the viewing platform to stand on some of the large rocks that surround the overlook, but please be careful! Also, parking is a bit tight here, with only room for 4-5 cars, but when we went at sunrise we didn’t see anyone the entire time! If you cannot get a spot, you can park in the ski area 1 mile up the road.  
• If you’re hungry after your sunrise adventure, grab breakfast at The Smokehouse at the Blackwater Falls Lodge. They have a breakfast buffet and the lodge has gorgeous views from the back patio too!  
• Go on a quick hike to Elakala Falls , which starts just to the left of Blackwater Falls Lodge. Once getting on the trail, you’ll follow it for a few minutes before reaching a bridge, which goes over the falls. Look over on the right side to get your first sneak peek! Continue on the trail, which will go down some steep dirt and rocky sections, to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll have a cool view of the bridge, with Elakala Falls running underneath and depending on the water flow, you may be able to walk right up to the falls!  
• Visit the park’s namesake, Blackwater Falls ! This is a 57 ft waterfall that depending on when you visit, may be one giant, wide waterfall or a few different streams of falls. The waterfall gets its name from the amber colored water, which is due to tannic acid from fallen hemlocks and red spruce needles. While the falls themselves were very clear looking for us, you can see the tint in the river that the falls land in. You can park at the trading post, which has a lot of parking spots, and take a 0.4 mile trail down a bunch of wooden steps to two different viewpoints of the falls. One of the viewpoints takes you right next to the falls, while the other is a bit higher up, but gives you a more head on view of the falls. Both are beautiful and we highly recommend stopping at both to see these gorgeous falls!  
• Check out the Pendleton Point Overlook , which similar to Lindy Point, has great views of the canyon and river!  
• Head into the cute town of Thomas! Grab coffee at TipTop , which has amazing coffee and a cool vibe. We visited in late September and they had an incredible canned pumpkin latte. If you visit when they have this, you MUST get it! As a pumpkin latte lover, I can truly say it’s the best I have ever had! As you enjoy your coffee, walk around Thomas and visit some of the cool galleries and shops. We especially loved a store called Bloom !  
• Just a 10 minute drive from Thomas is the beautiful Douglas Falls , which was our favorite waterfall of the day! The drive may be quick, but it is on a dirt road, which can be narrow at times. Our van made it just fine though! As you drive down the road, keep an eye out on the left for old coke ovens from the mines that were in the area. A coke oven is what they used to turn coal into coke, which is used as fuel to melt iron ore. These ovens have given the rocks on the river a reddish, orange color, which you’ll notice on your way to the falls. After a little bit more driving, including on an old wooden bridge, you’ll make it to the parking lot for the falls. Continue on foot along the dirt road until you reach a gate. Go to the left around the gate to make it onto the trail. From here, it’s a short, but steep and slick hike down to the falls, but they do have a rope to help you if needed! Once you make it to the bottom of this steep section, you’ve made it to Douglas Falls! The falls are a gorgeous light blue color, almost like the glacial lakes we have seen in Montana and Canada. You can enjoy the view from here, or continue down the path a bit longer to get a different view. It’s very slick though, so be careful!  
• Head back to Thomas to have dinner at the Purple Fiddle ! This is an iconic spot in the area with food and live music! Warning: they are closed Mondays-Wednesdays. Where to sleep: Canaan Valley

Day 3: Canaan Valley- Dolly Sods

You’ll continue exploring Canaan Valley on day 3 of your road trip with a day exploring the Dolly Sods Wilderness ! This wilderness and scenic area sits atop the highest plateau east of the Mississippi and here you’ll find a unique landscape with flagged trees, wind-carved boulders, heath barrens, and grassy meadows. For a more detailed list of things to do in the Canaan Valley, check out our Canaan Valley guide ! 

• Grab a quick coffee and breakfast at Milo’s Cafe and Restaurant in Davis before hitting the road for today’s adventure!  
• Explore the Dolly Sods ! This is a very popular area, so try to arrive early! But it’s popular for a couple reasons. First, the weather and landscape on top resembles northern Canada and second, the Sods, as they are referred to locally, are located along the Eastern Continental Divide. Depending on what side the rain falls, one side drains to rivers and tributaries that flow to the Mississippi eventually to the Gulf of Mexico and on the other the water flows to the Potomac River then to Chesapeake Bay. We loved the endless mountain views, mixed with meadows with colorful red plants and green grass. There are also cool rock formations that pop out of the mountains as well, which just makes the scenery very interesting, beautiful, and unlike anywhere we have been. We’d suggest doing a few hikes! First, visit Bear Rocks Preserve . This is the area we visited and even without leaving the parking area, the views are amazing! (Watch our vlog for more details!) You can either just sit and picnic on the rocks and take in the view, climb around the rocks in the immediate area near the parking lot, or use this as a starting point for longer trails. From Bear Rocks you can hike to quite a few different trails. We’d suggest looking at this map to see what offshoots you want to go on. After exploring Bear Rocks, hike the Red Creek Trail to Lion’s Head trail , which is 6.7 miles round trip and leads you to one of the best views in the Dolly Sods, Lion’s Head rocks! Along this trail you’ll see rivers, forests, and mountain views.  
• Head to Davis for dinner ! We’d suggest going to Sirianni’s for some pizza and Italian food and then grabbing dessert at The Ice Cream Shop ! Want a drink after dinner? Check out Stumptown Ales ! Where to sleep: Canaan Valley

Day 4: Spruce Knob + NROCKs or Seneca Rocks

For day 4 of your West Virginia road trip you’ll continue your drive south to the Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob area, where you have a couple options of things to do, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling!

• Option #1: Climb the NROCKS Via Ferrata ! We did this activity and LOVED IT and couldn’t recommend it enough! Although, it may be a bit scary if you’re afraid of heights (we both survived it though even with our fears). Via Ferrata is Italian for ‘iron path’’ and it’s a climbing route that uses steel cables, rungs or ladders, fixed to the rock. Climbers don’t need any technical equipment or skills and just use a harness with two leashes to avoid the risk of a fall. It originated during the First World War in the Italian Dolomites to help with the movement of troops. There are more than 1,000 via ferratas in the European Alps, with most of them found in Italy and Austria. And a few in the US now too! The NROCKS Via Ferrata costs between $80-$125 a person and lasts 3.5-5 hours. During the climb you gain 1085 feet in elevation, cross a suspension bridge that is 150 feet high and 200 feet long, and reach exposed heights of 280 feet. It was the most thrilling, adventurous, and coolest thing we have ever done. Our guide was so helpful and gave us tons of guidance in any spots where we felt nervous. Not only is the experience itself insanely awesome, but the views are phenomenal! You get to see some pretty crazy rocks, beautiful mountains, and beautiful meadows. We loved it so much! Watch our vlog from our via ferrata adventure to get a better idea of the experience. Although it looks terrifying, we are SO glad we did it and felt safe the entire time. It was such a rewarding feeling to get out of our comfort zone and face our fears!
• Option #2: Hike at Seneca Rocks. For something less scary, hike at Seneca Rocks. Similar to NROCKS, Seneca Rocks is a 900 ft tall thin and tall rock face that juts out of the mountains. A 2.7 mile hike will take you to an observation deck at the top of the rocks. Some people do go past this observation deck, but it can be dangerous, so please proceed with caution. They say the views are just as good from the safe observation deck.  
• After your activity of choice, grab lunch at the Gateway Restaurant . We enjoyed burgers, fries, and pies here after NROCKS and it was actually pretty solid!  
• Drive up to Spruce Knob , the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 feet! While you can do some hikes in the area, we just drove to the top (which was very windy and steep!) and did the quick loop trail up there, which has amazing views!  
• Hop into the car and head to the New River Gorge! This is about a 3.5 hour drive , but it’ll be super scenic! Where to sleep: New River Gorge

Day 5: New River Gorge

Up next on your West Virginia road trip: the New River Gorge! This is one of the most popular areas in West Virginia and it totally lives up to the hype…it’s GORGEous! The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and flows north, unlike many other rivers in North America. And the gorge is the longest and deepest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains! This area is home to some of the country’s best whitewater rafting and most popular rock climbing areas, with over 1,400 established routes in the area. But even if those aren’t your preferred activities, there are tons of hikes and other outdoor adventures to go on!

• Kick off your time in the New River with breakfast and coffee at Cathedral Cafe and Bookstore . This is a former church which is now turned into a cafe and bookstore. It’s very pretty inside with gorgeous stained glass windows. It’s located right in the heart of Fayetteville, which is such a neat town. In fact, in 2006 it was listed as one of Budget Travel Magazine’s “Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America.” And much like other towns in West Virginia, Fayetteville boomed because of the coal industry and now is a popular destination as a base camp for the outdoors.  
• Hike to Long Point , which is a 2.9 mile trail with 344 feet of elevation gain to a rocky overlook of the New River Gorge and bridge, as well as the surrounding mountains. It’s an amazing spot! Even in the rain, like during our visit 🙂  
• Visit the different overlooks of the New River Gorge Bridge at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. This bridge, which is an iconic sight in the area, is really cool! The arch of the bridge is 1,700 feet long, making it the longest steel arch in the Western hemisphere. The bridge, which is 3,030 feet long total, is the 4th longest single-span arch bridge in the world and the second highest bridge in the United States, at 876 feet above the water! It also reduced a steep, windy 45 minute drive down and across the gorge into a less than a minute drive, which is wild! From the visitor center, you can take a staired boardwalk down to two different overlooks, one which is just a short walk down steps from the visitor center, while the lower overlook is 178 steps to the bottom. We highly recommend the lower overlook! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can do the Bridge Walk, but we will share more about that on day 6! There is also an annual event at the bridge called Bridge Day, which is held every third Saturday in October since 1980. During this event, daredevils descend upon the Gorge Bridge to celebrate the bridge and about 400 people base jump(!!!) from the bridge, while others rappel and bungee jump off of it! On this day, the bridge is closed to everyone but pedestrians and around 100,000 people visit every year. We would’ve loved to have seen this!  
• Hit the trails again by hiking the Endless Wall trail ! This is a 2.3 mile hike with 288 feet of elevation gain and has amazing views of the river, gorge, and mountains from Diamond Point. And there are some optional ladders you can climb as well. It gets busy and parking can be tough, so be prepared to wait for a spot if you come on a weekend.  
• After a day of exploring, head back to Fayetteville to grab dinner at Pies & Pints ! They have a bunch of unique pizza combinations and we got a bit more adventurous than usual and tried the grape and gorgonzola! The combination of the pungent gorgonzola with the sweet tartness of the grape makes a perfect combo on a pizza. We also got a classic margarita and it was super tasty too! We did get these on gluten-free crusts, so it wasn’t the full experience, but it was one of the best gluten-free pizzas we have ever had! Where to sleep: New River Gorge

Day 6: New River Gorge

On day 6, you’ll continue exploring the New River Gorge! There is so much to do here, so we’re including quite a few options for this day so you can choose what excites you the most!

• Have breakfast and coffee at Wood Iron Eatery . This coffee shop is in an old building tucked a bit behind the main street in Fayetteville. It’s a really cool spot and the Spanish latte is SO GOOD!  
• Spend the rest of the morning doing one or a mix of the following activities!

Option #1: Go rafting!

The New River Gorge, especially during Gauley season, which is the first weekend after Labor Day and continues for six weekends, is the prime time to go rafting in the area. There are quite a few rafting companies, as well as tour options, but we’d suggest looking into Ace Adventure Resort or Adventures on the Gorge !

Option #2: Do the Bridge Walk!

The Bridge Walk is a 2-3 hour experience where you get to walk on a 24” wide catwalk, which rests 25 feet under the New River Gorge bridge, across the entire 3,030 foot length of the bridge.

Option #3: See old coal mines!

West Virginia has a ton of coal mining history and the New River Gorge is home to two mines you can go explore by foot! The first is the Kaymoor Mine , which is 1.6 miles and 869 feet of elevation gain , and takes you to an old mine building and even a waterfall! Another option is to hike the Headhouse trail to the Nuttallburg mines . This is a 1.3 mile trail and 393 feet of elevation gain . We hear it’s a bit strenuous!

Option #4: Babcock State Park

Babcock State Park has a really cool old grist mill that makes for some gorgeous photos, especially in the fall. There are also hikes you can do in this state park including:

• Skyline, Rocky, and Narrow Gauge Loop : This hike is 3.9 miles and 692 feet of elevation gain. You get to cross a cool bridge over a river and there is a nice view of the mountains and river!
• Island in the Sky : At only 0.7 miles and 154 feet of elevation gain, this is an easy hike with some cool rock features and a ladder you can climb!

Option #5: Grandview Overlook 

Continue driving around the New River Gorge area and make a stop at the Grandview Overlook , which is a quick drive from a parking lot, but there are also trails you can explore too if you have time!

• Head back to Fayetteville for dinner ! Our #1 pick would be the  Secret Sandwich Society . Don’t tell anybody about it…it’s a secret! Try as you might, if you eat here you’re going to want to tell everyone, it is so dang good! We were so sad to learn that their building got 2020-ed and burned down, but they plan to rebuild it so keep an eye out for it! 

But until it reopens, we’d suggest eating at Wanderlust Creativefoods , which is Southeast Asian food (closed Sundays and Wednesdays). Where to sleep: New River Gorge

Day 7: Charleston

For your final day on your West Virginia road trip, explore the capital city of Charleston! This is a cool little city with lots of awesome local shops, a market, and a unique tour nearby!

• Head to Charleston from the New River Gorge. On the way, stop by Tudor’s Biscuit World for a quick breakfast! This spot is a MUST in West Virginia and we feel bad making you wait until your last day to try it because it’s so good and you’ll want more! (We may be overhyping it, but Adam still talks about it!) It isn’t fancy, but the biscuits are really good, especially for a chain, fast-food type spot. And the biscuit sandwiches are all named after West Virginia sports teams, which is pretty fun. Adam got the Huggie Bear, which is named after the WVU basketball coach, and it was delicious!  
• Make the hour drive to Charleston , the state’s capital city. Once you get there, we suggest going straight to the Capitol Market , which is an indoor and outdoor market with meat, produce, coffee, wine, beer, cheese, chocolates, and much more! We loved checking out the locally made food and gifts!  
• While you’re at Capitol Market, grab coffee at Mea Cuppa , which is in the indoor part of the market.  
• Taylor Books : This bookstore on Capitol Street has been an independent bookstore, cafe, and coffee shop since 1995.
• Buck & Bette : We loved this little store! They had home goods, puzzles, clothes, local West Virginia items, and other fun gifts.
• Capitol : West Virginia has one of the more beautiful and intricate capitol buildings we have come across so far! It is built of more than 700 train carloads of limestone and 4,640 tons of steel! The dome is 293 feet tall, which is 5 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol building, and is gilded in 3 ⅜ inch 23 ½ karat gold leaflets.
• While downtown, grab lunch at Chow Thai !  
• It wouldn’t be an Adventures of A+K guide without ice cream , so go get some scoops from Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream . Their flavors do change sometimes, but we loved the Pawpaw flavor, which is only available seasonally. Pawpaw is an oblong, greenish brown or yellow fruit that has a sweet, custard-like flavor similar to that of a banana mixed with mango. It’s native to the area and makes a dang good ice cream flavor!  
• Base Camp Printing Co. : Visit this letterpress shop for tons of beautiful and fun cards, postcards, stickers, and lots of other gifts.
• Kin Ship Goods : This cool little home goods and clothing store has some great gifts! 
• If you have time, take a tour of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works , a salt farm! This salt farm produces all-natural salt from the ancient Iapetus Ocean, which lies under the Appalachian Mountains, by using hand made tools and the power of the Earth to harvest and process the salt. It sounds crazy, we know, but it’s true! In 1817, the owner’s ancestors first drilled for brine by using a hollowed-out tree trunk for piping. And by the 1850s, the Kanawha Valley became the largest salt producing region in the US, producing more than three million bushels of salt per year. It even won an award for “The Best Salt in The World” at the World’s Fair in London in 1851.  They offer free tours from 10 AM-4 PM between Monday-Saturday, so we’d highly suggest stopping by to see something a little different! Even if you can’t make it to the property, it is fascinating to learn about them and if you want to try the salt, you can order it online. They also have another online store called Appalachian Mercantile that is a curated market of many other high quality food and goods they have discovered across the Appalachia.  
• For dinner , head to Black Sheep Burrito and Brews (closes early on Sundays, FYI!) for some unique burritos! Where to sleep: We’d suggest grabbing a hotel or vacation rental in Charleston or continuing on to wherever your road trip takes you next!

There are so many things to do in West Virginia and we wish we could’ve squeezed it all into 7 days! But if you have some extra time, or want to swap out some of the activities above, here are a few extra ideas of things to do in West Virginia!

Harpers Ferry

We visited Harpers Ferry and loved it, but we didn’t include this in the main itinerary since it’s a bit out of the way from the other stops. If you wanted to add this on to your road trip, it would make the most sense to do between days 3 and 4.

About Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is the easternmost town in the state and is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. If you’re interested in history and seeing really old buildings, by American standards, Harpers Ferry is a great place to check out! Once an important site during the Civil War, it still has around 100 historic structures to explore.  The town is maybe most notable for John Brown’s raid where Brown and some others took over the federal armory, arsenal, and rifle factory, and wanted to use the weapons in there to start a large slave revolt that would grow south. Today, the town is also referred to as the ‘psychological’ midpoint of the Appalachian Trail. The physical midpoint is a bit farther north. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s headquarters is also here in Harpers Ferry. It costs $20 to visit Harpers Ferry, as it’s managed by the National Park Service. However, we highly recommend getting the America the Beautiful pass , which is $80 per year and will get you into any National Park, monument, or forest for free.

Things to do in Harpers Ferry

• Hike to the Maryland Heights Overlook ! This 4.3 mile trail gains 1,036 ft in elevation , but takes you up to an amazing overlook of the town of Harpers Ferry. We did this hike for sunrise and even though it was super cloudy, the views were amazing! Note: you start this hike by the train station in Harpers Ferry and cross the bridge into Maryland.
• Visit the Point , which is where you can see the confluence of the rivers and the states of Maryland and Virginia.
• Hike the Loudoun Heights trail , which is 6 miles and 1,482 feet of elevation gain. It has a similar view to Maryland Heights, but a different perspective.
• Take the quick walk up to Jefferson Rock , which is a rock that now sits on top of pillars, with views of the river and mountains. When Thomas Jefferson was here in October 1783, he said “this scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.”  To get here, take the steps up towards St. Peter’s Catholic Church and then continue on the steps for a little longer. The rock will be on your left! Walk around! There are so many cool buildings to see, little museums to walk through, and windows to peek into. The entire town is historic and beautiful!

Where to eat in Harpers Ferry

• Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee : Great sandwiches and outdoor seating! We ate here and really enjoyed it.
• Kelley Farm Kitchen : A vegan spot with great food!
• The Canal House Cafe : Sustainably sourced American food in an 1820s stone house. Old Fireman’s BBQ and Catering Co : A BBQ joint in an old train car.

Summersville Lake

Summersville Lake is close to the New River Gorge, so it makes for a great stop before, during, or after if you have time! We didn’t personally visit Summersville Lake, but it looks gorgeous!  Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia and features a rugged coastline, lots of hiking, and other fun water activities.

Things to do at Summersville Lake

• Hike Long Point Trail to Long Point (a different Long Point than in the New River Gorge). This 3.9 mile trail is relatively flat and has great lake views and looks like a nice spot for a little picnic on the lake!
• The Patterson Trail is an easy 2 mile loop trail at the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, which is an important Civil War battlefield and one of the oldest state parks in the United States. This trail skirts the battlefield and features several overlooks of the river and valley below.
• The Summersville Lake via Orange Oswald is a 2.4 mile flat trail that leads you out to a water level view and a stroll of the Gauley River.
• Rent a boat and hit the water!

Greenbrier is a resort located between Spruce Knob and New River Gorge, so it would be a good stop between day 4 and 5 of this West Virginia road trip. Known as ‘America’s Resort’, The Greenbrier has been around in one form or another since 1778. It has an important link to America’s history, so much so that 26 Presidents have stayed here with the most recent being Dwight D. Eisenhower. If you’re looking for luxury and relaxation this looks to be a nice spot. Here they have everything you need including a spa, golf course, dining, a casino, and more. There have been a few iterations of the resort, with the most current being built in 1913. One interesting feature of the resort is the bunker that was built in the 1950s in case there was a fallout from a nuclear holocaust. Although it was never used, it was stocked with supplies and necessities for over 30 years and was built to protect Congress and other important government figures.

West Virginia Penitentiary 

The West Virginia Penitentiary is located 1.5 hours northwest of Morgantown, right by the Ohio border. This spot would make the most sense to visit when you’re near Morgantown. The West Virginia Penitentiary was built in the 1860s and is a castle-like stone structure with turrets and battlements. Once a working penitentiary, it is now a tourist stop in Moundsville, WV. While there, you can go on a day tour, paranormal investigation, do an escape room adventure, and if you’re really adventurous and are in desperate need of a place to sleep, you can even stay the night in the old penitentiary. Which sounds pretty creepy and cool!

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4 thoughts on “ 7 day west virginia road trip itinerary: new river gorge, canaan valley, spruce knob, & more ”.

Just happened to find your blog today! I live in Fairmont WV and love my native state! I smiled as I read through your itinerary and would have taken you to many of those same places! We have three kids and love our state- hitting the roads and working through each state park to share nature and adventures with our kids! How fun for you all! Job well done! Come back anytime!

Hi Lorrie! Thank you so much for reading! We loved West Virginia so much (what a gorgeous state!) and we hope that we can encourage others to visit and see its beauty!

Thank you for these suggestions! My husband and I are heading that way from Illinois this Spring. I’ve also watched your YouTube and enjoy watching you travel! Such a fun couple! Many of these sites are on our bucket list! These guide’s with be very helpful.

Thank you so much for watching and reading! We hope you have a great trip!

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11 must-see stops on a West Virginia road trip

Let the country roads take you home—or to scenic vistas, whitewater rapids, and historic performance venues

By Latifah Al-Hazza

West Virginia is full of hidden gems that will satisfy every outdoor lover’s cravings. With scenic train rides, picturesque drives, off-the-beaten-path watering holes, and great food from locally-owned eateries, the Mountain State’s country roads lead to adventures. 

Here are 11 things you don’t want to miss on a West Virginia road trip.

1. Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

The Potomac Eagle Scenic Excursion Train , also known as the Bald Eagle Train, is bound to be a memorable part of your West Virginia road trip. The 3-hour Trough Trip boards in Romney and journeys through the Trough of the South Branch Potomac River to Sycamore Creek (and back). A highlight of the trip is the American bald eagle nesting area—don’t forget your binoculars and camera.

2. NROCKS Outdoor Adventures

NROCKS ’ motel-style lodging is located at Nelson Rocks (15 miles from Seneca Rocks), a haven for climbing enthusiasts. Climbers can scale over half a mile of sandstone rock to reach the summit, which offers views of the Allegheny Mountains. Zipline canopy tours are also available here.

3. Green Bank Observatory

With its 2.3-acre dish surface (equivalent to two football fields), this telescope is not a typical tourist attraction—but it’s quite a wonder to see. The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope is the world’s largest steerable telescope, standing 485 feet tall (taller than the Statue of Liberty). Trees and mountains provide natural radio frequency interference protection, but cell phones and wireless devices are banned in the town of Green Bank, located in the National Radio Quiet Zone surrounding the observatory. 

4. Audra State Park

Audra State Park is a great place to take a break and stretch your legs. Picnic tables are available if you’d like to dine in nature. Have your swimsuit handy as the miniature waterfalls are a great place to take a refreshing dip. Children and adults will have a good time sliding on the rock formations.

5. Summersville Lake 

Rent a pontoon and cruise through the sunset on Summersville Lake . The lake, formed by a rock-fill dam, is the largest in West Virginia. Swim in the pristine water or be awed by the stunning sandstone cliff scenery. While at the lake, climb 122 steps to reach the top of the Summersville Lake Lighthouse, made out of a recycled wind turbine, for a 360-degree view of Summersville Lake and the Gauley Ridge National Recreation Area.

6. Fran’s Family Restaurant

Don’t let this hole-in-the-wall diner fool you, it’s a true Midwest hidden gem. At family-owned Fran’s Family Restaurant , the food is always delicious. The best part is that all patrons are treated like one big family. When dining for breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the biscuits and hash browns.

7. Fayette Station Road and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Fayette Station Road is an 8-mile, 100-year-old road that winds down to the bottom of the New River Gorge, across a narrow bridge, and up the other side. Along the way, you’ll take in stunning vistas of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve . Park your vehicle at the bottom of the bridge to take a plunge in the calm patches of water as rafters swiftly drift past.

For adventurers and non-acrophobics, Bridge Walk offers guided tours of the gorge from a different vantage point: 876 feet above. Visitors are fastened onto a safety cable and walk 3,030 feet on the cast iron catwalk beneath the famous New River Gorge Bridge. On the 2- to 3-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to take in the spectacular sights of the rapids, white water rafters, sandstone cliffs, and forests. On the annual Bridge Day , more than 400 daredevils partake in BASE jumping, rappelling, or high line riding off the bridge. 

8. Camp with Tentrr at Hawks Nest State Park 

Hawks Nest State Park is located at the center of where all whitewater rafting takes place, and if fishing is your forte, Hawks Nest Lake is full of catfish, muskies, and panfish. Set up for the night at one of Tentrr ’s campsites, which come with a tent, mattress, chairs, a table, dry box, sun shower, fire pit and grill, privacy loo tent, heater, and a garbage can. You should bring your own bedding and toiletries. 

9 . Cathedral Café

Pop in for breakfast or lunch at Cathedral Café , a unique eatery that you may not have guessed serves food. The building was a Methodist Church from 1905 until 1985 when it became a storage facility for 10 years before turning into a café. The exterior still displays a cross and the interior retains its beautiful stained-glass windows.

10. Hinton Historic District

Hinton is a cute little town packed with history. The Victorian-era-looking railroad town is home to the Hinton Railroad Museum , the Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House Museum , and the Hinton Depot , which was an important migration passageway for thousands of African Americans, and a vital stop for those who came to work in the coal mines.

11. Camp Washington Carver

Opened in 1942, at a time when 44 of the state’s 55 counties had 4-H camps for white children only, Camp Washington Carver became the first 4-H camp for Black youth in the U.S. Its name was inspired by both Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. In the 1950s, the camp hosted about 1,600 campers each year and would teach kids music, drama, crafts, nature, and swimming. Today the Appalachian String Band Festival, the Heritage Arts Camp, and other festivities take place at the site.

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Meet the author.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Latifah is an Emmy Award-winning travel journalist and the co-founder of Femscape Sojourns, a boutique women's travel company. Her work can be read in CNN Travel , The New York Times , Frommer's Travel Guides, and World Travel Magazine . She was named as one of Travel Massive's 100 Inspiring Women Travel Founders in 2020. Growing up in Kuwait and the U.S. fueled her passion for exploration and cultural immersion.

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West Virginia Road Trip: 17 Wild And Wonderful Places to See

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I (The Winding Road Tripper) earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more . 

Wild and Wonderful.

That’s West Virginia in a nutshell. (Their license plates even say so!)

Get wild on an adrenaline-pumping white water rafting trip on the Gauley River or walking the scaffolding across the New River Gorge Bridge.

Experience the wonderful scenery by driving, hiking, or biking along remote winding roads and trails that traverse pristine rivers, scenic mountain valleys, and lush green forests.

Road tripping through West Virginia will take you through everything from quaint towns with the friendliest of people to remote narrow mountain roads with gorgeous views of the green-covered mountains. 

We explored West Virginia on an 8-day road trip, and we were beyond pleasantly surprised at what the unassuming state has to offer. 

These must-see places in the list below will give you a great start when planning your very own West Virginia Road Trip. We’ll also provide some sample itineraries if you just want to hit the road. 

Our recommendations are based both on our experiences in West Virginia and the recommendations of people we met along our journey.

West Virginia Road Trip Map

How to Use This Map : Click on the icon on the top left-hand corner. You will now see all of the layers of the map. Layers include places to see and driving directions. You can click the checkboxes to the left of the layer name to turn on and off the layers. Click on the map icons to get more info on each location. To see the map in more detail, click on the [ ] in the top right-hand corner. This will bring to a larger map where the details of each point can be found by clicking on the location point name in the list on the left. You can also save the map for your own use, click the ⭐ to the right of the map name. This will save the map to your Google Maps where you can make a copy and use it for your own trip planning. Want to Create Your Own Google Map? Check Out How to Plan a Road Trip With Google Maps

1. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The newest National Park is what put West Virginia on the radar for us. And any trip to West Virginia needs to include experiencing this gem.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve showcases one of the oldest rivers in the world , and has something for everyone. Most will enjoy the cultural and historical aspects as well as the beautiful scenery and a wide range of recreational activities. 

The park is known for its rock climbing, mountain biking, and white water rafting. But there is also a great network of hiking trails , scenic drives, and viewpoints. And if you are a history buff, you can even explore abandoned coal mining towns . 

New River Gorge is also home to the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The 876-foot tall bridge spans the 3030-foot wide gorge and is a modern engineering marvel. Witnessing the vastness of this bridge is part of the charm of the New River Gorge and makes for some amazing photo opportunities. 

For More On New River Gorge National Park: Best Hikes to Explore New River Gorge National Park Things to Do in and Around New River Gorge National Park

2. Summersville Lake

Summersville Lake is West Virginia’s largest lake. And with its warm waters and 60 miles of shoreline, it’s known by some as the “Little Bahamas of the East” . 

The lake is man-made and was created by a dam. The dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to control the flooding of the Gauley River and the Kanawha River watershed. 

Summersville Lake is a beauty to see in the summer months. It’s surrounded by sandstone cliffs which make any water activity on the lake breathtaking. 

At Summersville Lake you can swim, kayak, paddleboard, rent a boat, or even scuba dive . 

On land, there are also some great hiking trails in the area.

Try the Long Point Trail and be rewarded with a beautiful view of the lake from above.

3. Hawks Nest State Park

Hawks Nest State Park is home to one of the most scenic views of the New River. 

Towering 750ft above the New River, visiting Hawks Nest State Park will give you an out-of-this-world vantage point to witness the true rugged nature of the New River National Park and Preserve. 

There are several hiking trails throughout Hawks Nest State Park. 

But if you prefer to take in the views without hiking, there is an aerial tram that whisks you away deep into the New River Gorge. 

Hawks Nest State Park is also a great place to spend the night. With both lodge and cabin accommodations, you are bound to find something that suits your needs. 

Protip: If you head to Hawks Nest State Park, make a point to stop at nearby Cathedral Falls . It’s beautiful falls that you can see from the parking lot. But we recommend taking a few more steps to see it up close and personal if you are comfortable with uneven terrain. 

4. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park

This one is for all of you history buffs. 

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is the site of an important civil war battle that ultimately led to the confederacy withdrawal from West Virginia. The park is home to many civil war reenactments.

There are several hikes within the park including the Patterson Trail that circles the battlefield and has amazing viewpoints of the Gauley River. 

If you are there in September you might catch a glimpse of rafter maneuvering around what’s known as Pillow Rock.

5. White Water Rafting 

Both the New and Gauley Rivers are known for their world-class white water rafting.  

You can raft the New River from April to October with varying levels of difficulty depending on your experience and comfort level.  

The upper New River provides a more relaxed trip with long pools where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery around you combined with relatively easy rapids up to Class III. 

If you are looking for a more wild adventure on the New River, a trip to the lower section is for you. Here you will experience big rapids ranging in difficulty from Class III to Class V. 

If you are looking for an even more adrenaline-pumping adventure, a rafting trip down the Gauley River is for you.  

Gauley rafting seasoning peaks in the fall when the US Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Summersville Lake through the Gauley Dam. The opening of the dam provides the water flow for world-class white water rafting. 

We visited towards the end of May and did the Lower New River trip with New and Gauley River Adventures . Our trip was filled with heart-pumping rapids and lazy portions where we took our time and even got a chance to cool off in the river. The guides we had were amazing and we couldn’t recommend this rafting company enough. 

Check them out if you want to tackle the rapids of the New or Gauley River. 

6. Bridge Walk

While the Bridge Walk is technically in the New River Gorge National Park, we thought we’d include it separately in this list of must-sees in West Virginia.

The New River Gorge Bridge is an engineering masterpiece. And the Bridge Walk allows you to see this marvel up close and personal. 

The Bridge Walk is a guided tour of the New River Gorge Bridge from the catwalk 25’ beneath the Bridge. Walking over the gorge at this height is not for the faint of heart, but is an experience you will remember forever.

It’s a pricey excursion, but if you have the means it’s highly recommended by both tourists and locals. 

7. Thurmond Ghost Town

If you can only pick one ghost town to visit in West Virginia ( there are several ), then we think Thurmond is the best choice. 

While not necessarily a ghost town (there 6 inhabitants according to the latest census), a stroll through Thurmond will bring you back to the town’s glory days in the era where coal mining was the major industry in the area. 

Your stop in Thurmond would not be complete without checking out the train depot (now a visitor’s center for the New River Gorge National Park) and taking a moment to watch the passing trains. You can also take a stroll onto the Thurmond bridge where you can look through the railroad grates directly to the swirling river water below. 

8. Babcock State Park

The enormous Babcock State Park is located along the New River just 20 miles Southeast of the New River Bridge. 

This state park has it all: camping, cabins, hiking, and swimming. But what it’s really known for is the Glade Creek Grist Mill. 

Our rafting guide told us that The Glade Creek Grist Mill is one of the most photographed areas in West Virginia. And we could see why.

You can take a tour of this stunning, fully functioning mill replica and visit the nearby gift shop. 

We spent two nights camping at Babcock State Park, and it was a great location to find some rest and relaxation after a day of exploring New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. 

9. Green Bank Observatory

Green Bank Observatory is home to the largest fully steerable radio telescope. This telescope is located in Green Bank, WV within the United States National Radio Quiet Zone.

The telescope is an amazing sight to see when driving through town. But if you have time, we highly recommend stopping at the observatory to stretch your legs and witness this massive telescope up close.

There is a self-guided walking tour option and it’s free to walk through the Green Bank Science Center and Exhibit Hall. And they also have relatively inexpensive tours as an option if you want to learn about the telescope from an expert.

If you plan to observe the telescope up close, be sure to take a disposable-style camera with you. Normal battery-powered cameras and cell phones are not allowed at the base of the telescope.

Pro Tip: Beware that you will have zero or very limited cell phone service while in the National Radio Quiet Zone . This zone is over 13,000 square miles. We recommend that you check your cell phone coverage maps before you leave to get a sense of how long you will be without cell phone service on your road trip. We did not have service for 3 days on our road trip, but some shops and restaurants did have wi-fi.

Also, be sure to download any digital maps you are using to your phone or GPS. 

10. Cass Scenic Railroad

We wish we would have known about this one of those hidden gems before we planned our road trip.

Taking a trip along the Cass Scenic Railroad allows you to experience sweeping views of the Allegheny Mountains as well as a chance to ride an old coal-fired steam engine train. 

There are two train rides to choose from. 

Bald Knob is a 4-hour round trip that takes you through the woods and up to the second-highest point in West Virginia at 4842 feet. 

A shorter ride, Whittaker Station, is a 2-hour road trip that climbs the lower slopes of Cheat Mountain. Along the trip, you will experience picturesque views of Leatherbark Creek and green meadows.

11. Monongahela National Forest

The Monongahela National Forest covers a lot of ground in West Virginia. Protecting over 921,000 acres including the highest peak in the Allegheny Mountain range, the Monongahela National Forest is a sight to see.

Exploring the breathtaking Monongahela National Forest will take you far away from the crowds of the New River Gorge National Park. This national forest is filled with so much green you’ll feel like you are in Hawaii!

With mountain bike and hiking trails, fishing, scenic drives, camping, and even cabins, you’ll be able to relax and explore.

What we loved about this area was its ruggedness. There were times we didn’t see a single person on our hikes. And traveling down the unpaved forest roads, often along rivers and streams, made the journey that much more of an adventure.

Here are a few places to check out in the Monongahela National Forest:

• Seneca Rocks
• Waterfalls of Falls of Hills Creek
• Spruce Knob Tower for a great view
• Highland Scenic Drive
• Dolly Sods (this place was so cool that we included it in its own section below)

12. Still Hollow Distillery

One of our favorite things to do when road tripping is to check out local breweries, wineries, distilleries, or cideries. 

On this trip, we found not only one, but two places we couldn’t wait to write about so others can enjoy them as well. Both of which are located in the Dry Fork River Valley.

Still Hollow Distillery is a family-owned and operated distillery that specializes in what they call “mountain-style” whiskeys and botanical blends.

What blew us away is how Still Hollow Distillery works with farmers and small businesses in the area to produce unique whiskey blends you can’t find anywhere else. 

They are open for tastings and we highly recommend making a stop if you are road tripping through the Dry Fork River Valley. Your tastebuds will be treated to some whiskey blends you’ve never tried before. 

Check out their website to see if reservations are required before making a stop.  

13. Heathberry Farm (Honey River Meadery)

A visit to Heathberry Farm will certainly be a highlight of your road trip through West Virginia. 

Heathberry Farm produces amazing meads and melomel (mead with fruit added). 

The farm is off the beaten path, but to be honest, what isn’t in West Virginia? 

Don’t worry though, when you book your tasting with Ben, the owner of the farm, he’ll give you detailed driving instructions.

Ben gave us tastings of several different kinds of honey, meads, and melomels all made with honey from his farm. They were beyond amazing and we came home with two bottles of mead. 

It was fascinating to learn about the nuances of beekeeping and how seasonal pollination creates diverse flavors in honey. 

Ben is passionate about producing quality products, and it shows. Don’t miss your chance to meet this beekeeper and try some of his award-winning meads and melomels.

14. Blackwater Falls State Park

Blackwater Falls State Park is home to some of West Virginia’s most scenic spots including its largest waterfall, Blackwater Falls.

This waterfall is a towering 57-foot amber-colored waterfall that tumbles into Blackwater Canyon. It’s a relatively easy 0.4-mile dog-friendly hike down stairs and boardwalks to view the beautiful waterfall. 

If you want to check out more falls and are also up for exploring, check out the Elakala Falls . 

Elakala Falls is a series of four falls. It’s a short hike from the Lodge to see the first set of falls. But if you continue traveling down along the river you can view all 4 drops of the falls. We only made it down to the second drop as the path was hard to see and it started to rain and get a little slippery.

While you are at Blackwater Falls State Park, make sure to take another short 0.8-mile hike to Lindy Point Overlook . You will be rewarded with one of the most scenic views in West Virginia — a view from above of the Blackwater Canyon. 

We did this hike in the rain, so our view was a bit obstructed by the clouds, but it was still stunning.

This gorgeous state park has camping options as well as a lodge and would be a great place to hunker down for an evening. 

15. Eating, Drinking and Shopping in Davis and Thomas, WV

The towns of Davis and Thomas, WV are located on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, which makes them a perfect stop on your road trip. These small towns have it all: shopping, good eats, and some local breweries. We even stopped in to check out a local glass blower and his shop. 

In Thomas, you will find quaint restaurants like Farm Up Table (the pit beef sandwich was to die for), art galleries, and more shopping all along the riverfront. 

Want to check out some local products? Stop at the Highland Grocery Store in Davis for local specialties and fresh produce.

There are two breweries that call Davis, WV home; Stumptown Ales and Mountain State Brewing Company . We stopped at Stumptown Ales and the IPAs were amazing.

CHECK OUT MORE THINGS TO DO IN DAVIS, WV: THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND DAVIS, WV

16. Dolly Sods Wilderness

If hiking is your jam, then a hike through the Dolly Sods located in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia is a must.

The Dolly Sods is located in the Monongahela National Forest (#11 on our list), but we think it deserves to be highlighted on its own. 

The Dolly Sods is a unique landscape for West Virginia. At elevation ranging from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet, the Dolly Sods Wilderness contains bogs and ecosystems typically found in southern Canada and northern US. 

During a hike through the Dolly Sods, you will feel like you are in a rainforest. The green vegetation is breathtaking and the overlooks of the mountains are stunning. 

We did the 7-mile out and back Rohrbaugh Trail , which took us through lush green forests, had amazing overlooks (even with the fog and rain), and stream/creek crossings to keep the hike fun and interesting. We would follow one of the hiking loop suggestions on the US Forest Service Website if doing it again. I only say this as I just prefer loops as opposed to out-and-backs. 

17. Coopers Rock State Forest

Coopers Rock State Forest is home to more amazing views. This one is a jaw-dropping view of the Cheat River Canyon below. 

The main overlook of the canyon is accessed right off the parking lot. But if you are up for some hiking, you can take a 2.5-mile hike on the Raven Rock Trail to another spectacular view of the Cheat River Canyon. 

Coopers Rock State Forest also offers camping. If camping sounds fun but you don’t want to lug all of your camping gear with you, they have pre-set canvas tents you can rent.  

Best Time of Year for a West Virginia Road Trip

West Virginia is a beautiful state throughout the year. But the best months for a road trip are May, June, September, and October.

In late spring, you will beat the heat and experience blooming wildflowers on your hikes. In fall you will get the chance to see the vast green mountains display their amazing fall colors. You can also witness the droves of kayakers and rafters from around the world tackling the raging Gauley River. 

We went in late May and loved the lush green vegetation and all of the mountain laurel and rhododendrons. 

Things To Know Before You Go

Cell phone service may be nonexistent.

To help you be better prepared for the cell phone blackout, here are some tips:

• Download all maps you may need – You will need to have your maps downloaded onto your phone or GPS so that you can use your mapping app to get you from point A to point B when you don’t have cell phone service. 
• Bring a paper map for backup – You never know when something is going to go wonky with your phone. A paper map and your seventh-grade mapping skills will come in handy if things don’t go as planned. 
• Print out all of your reservation information – You can also take screenshots and store them on your cell phone. 
• Print out hours of operation for the stops you plan to make – Again, you can take screenshots of the web pages and store them on your phone.

Expect to Drive on Narrow Unpaved Mountain Roads

Our van is front-wheel drive with low clearance. And we didn’t have any troubles traveling down these roads, but we wanted to give you a heads up. Through all the turns, hills, and dips on these “lane and a half” unpaved roads, you’ll have to keep an eye out of oncoming traffic and pull over when necessary.

You will mostly encounter these types of roads while in Monongahela National Forest and while exploring the Allegheny Mountains.

Don’t Follow Map App Directions Blindly

Your map app is going to give you directions based on the route it believes is the quickest. We’ve learned that on these remote roads our map app has no clue what route is the safest or best. 

If you see signs for your destination, but your map app tells you shows a different way, follow the signs. The signs know best. 

Also, don’t go down roads just because your map app tells you to. We would have driven through an active gun range if we followed our map app’s directions. Some roads aren’t meant for you to drive through and your map app doesn’t always know this.

The People of West Virginia were Amazing

Everyone we met in West Virginia was very kind and helpful. 

They were excited that we wanted to explore and learn about their state. And they were genuinely happy that we were there. 

We can’t wait for more people to get out and explore West Virginia, as it is truly a wild and wonderful state.

More Road Trip Adventures: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Road Trip: Must-see Stops  

The ultimate Appalachian road trip through West Virginia

Mar 28, 2022 • 10 min read

West Virginia is made for driving, with scenic backroads twisting up mountains, crossing ancient rivers, and swooping through hardwood forests © Amy Balfour

Sponsored by

Country roads may not take you home on this curvy drive through the Appalachians, but the gorgeous views and small-town hospitality make it clear why West Virginians embrace John Denver’s classic song. This adventure is made for driving, with scenic backroads twisting up mountains, crossing ancient rivers, and swooping through hardwood forests. 

The route kicks off in the Eastern Panhandle then rolls through Morgantown, Charleston, the New River Gorge, the Greenbrier Valley, and Canaan Valley. From hot dogs to hot springs, a trove of roadside attractions await. Plan to spend at least a week on this drive. One bonus? State parks are free in the  Mountain State . 

Stop 1: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park 

Walking along the cobblestone streets of Lower Town in  Harpers Ferry National Historical Park , one would hardly be surprised to see Thomas Jefferson striding along the streets lined with historic buildings. He called the view from a hill above town “one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.” Abolitionist John Brown, who attempted to spark up a slave revolt here in 1859, would likely recognize the backdrop too – the centuries-old structures are remarkably well-preserved. Today exhibits inside these historic buildings spotlight key events in the community’s history. Fun fact: Harpers Ferry is the easternmost point in the state, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. 

The chalet-style  Bavarian Inn  overlooks the Potomac in Shepherdstown, another historical town nearby. Grab breakfast at Betty’s, a compact diner dishing up home-cooked food that’s just as outstanding as the friendly service. 

Route: Follow I-68E through Maryland.

Stop 2: Overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest

The view of the Cheat Mountain River Gorge from the overlook at  Coopers Rock State Forest  is an inspirational introduction to the Mountain State’s mountain-and-forest beauty. The park has 50 campsites across two campgrounds, and canvas glamping tents are also available. Non-campers should head to one of the hotels in Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, for an overnight stay — the newly renovated Hotel Morgan is a top choice. Join WVU students at  Mario’s Fishbowl  for tasty pub fare and enormous draft beers – served in fishbowl-sized goblets!

Route: From Morgantown, follow I-79S 20 miles to Fairmont.

Stop 3: Yann’s Hot Dog Stand

Whatever you do, don’t ask for ketchup when ordering your hot dog at this legendary food hut (300 Washington St) in downtown Fairmont. Just accept the slathering of mustard, onions, and spicy sauce, and give a nod to its messy glory. Open since 1927, Yann’s served low-cost hot dogs and pepperoni rolls to miners and railroad workers over the decades. Today, acolytes descend upon the eatery from across the state. 

Route: Follow I-79S for 40 miles to Weston.

Stop 4: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum & the Museum of American Glass

The  Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum  in Weston isn’t for the easily spooked. A stone-cut behemoth stretching nearly one-quarter of a mile, this Gothic-style facility was a mental hospital until 1994. Eventually renamed Weston State Hospital, the complex treated patients for more than 150 years. Tours explore everything from the history of the hospital to paranormal shenanigans. Downtown, the  Museum of American Glass  showcases the region’s glass-making heritage and prowess. The expansive collection of colorful glassworks includes marbles, bottles, and tableware. After you’ve worked up an appetite exploring, try the potato encrusted salmon at  Thyme Bistro - the dish is renowned across the state.

Route:  Continue 100 miles south to Charleston, the state capital.

Stop 5: West Virginia State Museum

A designated path rolls past 26 discovery rooms inside this compelling  museum . Each room is dedicated to diving deep into the most important geologic, historical, and cultural stories of the Mountain State. The museum is on the grounds of the state capitol complex, which is anchored by the capitol building and its eye-catching gold-leaf dome. The Kanawha River flows past just a few steps away.  Taylor Books  is a lively downtown bookstore with a coffee shop and art gallery. On a sunny day, you might see lawyers, legislators, and tourists sharing the patio at  Pies & Pints  next door. A full homemade breakfast is served at the well-appointed  Brass Pineapple , a B&B close to the capitol complex.

Route: Route 60, also known as the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, follows the Kanawha River east then climbs into the surrounding Appalachians. Stop by the 7th-generation  JQ Dickinson Salt-Works  in Malden, where the prized gourmet salt is mined by hand. Thirty-five miles ahead? The gravitational wackiness of the  Mystery Hole . 

Stop 6: Hawks Nest State Park

In a state filled with fantastic views, the overlook at  Hawks Nest State Park  is one of the most fantastic. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the viewpoint takes in the New River Gorge and its forested slopes. An aerial tram drops from the park’s lodge to a riverside marina. Watch as jet boats speed out for views of the New River Gorge Bridge. For views with brews, settle in on the riverside deck at Smokey’s , a bbq-and-burger joint at Adventures on the Gorge .

Route:  Follow Rte 60 through Ansted to US-19S. Turn right and take it to the national park.

Stop 7: New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

As America’s newest National Park, a stop at the New River Gorge is a must. Check out the view of the park’s centerpiece, the  New River Gorge Bridge , from the overlook behind the visitor center. The rugged gorge was carved by one of the oldest rivers in the world, the New River, and the park runs along a 53 mile stretch of it. Get even closer to the bridge with a guided  Bridgewalk  tour, which has daring adventurers clank along the catwalk beneath the span, serving up dizzying views of the river more than 850ft below. The park is an outdoor activity epicenter known for hiking, rock climbing, rafting , mountain biking, and scenic drives.

Feeling hungry? Sandwiches and lattes are served under stained glass windows at the  Cathedral Cafe , a former church. Both  Adventures on the Gorge  and  ACE Adventure Resort  have cabins available to rent for overnight stays.

Route:  It’s a 30-minute drive from the visitor center to Tamarack via US-19S and I-64E.

Stop 8: Tamarack

A stroll around  Tamarack  is a fulfilling artistic and cultural journey around the state, with crafts and artwork for sale from more than 2,800 West Virginia artists. Short-term exhibitions in the fine arts gallery showcase the state’s best craftsmanship, with rotating shows that vary by theme. The restaurant serves comfort food and locally sourced fare, including West Virginia trout, fried green tomato sandwiches, and The Greenbrier’s peaches and cream, a popular dessert served at the nearby luxury resort. (More on The Greenbrier below!)

Route: Follow I-64E to Hwy 3E. Hold on tight for this curvy ride up and over the mountains. Continue north on Rt 26. Sandstone Falls is about 40 miles southeast of Tamarack.

Stop 9: Sandstone Falls

An eight-mile drive through New River Gorge National Park along the New River ribbons past gentle rapids, weathered trains, and waterfront homes on the way to another gem of the park:  Sandstone Falls . One unusual sight? The river flows north – a fairly rare occurrence in the United States. Once you’ve reached the falls parking lot, take the wooden boardwalk as it crosses a soggy forest and ends at an observation platform with a view of the falls, which stretch 1,500 feet across the river. Nearby, Hinton, a former rail hub, is home to the  Hinton Railroad Museum . The welcoming  Market on Courthouse Square  serves sandwiches and pizzas beside a pretty red-brick street dating from the 1870s.

Route: Rte 3 E crosses downtown Hinton then follows the Greenbrier River out of town. Follow Rte 3 and several country roads on the 50-mile drive east. 

Stop 10: Bunker Tour at The Greenbrier

For decades, The Greenbrier  resort, a swanky, white-columned retreat, held a secret of highly-classified proportions. A vast  bunker , carved into an adjacent hillside in 1958, lay in wait for the unthinkable – a nuclear attack on the US. In the event of a nuclear strike, members of Congress would relocate to the bunker for safety. An article in the Washington Post revealed its existence in 1992. Today, tours explore the facility, which holds 18 dorms, a power plant, a clinic, a cafeteria, and meeting rooms.  

Back above ground, the resort has plush rooms across various wings and cottages. Another overnight option is the historic  General Lewis Inn  in nearby Lewisburg. Live music, good pizzas, and cold beer are on tap at Lewisburg’s  Hill & Holler , housed in a rustic cabin downtown.

Route:  Follow Rte 92N to Rte 66W. It’s just over sixty miles to the next stop.

Stop 11: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park 

A steam train chugs to the summit of Bald Knob, the third-highest peak in the state, where views of mountains and valleys extend for miles. A lumber town for much of the 1900s, Cass today is a  historic village  and the home of five powerful Shay locomotives. The class C-80 Shay #5 has climbed Cheat Mountain – an elevation gain of 2,390 feet over 11 miles – for 115 years. Trips to the summit last about 4 1/2 hours. The multi-use  Greenbrier River Trail  is a pretty spot for a stroll. For a unique overnight stay, spend the night in one of the white-clapboard Cass company houses, once the homes of railroad workers.

Route:  It’s fifty miles of mountain-and-forest driving to Seneca Rocks via Rte 92N and Rte 28N, with the final leg on US-33W. 

Stop 12: Seneca Rocks

A jagged fin rising from a sea of forested hills, the peaks of  Seneca Rocks  are one of the most iconic sites in West Virginia. They’re also a hotspot for rock climbing, and climbers have tackled the formation’s sheer flanks since the 1930s. Sign up for a rock-climbing class with a local outfitter or simply hike the short trail that climbs to a rocks-adjacent observation platform. From here, you can see 4,863 foot-high Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state. Managed by the Monongahela National Forest Service, the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center has loads of information about outdoor recreation in the region (Mar-Oct).

Route:  Follow US-33W to Rte 32N through Davis to Blackwater Falls. It’s a 45-minute drive.

Stop 13: Blackwater Falls State Park

The robust  Blackwater Falls  tumble 57 feet into a tree-lined gorge. Tannic acid released by fallen hemlocks and red spruce needles gives the falls its unique amber hue. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails to explore here, plus more than three dozen furnished cabins are available for rent, and a midcentury lodge (also inside the park) boasts views of Blackwater Canyon. 

Route:  It’s four miles to Thomas. Follow Blackwater Falls Rd to Rt 32N.

Stop 14: Purple Fiddle 

With its pressed-tin ceiling, wooden floor, and quaint collection of antique knick-knackery, the interior of the  Purple Fiddle  in Thomas resembles the small country stores that dot Appalachia. But the Purple Fiddle becomes something different altogether at night when musicians raise the roof – and sometimes croon sad songs – from the corner stage. The Fiddle is a hotspot for up-and-coming musicians as well as established acts, often playing songs infused with the musical sounds of Appalachia. They serve good sandwiches, too!

Route:  It’s a 104-mile return to the eastern panhandle. Take US-48E to Rte 93E. Then take I-68E to US-522S into Berkeley Springs. 

Stop 15: Berkeley Springs State Park

Inns across the East Coast may brag, “George Washington slept here.” But how many can say that George Washington soaked there? The warm spring waters of Berkeley Springs have attracted travelers for centuries, and one brick-lined tub on the lawn of the  state park  claims to be Washington’s bathtub! Soak in the Old Roman bathhouse, then fill your thermos from the outdoor spout – the mineral-filled spring water is drinkable and totally free. Enjoy fine farm-to-table fare at  Tari’s , then conclude this trip with a comfy night at the  Country Inn of Berkeley Springs .

Want more inspiration for your West Virginia road trip? Request a free vacation guide .

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Travel to the Newest U.S. National Park and Other West Virginia Wonders on This Road Trip of a Lifetime

It isn’t heaven, but it’s pretty darn close..

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Sometimes, visits to places like Seneca Rocks are best made by car.

Courtesy of West Virginia Tourism

I knew from some short visits from my home in D.C. that West Virginia is a state of immense natural beauty—with more parks than I could keep straight (including the country’s newest national park, New River Gorge ). It’s also a state of contradictions—of coal mines and verdant parks, of massive infrastructures and wide-open spaces.

After three days of road tripping along the state’s famous country roads in April, I felt like I was in on its secrets. Here’s how to take a road trip through West Virginia, centered around three natural landmarks of interest: Blackwater Falls in the north, Seneca Rocks midstate, and New River Gorge in the south. It’s a trip you’ll want to do again—once you recover from the windy roads.

Embrace the quiet beauty of Blackwater Falls State Park.

Day 1: Blackwater Falls State Park

Drive time from Washington, D.C. to Blackwater Falls State Park: just over three hours

Blackwater Falls State Park , in the north of West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, is a scenic example of the state’s rich but underrated outdoor offerings. It’s quiet here—very much so—despite the fact that the 57-foot cascade, for which the park is named, is one of the most photographed spots in the state. As soon as you see the falls, you’ll understand why Blackwater Falls has its name: The water is dyed a blackish-amber tint from the tannic acid in the needles of hemlock and red spruce that drop into the flow. The park also has a small network of trails as well as the longest sledding route on the East Coast. Don’t miss the short, but steep, climb down to the falls where you can take in the views from well-maintained observation decks.

Tip: The weather here, as elsewhere in the state’s mountains, can be unpredictable. My April trip came just as the snow melted.

Drive time from Blackwater Falls State Park: five minutes

After stretching your legs in the park, head a few minutes back to the towns of Thomas and Davis. Often mentioned in one breath, as if two brothers in a family, the postage stamp–size towns are about three miles from each other and just north of Blackwater Falls State Park. Davis is the smaller of the two, with a main street offering posthike bites at Hellbender Burritos (which might surprise you with vegetarian offerings like the Goofy Foot, a burrito stuffed with soy sauce–grilled tofu with assorted veggies). Enjoy craft brews at Stumptown Ales , a local spot that welcomes guests under a rainbow pride flag.

Drive time from Davis: five minutes

Hop back in your car and drive on to Thomas. Once a melting pot mining town (with an Italian language newspaper to boot), Thomas is now an eclectic, artistic enclave that draws city dwellers for its music and proximity to Blackwater Falls. Thomas features a lively mix of pottery studios, galleries, a vintage store, and an outpost of the state’s best coffee shop, TipTop . But the real draw here is the Purple Fiddle , a legendary honky-tonk music venue. On most nights of the week, the Purple Fiddle hosts a range of country, folk, and bluegrass acts. Tickets range from free to $30 depending on who’s playing.

Where to stay: Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge

• Book now : Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge

Blackwater Falls State Park’s midcentury lodge finished top-to-bottom renovations in 2022 and offers cozy, upgraded rooms with sweeping views of the park. With just 54 rooms, the lodge feels as close to nature as you can get from the comfort of a real bed. Its location makes for immersive stargazing and—if you wake up early enough—for watching the sun rise over the falls.

Seneca Rocks is a spot well-loved by both fly-fishers and photographers.

Photo by Arlene Waller/Shutterstock

Day 2: Seneca Rocks

Drive time from Blackwater Falls to Seneca Rocks: 45 minutes

After a night toe tapping at the Purple Fiddle, settle in for a down-home breakfast at the lodge’s Smokehouse Restaurant or get coffee and a pastry to go at TipTop before driving south to Seneca Rocks. This dramatic outcropping is popular with boulderers, and the North Fork River below the 900-foot-high rock formation is well-known to fly-fishers and photographers.

The 45-minute drive grows increasingly curvy as you wind south (it’s worth taking slowly). Its unobstructed vistas accompany numerous Christian churches around every bend. Park at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center , which, like other visitor centers in the state, is state of the art and staffed by knowledgeable and friendly rangers (one lent me some of her sunscreen).

The Discovery Center supplies one of the best views of the rocks, so stop in for a quick photo and obtain a map while there. For an excellent afternoon climb, a 3.6-mile out and back hike features a swift ascent up, but you’ll be rewarded with a view of Pendleton County’s valleys and the surrounding Monongahela National Forest .

Culinary offerings around Seneca Rocks are scarce, so if you’re hungry after your hike, take a 10-minute drive south to American restaurant Asbury’s for fare that includes bison burgers and beet and goat cheese salads.

Drive time from Seneca Rocks to Lewisburg: 2.5 hours

From Asbury’s it’s back in the car and a nearly two-and-a-half-hour drive south to Lewisburg. Choose the smaller and windier Route 219 (scenery along the route deserves plenty of pull-over moments). If you have the car radio on, or if you’re relying on your cell phone for navigation, you will probably notice when you drive through the town of Green Bank. The nearby Allegheny Mountains are home to the world’s largest radio telescope, the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope. The massive white structure, operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, is unavoidable from the road. Since 1958, Green Bank has maintained strict “quiet zone” regulations, banning cell phones, radios, and even microwaves in order to avoid disturbing the telescope’s sensitivities.

About 45 minutes before Lewisburg (and after you get cell service back), you might see a stately white home set back from the road. Turn in the driveway at what is the unexpected homestead where Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist Pearl S. Buck was born. Although she only lived in the Hillsboro, West Virginia, home for a few months, the property is preserved and proudly cared for by a docent who will be glad to give you a tour.

Continue on the road to Lewisburg, a genteel town with a pleasant main street of antiques stores and cafés. Lewisburg’s Stardust Cafe serves farm-to-table foods in sandwiches and salads with organic meats and vegetables. The movement’s reverberations are felt throughout the town with some excellent dining options; most notable is the French Goat, where upmarket French cuisine is served at white tablecloth-covered tables in a historic home.

Where to stay: The General Lewis Inn

• Book now : The General Lewis Inn

The crowning jewel of Lewisburg, the General Lewis Inn is a destination in itself. The inn has been in continuous operation since 1929 and was renovated in 2009 by new owners, a husband-and-wife team with deep local roots. The General Lewis retains its historic charm while being thoroughly modern with rooms mixing antiques and contemporary pieces, plus flowers picked from the garden. Don’t miss its swanky cocktail bar and restaurant that serves creative spins on southern favorites like hush puppies, fried okra, and cornbread biscuits served in miniature cast iron skillets. You’ll want to enjoy dinner—or at least a drink—on the porch.

Visit one of North America’s oldest rivers in New River Gorge National Park.

Day 3: New River Gorge

Drive time from Lewisburg to New River Gorge: about 70 minutes

After breakfast at the inn or in town at the Wild Bean or Corn + Flour , bid farewell to Lewisburg and set your sights south on New River Gorge. The newest national park, New River Gorge is accessible by a major highway. But opt for the country roads and drive south along Route 60. Possibly the most beautiful drive in West Virginia—and one that definitely lives up to the “Almost Heaven” tagline John Denver gave the state, the route cuts through a landscape that looks virtually untouched minus the occasional mine or wind turbine. Hairpin turns abound but the scenery is worth the drops in your stomach.

Stop at the park’s Canyon Rim Visitor Center , which offers a thorough overview on the New River landscape and the people who have called it home. A rich collection of photographs and oral histories gives a sense of the area when mining was booming and the New River Valley was bustling with communities that relied on the gorge, mines, and the C&O railroad that once barreled through the valley.

Although New River Gorge became a national park in 2020, the river itself is one of the oldest in North America. Today the park spans 70,000 acres and is popular with hikers, white-water rafters, and photographers looking for the perfect shot of New River Gorge Bridge, a dramatic engineering feat that is the longest steel span bridge in the Western Hemisphere

From the visitor center, drive along the steep, curvy one-way Fayette Station Road to the base of the Gorge. Continue the drive until you reach the town of Thurmond. Once a busy mining and railway town with dry-goods stores, saloons, hotels, and a jeweler, Thurmond is now a ghost town steeped in history. A self-guided walking tour will lead you past remnants of the once-lively center.

Where to stay: Adventures on the Gorge

• Book now: Adventures on the Gorge

Despite its beauty and wealth of offerings, the New River Gorge area mostly lacks places to stay outside of rental homes and guest houses. Adventures on the Gorge, which also hosts white-water rafting excursions at the Gorge, has cabin rentals as well as campsites. Most of the cabins are fairly rustic and simple, but some come with an outdoor hot tub (an ideal way to end a day of hiking and driving). A stay here is for the pure, woodsy air and premium stargazing, rather than luxe bedding. Enjoy a sundowner at one of their on-site restaurants, or head into nearby Fayetteville (a five minute drive away) for dinner.

11 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in West Virginia

Endless winding roads, lush green mountains, charming small towns, and breathtaking vistas; West Virginia is your dream destination for road trips! Known for its rugged beauty, rich history, and country roads, the Mountain State offers some of the most scenic drives in the United States . Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking adventure, these 11 routes of West Virginia have something for everyone.

Highland Scenic Highway

Start your first journey in Summersville and head towards Richwood, where the stunning Highland Scenic Highway starts. It is a 43-mile stretch through Routes 39 and Route 150 that winds through the Monongahela National Forest . This designated National Scenic Byway offers unparalleled views of the Allegheny Highlands, with numerous overlooks for photo opportunities. Climbing up the lush landscapes, you'll find yourself surrounded by dense forests, pristine lakes, and serene meadows. Don't forget to stop at the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, a unique ecosystem featuring rare plants and bogs.

Midland Trail

The next one to two-day trip, spanning over 160 miles,   is on the Midland Trail, also known as Route 60. It is a historic highway that spans the entire state! Start in Kenova, and head towards Charleston , and then to White Sulphur Springs next to charming Lewisburg. For a touch of luxurious history, spend the night at Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. It is a renowned hotel with a history since 1778!

New River Gorge

West Virginia's iconic New River Gorge is a must-see, and the trip organized around it makes it well worth it. Start at Fayetteville and marvel at the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the world's longest steel arch bridges . Take Route 19 north to Weston, then head east to Elkins, and finally south through the Monongahela National Forest towards Lewisburg. This one to two-day, approximate 236-mile journey opens up opportunities for exciting exercise; enjoy white-water rafting, hiking, and rock climbing!

Coal Heritage Trail

This one to two-day, 187-mile road trip takes you back in time. Interested in the state's industrial history? Start in Bluefield, head west to Welch, and finally north to Charleston. The trip will take you through 13 counties and former coal mining towns that still have their historical charm. Descend a real coal mine at Beckley's Exhibition Coal Mine, and learn about the life of miners. Along the way, you'll encounter nostalgic company stores, heritage museums, and   captivating stories of the coal-mining era.

Harper's Ferry to Seneca Rocks

This one to two-day, approximate 125-mile road trip takes you to the natural wonders of Seneca Rocks. Start in Harpers Ferry at the border of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia . Head west towards Seneca Rocks, either cutting through Virginia, bypassing Winchester, or taking the northern route through Maryland and the Green Ridge State Forest. Be prepared to be awed as towering rock formations dominate the landscape. Consider staying at one of the resorts, like Yokum's Vacationland! If you are into rock climbing; this area is a rock climber's paradise. But even if you're not scaling the cliffs, the views are worth the trip. For an in-depth experience, visit Seneca Rocks Discovery Center for interpretive exhibits and guided tours. Finish the trip with a visit to Blackwater State Park and Canaan Valley.

Canaan Valley

Escape to the alpine wonderlands of the Canaan Valley, located in northeastern West Virginia, for the perfect mountain escape! Begin this one to two-day, 124-mile trip in Canaan Valley and head towards Elkins. Be sure to check out the Canaan Valley Resort State Park for some recreation and incredible panoramic views of the valley. Continue north, stopping by Morgantown, where you can spend the night, and finish in Cheat Lake, where you can visit Coopers Rock State Forest .

Clarksburg to Berkeley Springs

Start this one to two-day, 173-mile journey in Clarksburg and continue east towards Davis and Keyser. Be sure to see Tygart Lake State Park before arriving in Keyser. The fastest route takes you through Maryland, with the option to stop in at Dans Mountain Wildlife area for some wildlife viewings. Finally, head towards the dreamy Berkeley Springs, where you can soak in the natural warm springs.

Hinton Loop

For a taste of waterside wonders, your next one to two-day, 130-mile road trip lets you experience West Virginia's tranquil beauty, found in its lakes and rivers. Begin in the town of Hinton and follow Route 20 for scenic views, boating, and fishing. For a dreamy photographic experience, continue north to visit the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park. Circle back southwest towards   Princeton before returning to Hinton. Be sure to stop by Glade Springs along the way and enjoy a drive through Camp Creek State Forest.

Allegheny Highlands

Diving back into action, wind through roads on the Allegheny Highlands with Route 92. Start this one to two-day, 173-mile trip in Princeton, heading up to Durbin via Route 92. This famous curving route takes you through some of the state's most pristine wilderness. Finish with a drive up to the Allegheny Mountains. Along the way, stop in and visit Watoga State Park, where you can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and camping! Be prepared for a challenging road trip of rough terrain and narrow roads, but don't forget, the reward is unmatched solitude and blissful mountain views.

Gauley River Scenic Byway

Adventure-seekers look no further than the Gauley River Scenic Byway. Start the one to two-day, 122-mile trip at Gauley Bridge and head towards Summersville by following the Gualey River, famous for its challenging white-water rapids. Or if you prefer staying away from water, there is rock climbing and hiking. For such activities, be sure to visit the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Continue to the Snowshoe Mountain Resort and spend a day there to top off the adrenaline-pumping activities with some skiing or biking. Keep your eyes open as you pass through the Cranberry Wildlife Management Area!

Blackwater Falls to Lewisburg

What's a road trip without visiting a waterfall? This one to two-day, 150-mile road trip takes you to Blackwater Falls State Park, a gem tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains. Start in Thomas and take Route 32, which will guide you to the breathtaking Blackwater Falls as it cascades into an ebony-colored canyon. Continue south towards Seneca Rocks   and Seneca State Forest Park, stopping at Marlinton before heading to Lewisburg. You'll have a chance to enjoy the Cranberry Wildlife Management Area along the way.

West Virginia is a hidden gem for road trippers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and plentiful physical activities, you will find plenty of things to do to make your road trip memorable. From the high-altitude views to the rushing rivers and historic mining towns, you can not go wrong when taking a road trip through West Virginia.

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The Monongahela River in Morgantown runs along the Coliseum Arena on the campus of West Virginia University.

The Ultimate West Virginia Road Trip

Discover 500 miles of stunning vistas, outdoor adventures, and quaint towns on this surprising ride.

Ramble through rugged mountains and historic small towns on a roughly 500-mile scenic loop through some of West Virginia’s wildest terrain. Sample some of the best views, outdoor adventures, homegrown tastes, and live music the Mountain State has to offer.

Over 12,000 acres make up Coopers Rock State Forest, with plenty of beautiful overlooks and hidden treasures to discover along the way.

Home of the West Virginia University Mountaineers, Morgantown is a combo college town and nature activity hub. On campus, tour the free Art Museum of WVU (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) and see venerable Woodburn Hall, the university’s redbrick symbol built in 1876. In nearby Coopers Rock State Forest (about 13 miles east of downtown), blow up your Instagram feed with shots of Cheat River Canyon taken from the Raven Rock Trail overlook. End the day listening to live local, regional, and national acts at 123 Pleasant Street , a comfy music venue housed in a restored 1890s row house.

Eat & Stay: Table 9 and The Chestnut Hotel

Davis and Thomas

From Morgantown, it’s a scenic 70-mile drive (via WV-92 and US-50) southeast to Davis. The tiny (population 651) river town and its smaller (population 564) neighbor, Thomas, are mountain biking meccas. Rent bikes at Canaan Valley Resort State Park or at Blackwater Bikes . At Blackwater Falls State Park , follow the boardwalk 200 steps down (and 200 back up) for a front row-view of the falls. In Thomas, shop for Appalachian fine art and craft at Buxton & Landstreet Gallery and Studios . Stick around town for the evening show at the Purple Fiddle , where there’s West Virginia beer on tap and, most nights, live music on stage.

Eat & Stay: Hellbender Burritos and Canaan Valley Resort in Davis

Monongahela National Forest Area

The Dolly Sods Wilderness spans three counties in West Virginia with over 17,000 acres to explore.

Meander south through the wild and spectacularly scenic Monongahela National Forest , widely regarded as one of the most biologically diverse forests of its kind in the United States. For hardcore hiking and sweeping vistas, traverse the high-mountain meadows, heaths, and bogs of the forest’s remote Dolly Sods Wilderness . About 30 miles south in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area , climb the observation tower atop the state’s highest peak, 4,863-foot Spruce Knob . In nearby Circleville’s NROCKS, scale new heights on the adrenaline-pumping Via Ferrata , a fixed-anchor, guided rock climbing adventure. (Reservations are highly recommended.)

Stay: Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

You can't listen to the radio in this National Radio Quiet Zone, but you can visit the Green Bank Telescope and explore the interactive Green Bank Observatory.

Continue south into Pocahontas County and the unplugged mountain hamlet of Green Bank. No cell phones, GPS devices, or other electromagnetic wave-transmitting gadgets are allowed in town, part of the 13,000-square-mile National Radio Quiet Zone. Green Bank’s radio-free status supports the work of its star attraction: the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT). Housed at the Green Bank Observatory the nearly 17-million-pound GBT is the world’s biggest fully steerable radio telescope. Take a public tour of the observatory to see the GBT (and the site’s other telescopes) and to explore the out-of-this-world field of radio astronomy.

Eat & Stay: Chestnut Ridge Country Inn in Dunmore and the Last Run Restaurant in Cass

White Sulphur Springs and Lewisburg

Follow WV-92 south through the Allegheny Mountains to historic Greenbrier Valley . In postcard-perfect downtown Lewisburg , browse the locally owned shops and galleries before catching a live performance at Carnegie Hall . Sample Appalachian adult beverages at Hawk Knob Hard Cider and Mead in Lewisburg and Smooth Ambler Spirits in Maxwelton. Learn about the area’s rich military history at the (declassified) Cold War Bunker at the Greenbrier and at the Confederate Cemetery at Lewisburg . Take a deep dive (120 feet underground) into the valley on a self-guided or Wild Cave tour of Lost World Caverns .

Eat & Stay: The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest

Tucked into the southeastern corner of the state is bucolic Monroe County . Cruise the scenic backroads for a slow-speed tour of rolling farmland, mountain valleys, and a slice of the three-state George Washington and Jefferson National Forests . August through November, watch soaring hawks and other migrating birds of prey from the rustic Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory . To reach the 3,812-foot-high perch, drive to the Allegheny Trail parking lot atop Peters Mountain and hike south for about a mile.

Eat & Stay: Nanny’s Bakery & Café in Union and Four Fillies Lodge in Peterstown.

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Fayetteville

If you stacked the Washington Monument on top of the Statue of Liberty, they would not reach the top of the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayatteville.

Retrace your route north to Lewisburg and hop on US-60 W, also known as the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway . The historic two-lane road snakes 180 miles west to east across south-central West Virginia from the Ohio/Kentucky border to the Virginia state line. Stop at the Hawks Nest State Park overlook for panoramic views of the New River Gorge National River below. May to October, take the aerial tramway down to the bottom of the gorge and zip across the river on a jetboat. Head south toward historic Fayetteville to drive across the world-famous New River Gorge Bridge . If you can handle dizzying heights (the bridge is 876 feet above the gorge) take a guided Bridge Walk (reservations required) on the catwalk underside.

Eat & Stay: Secret Sandwich Society and the Historic Morris Harvey House in Fayetteville

The West Virginia State Capitol building sits in its riverfront home.

Take the scenic route (US-60) northwest to Charleston , a riverfront capital city with a friendly, small-town vibe. Shop for locally grown and made products—such as artisanal salt from J.Q. Dickinson Salt Works —at the indoor-outdoor Capitol Market . Tour the free West Virginia State Museum at the Culture Center on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex. Buy tickets in advance for a Charleston taping of Mountain Stage , a two-hour music radio show produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. On summer Fridays (May 26 to September 1), catch the free Live on the Levee outdoor concert in Haddad Riverfront Park. Return to Morgantown via I-79 N.

Eat & Stay: Pies and Pints and Brass Pineapple Inn

Maryellen Kennedy Duckett lives, writes, and drives the backroads in East Tennessee where she wakes up curious every day. You can follow her on Twitter @mekd .

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The Stunning West Virginia Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America

If she isn't writing, hiking, teaching, or gardening, Cristy is probably busy enjoying a good book and a big bowl of ice cream.

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Ready for a road trip? If you prefer to travel via beautiful, historic highways as opposed to frenetic, heavily trafficked interstates, then have we got a route for you: the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, which bisects the entire state of West Virginia for one of the best road trips you can take in America.

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Have you ever driven along U.S. Route 60 through West Virginia? If so, which parts were your favorite part? Do you have any scenic road trips you’d like to share? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below! And don’t forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list before embarking on your journey.

If you enjoy state parks, then you simply must visit these 9 underrated state parks in West Virginia .

If you’re still in the mood for more West Virginia adventures, take a look at this video about the abandoned town of Thurmond:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

More to love about west virginia.

Where can we find other scenic drives in West Virginia?

• The Coal Heritage Trail, stretching from Bluefield to Chimney Corner, features over 187 miles of scenic river valleys, quaint towns, rugged mountain terrain, and historic landmarks.
• The Seneca Trail, stretching from Silver Lake to Peterstown and also known as Route 219, traverses past the Indian Creek Covered Bridge and numerous historical structures.
• S. 33, stretching from Ravenswood to the state line on Shenandoah Mountain, takes you past several scenic landmarks, including Spruce Knob, the highest location in the state.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other scenic drives in West Virginia.

Where can we find hiking trails in West Virginia?

• The Hawks Nest trail near Ansted features waterfalls, a scenic overlook, caves, historic mining artifacts, and more.
• The Blackwater Falls Trail in Tucker County is an easy, short, and sweet hike featuring the jaw-dropping Blackwater Falls.
• The Kaymoor Miners Trail near Fayetteville highlights ruins from an old historic mine as well as a beautiful waterfall.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other spectacular hiking trails in West Virginia.

Where can we find waterfalls in West Virginia?

• Mash Fork Falls located in Camp Creek State Park is noted by some as the best waterfall in the state.
• Campbell Falls in Camp Creek State Park is surrounded by thickets of verdant trees which make them even more scenic.
• The Brush Creek Falls at the Brush Creek Nature Preserve is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other sensational waterfalls in West Virginia.

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Featured Addresses

The Perfectly Picturesque Road Trip Through West Virginia's Most Adorable Small Towns

P icture yourself on a leisurely road trip through West Virginia, surrounded by your loved ones and immersing yourself in the state's stunning scenery. Our stress-free road trip takes you on a journey of discovery through charming small towns and historic sites set against the backdrop of majestic mountain views.

We have carefully charted a route designed to give you a comprehensive experience of West Virginia's natural beauty. You can explore quaint villages, visit historic landmarks, and relax in soothing hot springs. You will also have the chance to learn about the fascinating stories behind each charming small town you visit, making it an educational and entertaining experience.

The road trip is a loop designed to be accessible by car in one day, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or a day trip with your family or friends. You can create unforgettable memories with your loved ones as you explore the enchanting state of West Virginia together.

Read more: The Most-Visited Tourist Attraction In Every State

Heritage And Culture In Lewisburg, Buckhannon, And Elkins

Explore West Virginia's heartland by visiting the towns of Lewisburg, Buckhannon, and Elkins. Each of these towns has a unique history and culture that makes them special. Each of these towns has a unique story to tell about the past and vibrant cultures that make them special. Places like the Old Stone Church and the county courthouse provide a glimpse into West Virginia's rich history. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre and Carnegie Hall offer a touch of culture with a range of performances.

Moving on, Buckhannon welcomes you with its small-town charm and strong sense of community. Jawbone Park is a popular gathering place for local events, and Main Street is a mix of old and new. The Upshur County Historical Society is an excellent stop to learn about the region's past. Your journey then takes you to Elkins, nestled in the Tygart Valley. Here, the town comes alive with arts and culture. The Augusta Heritage Center and American Mountain Theater showcase the artistic side of Elkins. Captivating shops and eateries will make leaving this town's Main Street difficult.

Peace And Luxury In Green Bank And White Sulphur Springs

Escape to the peaceful towns of Green Bank and White Sulphur Springs for the second leg of your West Virginia journey. Whether you're seeking tranquility or a chance to explore the outdoors, Green Bank has something for everyone. Surrounded by serene landscapes, it offers many activities for nature lovers, such as hiking trails, wildlife observation, and stargazing. It's also known for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory .

Your final stop will be the charming town of White Sulphur Springs, located in Greenbrier County and less than 10 miles from your starting point of Lewisburg. White Sulphur Springs is well-known for its natural mineral springs, which you can enjoy at the luxurious Greenbrier resort. The National Historic Landmark, tucked into the Allegheny Mountains, has welcomed guests since 1778. The town is also known for its picturesque downtown area, home to many unique and specialty shops.

As your West Virginia road trip wraps up, the memories from each charming small town linger, creating a beautiful story of the state's essence. As you bid farewell to this picturesque adventure, let the spirit of West Virginia's small towns stay in your heart until the next journey begins.

Read the original article on Explore .

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Discover fall in almost heaven.

Featured Destinations

From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. It’s all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven.

Chase stunning fall foliage this season aboard a scenic train ride or ATV excursion. Reconnect with friends and family in a cozy cabin. From charming small towns to flavorful farm-to-table dishes, an autumn adventure awaits in Almost Heaven.

Featured Road Trip

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route.

Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, you’ll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Pair that with the region’s compelling historical past and vibrant small towns, and you’ve got one very memorable trip....

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Check Out These Charming Small Towns in Almost Heaven

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route, a memorable trip through the potomac highlands.

Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation.

Explore Some of West Virginia's Most Stunning Sights

Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway.

You Can Take a Drive and a Dip Along This Historic Loop

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Explore lodging.

Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away.

Current Season

Blooming rhododendrons. Wildflower hikes. Rushing waterfalls. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive.

Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam.

Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall.

The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe.

Seneca Skyway

Route Details

Seneca Skyway passes through nearly 300 miles of the beautiful Potomac Highlands. Soak up breathtaking sights on this little over 6-hour drive.

Depending on your cell phone carrier, you might encounter spotty service on this scenic trek. Don’t forget to download this region for offline use on your smartphone before exploring our country roads.

Seneca Skyway is accessible for both cars and motorcycles.

Ready to hit the road? Use the button below to view the detailed directions and to send this itinerary directly to Google Maps on your smartphone.

Click Here To Download This Route

You’ll kickstart your adventure in Lewisburg , which has been dubbed “America’s Coolest Small Town.” Start your morning off right with breakfast and a hot cup of coffee at The Wild Bean . Don’t get in a hurry just yet—this mountain town is the perfect place for a morning stroll before hitting the road. Carnegie Hall is a historic landmark worth a peek, one of just four remaining Carnegie’s in the world. After you’re done taking in the history, buckle up and head towards Marlinton on US 219. Enjoy this scenic drive, with lush forest views as far as the eye can see.

Hop off US 219 just before Marlinton and head to Beartown State Park , where a sprawling boardwalk will take you from one end of the park to the next. After enjoying Beartown’s unusual rocky formations and overhanging cliffs, head up the road to Watoga State Park . Recently designated an official Dark Sky Park this scenic wonderland is best enjoyed after the sun goes down—so add a nighttime stop at Watoga to your bucket list for later. This state park is still a beauty any time of the day though, packed with opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing and more.

On your journey north, you will pass through a true mountain oasis: Elkins. If you haven’t grabbed lunch yet, now is the perfect opportunity. Located in downtown Elkins, CJ Maggies is a favorite among locals and travelers alike, serving up an expansive menu—including delicious wood fired pizzas. Once arriving in Elkins, you are within reach of the beautiful and expansive Monongahlea National Forest . Make the most of your perfect proximity and head just past the Stuart Recreation Area to the Bickle Knob Observation Tower. This tower provides 360 degree views of Randolph County that are sure to take your breath away.

Davis & Thomas

Once you make your way to Thomas, it’s time to make a pit stop and refuel. Pack a picnic of your favorite snacks or stop by the local favorite, Hellbender’s Burritos to enjoy a quick bite to eat. Stretch your legs and get a breath of fresh air at Blackwater Falls State Park . Home to an iconic 57-foot cascade, this slice of Almost Heaven is always worth the stop. Do you have more scenic views on the mind? Check out the awe-inspiring Pendleton Overlook within Blackwater Falls State Park or chnage direction towards the wide-open spaces of Canaan Valley Resort State Park . 

Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob

Head south on Route 32 from Harman toward Onego for a short drive to Seneca Rocks —a stunning rock formation once used by the United States Army for training thanks to its steep technical peaks. Trained mountaineer or not, this scenic wonder can be enjoyed in a variety of ways : hiking, climbing or horseback riding. While you are in the area, make the drive to Spruce Knob—the highest point of elevation in Almost Heaven. Once arriving take a short walk to the Spruce Knob Observation Tower for a glimpse of West Virginia’s breathtaking mountain scenery. The views, however, won’t stop there! 

The Green Bank National Radio Quiet Zone is nestled among the rolling highway of WV-92 and is home to the world’s largest fully-steerable telescope, the Green Bank Telescope. A stop by the Green Bank Observatory will put you in the mood for scientific discovery, from the on-campus science center to the vast clear skies overhead. Grab a bite to eat at Greenbank’s Starlight Cafe before hopping back on the road towards your starting destination in Greenbrier County.

Greenbrier County

The winding backroads of WV-92 South will lead you back to Greenbrier County to the town of White Sulphur Springs , a close neighbor of Lewisburg . Take solitude in the nearby Greenbrier State Forest before venturing out into the town’s charming and historic shops. Looking to learn a bit of unique history? Stop by the storied Greenbrier Bunker , once an emergency Cold War bunker for the United States federal government. Consider grabbing a bite to eat at Road Hogs, serving up delectable BBQ, before checking out the newly opened Schoolhouse Hotel .

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Seneca Skyway Views in #AlmostHeaven