Five Amazing Day Trips: West Virginia

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the beautiful state of West Virginia has an almost endless list of reasons to visit. The southern state, with its deep roots in Appalachian culture, is divided into nine travel regions, each with unique points of interests. A great way to explore the mountains and valleys is a scenic road trip, stopping in cities and towns along the way to visit historic districts, museums and attractions, unique shops and galleries, and enjoy the local culinary scene. West Virginia is a year-round destination with something for everyone. The 45 state parks and forests attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to hike, bike, swim, and stay in the lodges and campgrounds. The small towns that are dotted across this wild and wonderful state host annual festivals and events, celebrations that have become local family traditions. Our day trip recommendations start in Charleston and highlight many of the area’s great destinations.

Here are five great day trips in The Mountain State:

Fayetteville (The Outdoors)

About 60 miles northwest of Charleston, the New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most photographed places in all of West Virginia. Gain a different vantage point of the bridge on a tour from Adventures on the Gorge, a premier adventure resort. There are many tour options to consider; however, the whitewater rafting trips are extremely popular and range from mild to menacing. For the adrenaline junkie, the infamous Upper Galey River Trip traverses one of the top five stretches of Class V whitewater in the world. The most popular trip is on the Lower New River with Class IV whitewater and stretches of calmer water between the excitement of the rapids. Check with the tour company— there are plenty of options, including half-day trips, overnight excursions, and great family rafting experiences to appreciate the scenic landscape on the calmer sections of the river. For an incredibly unique experience, attend the annual Bridge Day celebration (every third Saturday in October) and watch daredevils BASE jump into the Gorge below. You can also participate, if you dare!!

Lewisburg (Small Town Experiences)

Located 100 miles southeast of Charleston, the charming small town of Lewisburg offers a unique blend of arts and culture and a vibrant downtown area packed with galleries, boutiques, and an outstanding culinary scene. This is an excellent day trip while staying at the nearby Greenbrier Resort, one of the best resorts in the United States. To experience everything Lewisburg has to offer, plan your visit around a live performance at historic Carnegie Hall or the highly regarded Greenbrier Valley Theater. Prior to the performance, visit the Greenbrier Historical Society to see the museum exhibits focused on life in the Greenbrier Valley and a tour of the historic North House. Choose from casual to fine dining for lunch or dinner at The Asylum, The French Goat, Stardust Café. After the show, you’ll agree that Lewisburg is one of the best small towns in the country.

Parkersburg (Parks & Recreation)

Located on the Ohio River, about 75 miles north of Charleston, the small town of Parkersburg is home to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Start your day trip to the unique state park at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History (located on Juliana Street) to purchase tickets before boarding the Island Belle Sternwheeler for a quick ferry trip from Point Park to the island. Spend the day exploring the state park, the highlight of which is the reconstructed 18th century mansion that was owned by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett. In 1789, the home was considered the most beautiful in the entire West. Guided tours are provided by staff dressed in period clothing and offer guests a glimpse into life on the island over two hundred years ago. The interesting stories cover a wide range of topics, including political persecution, treason, and conspiracy— yes, it all happened on this little island in the middle of the Ohio River! After the comprehensive tour, take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the island or rent bicycles and explore the trails and other points of interest. This is one day trip that you will be telling your friends about for years!!

Snowshoe (Sports & Sporting Events)

The world-class Snowshoe Mountain Resort is located 150 miles east of Charleston, near the Monongahela National Forest. The resort is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 11,000 acres and dozens of activities. During the summer months, visitors flock to the resort to enjoy the Appalachian Mountain landscapes while ascending over the forest on a scenic lift ride, playing a round of championship golf, and mountain biking on one of the most extensive trail systems in the United States. Once the snowmaking begins and winter sets in, the resort offers over 60 trails across three unique mountain areas and bike trails, as well as other winter activities like snowmobiling, tubing, and snowshoeing. Extend your trip with an overnight stay in one of the many lodging options with spa services and restaurants to include on your classic West Virginia getaway.

Weston (Tours & Experiences)

Located about 100 miles northeast of Charleston, the small city of Weston has two designated historic districts: the Weston Downtown Historic District and Weston Downtown Residential Historic District. Our day trip takes you to the former Weston State Hospital, more commonly referred to as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The impressive main hospital building designed in the Gothic/Tudor revival style is one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in the country. Today, tours of this national landmark detail the history of the facility, medicines and humane treatment available for the mentally ill, and paranormal activity. Choose between the Heritage and History Tours or Paranormal Tours, both of them have 160 years of unbelievable stories to share. There are also special tours, available on a seasonal basis— a few of the popular include Asylum After Dark, Bedlam, and Flashlight Tours.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!