10 Amazing West Virginia Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive In 2025
Unparalleled natural beauty and exciting outdoor adventures punctuate the only state confined within the Appalachian Mountains. Just beyond Charleston, gateway to the Mountain State through Yeager International Airport, West Virginia’s quiet beauty begins to unfold. While Charleston and Huntington buzz with activity, the true spirit of the Mountain State waits just beyond the urban sprawl, hidden in its rolling hills, misty hollows, and storybook small towns such as Harpers Ferry.
A short drive is often all it takes to leave behind the familiar and uncover the unexpected. From abandoned historic mines to secluded trails leading to breathtaking overlooks and state parks endowed with tumbling waterfalls, these amazing West Virginia day trips reveal a deeper, richer side of the state that many travelers overlook.
Hawks Nest State Park (1 hour)
Hawks Nest State Park is only an hour outside Charleston, beckoning outdoor lovers with a peaceful moment in the middle of raw natural surroundings. This delightful day trip allows guests to discover a 270-acre sanctuary riddled with panoramic vistas at every turn. First-timers often pass by the park's Nature Museum for some eye-opening background, with exhibits documenting the diverse flora and fauna found in the region. The scenic Cliffside Trail beckons seasoned hikers with a demanding climb to the summit of the cliff, where sweeping views of the New River Gorge await.
The New River Gorge Bridge and Hawks Nest Lake Dam support various aquatic recreation, including boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Meanwhile, those who'd like to fish can find a quiet spot along the banks of the New River and speculate on species like trout, catfish, and smallmouth bass.
Huntington Museum of Art (1 hour)
The Huntington Museum of Art is about an hour's drive west of Charleston and provides an escape for culture vultures to explore a world-class arts facility. Set on a 50-acre property, this 60,000-square-foot art museum is the largest in West Virginia and displays an expansive collection of at least 17,000 exhibits spanning about a half-century period. The museum is split into multiple sections, showcasing American, British, Asian, and European art.
The American art section includes an array of decorative, architectural, photographic, and textile art, some dating back to the Colonial period. The Asian is another immersive stop in the museum, displaying elaborate and sophisticated Japanese ceramics and Chinese paintings.
Tygart Lake State Park (2 hours 15 minutes)
Tygart Lake State Park invites road-trippers to skip the fast-paced nature of Charleston for an easygoing and calm atmosphere next to the water. Covering almost 400 acres, the park lies along the shores of Tygart Lake, and its 10-mile shoreline invites travelers to immerse themselves in water-based adventures. Boat, kayak, canoe, or pontoon charters at the Tygart Lake Marina offer a laid-back cruise with exquisite lake views. Visitors also have opportunities to fish for smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
However, those who prefer to stay on land can choose between miles of multiple trails to explore the area. Popular among these is Dogwood Trail, which provides a moderately demanding hike punctuated by steep inclines.
Oglebay Resort (2 hours 45 minutes)
On a picturesque hilltop just under 3 hours from Charleston, Oglebay Resort is a family-centric day trip destination that offers fun and adventure for the whole family. The public park and resort covers around 1,700 acres, serving as a year-round recreational space. Tourists with a love for the outdoors can hike the 4-5-mile trail network criss-crossing the site, while nature enthusiasts will enjoy being in the midst of lush greenery at the on-site arboretum.
The resort houses a beautiful lake right in the middle, which treats newcomers to fun aquatic activities. Schenk Lake is always jostling with families seeking to kayak, boat, canoe, and aqua cycle. Meanwhile, a tour of the Good Zoo enables rare interactions with dozens of species, including endangered animals, like red pandas.
Pricketts Fort State Park (2 hours 45 minutes)
Pricketts Fort State Park welcomes city dwellers for a captivating trip back in time to the 18th-century frontier in West Virginia. Less than 3 hours from Charleston, this historic complex is set on 188 acres and houses rustic structures dating back to the 1700s. These provide a unique window into the lives of residents during the Colonial period. The site is surrounded by wide open space with hiking trails, picnic areas, and other recreational facilities.
Strolling along Prickett's Fort Nature Trail reveals the area’s lush flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Meanwhile, a 400-capacity amphitheater in the park hosts vibrant summer concerts that draw friendly crowds and talented performers from the region.
Pipestem Resort State Park (1 hour 30 minutes)
This massive state park sits on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge and treats roadtrippers to thrilling adventures in the mountains of the West Virginia countryside. Spanning more than 4,000 acres, Pipestem Resort State Park offers an array of adrenaline-packed activities, including soaring 300 feet above the dramatic Bluestone Gorge when you book a trip with Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tours. The Adventure Lake and Splash Park is designed for water lovers, offering inflatable mountains, dumping buckets, and water slides for non-stop, soaking wet fun.
The park features trails of varying lengths and difficulty, attracting hikers and cyclists eager to take in the scenic outdoors. The Farley Loop Trail is perfect for seasoned trekkers looking to push the limits and features breathtaking vistas of the gorge at Raven Rock Overlook.
The Greenbrier Resort (2 hours)
The Greenbrier Resort blends historic charm, modern amenities, and luxurious entertainment to make for one of the best West Virginia day trips that are worth the drive in 2025. ‘America's resort’ sits on an 11,000-acre property and houses a grandiose Classical Revival-style mansion from the 18th century as its focal point. Boasting more than 700 guest rooms, 10 grand lobbies, and 40 meeting spaces, it provides a stunning view of old-world opulence in a fantastic atmosphere.
Beyond its pleasant history, the resort offers a range of amenities to ensure everyone has an excellent time. From golf courses, restaurants, lounges, bowling alleys, a luxurious spa, and horseback rides to lawn games, there is enough to go around for all guests.
Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo (2 hours 45 minutes)
Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo is a pleasant sanctuary that welcomes animal lovers of all ages for satisfying interactions with a vast array of native and exotic wildlife species. It takes just under an hour to reach the zoo from Charleston, making for a worthwhile day trip if you have enough time to spend on the toad. Almost 30 species call the refuge home, divided into interactive enclosures where guests can savor close-up encounters with the animals in their natural habitat.
The giraffe section is one of the most popular for kids, as they get to feed the gentle giants, while the thundering roar from the lion exhibit tends to leave many first-timers perplexed. Other exciting wild animals you can expect to see include black leopards, white tigers, baboons, chimps, grizzly bears, and more.
Lost World Caverns (2 hours)
Tourists who enjoy off-beat experiences can take this 2-hour drive southeast of the city to discover one of the most beautiful cavern systems in the region. Discovered in the 1940s, this geological masterpiece invites adventurers of all ages for a 120-foot underground descent and hike 45 minutes through a mystical cave with massive stalactites and stalagmites. The cavern maintains a cool 52 degrees Fahrenheit and a 1.5-mile loop along which you can spot treasures like the Snowy Chandelier, a massive compound stalactite weighing 30 tons.
Other highlights include the Bridal Veil and the War Club, a 28-foot tall stalagmite that played a part in Bob Addis earning a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Besides the adventure, the site has a gift shop where you can find a cute souvenir to buy.
Blackwater Falls State Park (3 hours)
Blackwater Falls State Park is a natural gem in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, a 3-hour drive northeast of Charleston. Nature enthusiasts will be elated to discover this spectacular wonder, which features a 57-foot cascade with distinct amber-colored waters that plunge into a gorge. Besides being one of the most photographed landscapes in West Virginia, the site offers a raft of outdoor adventures. There are more than 20 miles of scenic bike trails, which also allow for front-row views of the region's breathtaking landforms.
Meanwhile, there is a boathouse at Pendleton Lake where guests can hire kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other equipment to get out on the water. The lake, alongside the Blackwater River, is home to a decent population of trout, bass, bluegill, catfish, and other fish species that anglers will be glad to learn of.
Beyond the Beaten Path in West Virginia
Whether a history buff, outdoor thrill seeker, art lover, or nature enthusiast, these West Virginia day trips that are worth the drive in 2025 highlight the rich diversity and authentic charm tucked away in the Mountain State’s rugged backcountry. From scenic overlooks to vibrant animal sanctuaries to critical historical markers, these experiences go far beyond the typical tourist trail in the United States. Each of these destinations lies within an easy drive from Charleston, offering quick escapes without leaving the Mountain State.
