Almost Heaven. West Virginia so inspired John Denver that he compared the beauty of West Virginia to heaven! West Virginia has long drawn people to its mountains, and there are so many hidden gems all over the state. The best way to see West Virginia is by taking a road trip! Take the winding roads to visit charming mountain towns, historic sites, and scenic landscapes. Find your heaven in West Virginia by following this West Virginia Road Trip guide. Huge thank you to the West Virginia Department of Tourism for sponsoring this trip and sharing the Mountain State charm with me!
West Virginia Road Trip Map
Where to Start Your West Virginia Road Trip
West Virginia is within a day’s drive from 2/3rds of the US population and just hours from major cities such as Washington D.C, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. You can choose to drive to West Virginia to start your road trip or you can fly into any of the major airports nearby and get a rental car. I flew direct from Atlanta to Pittsburgh and started my road trip driving from Pittsburgh towards West Virginia, hence I am starting this road trip in northern West Virginia. However, you can start the road trip wherever makes sense for you!
West Virginia Road Trip Stops
Morgantown
Morgantown is a beautiful mountain town in northern West Virginia. It is home to West Virginia University so it is a fun college town with plenty of school spirit! It has a lively downtown area full of highly-rated restaurants and boutique shops. Plus, there is even a fun and extensive brewery scene! Be sure to walk down High Street to check out the many local businesses!
Check out these food and brewery recommendations for Morgantown:
- Terra Cafe
- Black Bear Burritos
- The Grind
- Table 9
- Chaang Thai
- Morgantown Brewing Company
- Mountain State Brewing Co.
- Apothecary Ale House
- Chestnut Brew Works
Coopers Rock State Forest
Coopers Rock State Forest is just a short drive away from Morgantown and it is a great place to visit for sweeping views! This state forest is free to visit and has plenty of fun activities for everyone including picnicking, camping, and fishing. Plus there are more than fifty miles of hiking and biking trails winding throughout the woods here!
If you’re visiting West Virginia in the fall, Coopers Rock State Forest is a fantastic place to see fall colors! I recommend taking the Raven Rock Trail for stunning views. You also have to go to the main overlook for panoramic views over the forest.
Weston
Head to the historic town of Weston to experience one of West Virginia’s many charming mountain towns! Visit the historic Jackson’s Mill to see its beautiful grounds and a piece of West Virginia history. Check out the Museum Of American Glass to learn about the region and the nation’s rich glass heritage. Tour the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to go inside this national landmark and hear about its fascinating yet dark history. Explore downtown Weston and check out Thyme Bistro and many of Weston’s best restaurants.
You can also find a luxury treehouse via Airbnb or VRBO in Weston! Head to Lambert’s Vintage Winery to taste some delicious wine and stay overnight at one of their luxury treehouse/cabins.
Stonewall Resort and State Park
Stonewall Resort is a luxurious resort located near Weston that offers a tranquil retreat on 1,900 acres. Its Adirondack-style lodge is perched alongside quiet lake waters with immaculate views of West Virginia’s rolling mountains. This resort is a great place to stay on your West Virginia road trip, but you can visit even if you’re not staying here.
The grounds are open to the public and you can dine at the many restaurants on the property, explore the beautiful interiors of the lodge, play a round or two of golf, or explore miles of hiking trails. There’s truly something at Stonewall Resort and State Park for everyone!
Elkins
Elkins is another charming small town to explore in West Virginia! Grab a specialty latte at TipTop. Stop by Byrd’s House Of Donuts for delicious donuts. Enjoy authentic Venezuelan fare & pan-Latin dishes at El Gran Sabor. Venture a few miles out of town to Bickle Knob Observation Tower for stunning panoramic views of the forests nearby.
Buckhannon
Only a 30-minute drive from Elkins, Buckhannon is a fun town to stop at on your West Virginia road trip! If you enjoy antiquing, then be sure to stop at Main Street Antiques to walk down memory lane. Support the local businesses in Buckhannon by shopping around downtown. Grab a specialty coffee or craft brew at Stone Tower Brews and enjoy a meal at Fish Hawk Acres for the freshest farm-to-table foods.
Audra State Park
Venture to Audra State Park for a scenic hike through caves! Take the Alum Creek And Cave Trail which is an easy 2.7-mile trail that includes a boardwalk that winds below the Alum Cave overhang and provides a spectacular view of the Middle Fork River. In places, it provides access to the river for wading and nature exploring. You can also choose to go biking, boating, camping, fishing, and swimming in this West Virginia state park!
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Welcome to America’s newest National Park! New River Gorge National Park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. The national park features the New River Gorge Bridge and a rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons.
Start your visit to New River Gorge National Park at Canyon Rim Visitor Center where you can find maps and information about the park! From the visitor center, you can take a short walk to see the New River Gorge Bridge up close. Additionally, you can take the Long Point Trail which is a 3-mile out-and-back trail that offers beautiful views of the gorge, the river, and the New Gorge River Bridge. Take a drive on Fayette Station Rd towards the bottom of the canyon and stop at Tunney Hunsaker Bridge to enjoy a view of the bridge from below!
Babcock State Park
With 4,127 acres of stunning scenery, Babcock State Park is one of West Virginia’s most iconic locations. It is located 20 miles from the New River Gorge and features the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper’s Mill, which once stood on the grounds. This state park is a photographer’s heaven!
Hawks Nest State Park
Encompassing 276 acres bordering a rugged section of the New River Gorge National River, Hawks Nest State Park is known for its panoramic views. You can choose to stay at the lodge which offers 31 rooms with stunning panoramic views of the New River Gorge, with some offering intimate, private balconies. If you choose not to stay overnight at the lodge, you can still enjoy breathtaking views of the New River Gorge by dining at The Overlook restaurant. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy at this state park including hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing!
Final Thoughts
West Virginia is one of the most underrated states in the US! The Mountain State is truly a breath of fresh air featuring world-class outdoor adventure, welcoming mountain towns, rich Appalachian culture and cuisine, and one-of-a-kind historic sites. I got to road trip through this beautiful state in the fall and the fall colors were stunning all over West Virginia! Find your heaven in West Virginia.
Ready for your own Almost Heaven getaway? Visit www.WVTourism.com to learn more and start planning!
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