Best Weekend Trips in West Virginia 2025

West Virginia makes weekend travel feel easy. The Mountain State sits within a day’s drive of much of the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachia, and its winding roads hide waterfalls, historic towns, and epic overlooks that feel a world away from weekday routines. Whether you want spa time and fine dining, a kid-friendly state park cabin, adrenaline on whitewater, or small-town streets packed with history, you’ll find it here. Even better, most destinations in West Virginia cluster within three to four hours of each other, so you can build an effortless escape with minimal time in transit.

This guide breaks down the best weekend trips in West Virginia by interest—romance, family fun, outdoor adventure, culture and history, plus food and wine—along with practical planning tips. You’ll learn the ideal seasons, transportation options, budget advice, and what to pack so you can arrive prepared and spend more time enjoying the view. Let’s map out your next two or three days, the West Virginia way.

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Why Take Weekend Trips from West Virginia?

Short getaways reset your routine without draining your PTO or budget. You return Monday with fresh energy and a reel of real memories, not just a wish list. Because West Virginia’s landscapes change quickly—rolling farmland, river gorges, high-elevation plateaus, and Victorian-era towns—you can tailor each weekend to a different vibe and never repeat the same trip twice.

Geographically, West Virginia sits at a crossroads. Interstates I-64, I-77, and I-79 connect Charleston and the central corridor to the New River Gorge, Lewisburg, Beckley, and beyond. Northern hubs like Morgantown and the Eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown) link easily to Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and northern Virginia. Add Amtrak routes, regional airports, state park lodges, and an ever-growing selection of cabins and boutique hotels, and you have a plug-and-play playground for every season. Because distances stay modest, you can leave after work Friday and still arrive in time for a late dinner or sunset walk.

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How to Plan a Weekend Trip from West Virginia

Best seasons and timing

• Spring (April–June): Waterfalls roar, wildflowers bloom in the valleys, and highlands grow cool and green. This shoulder season brings lower rates outside holiday weekends.
• Summer (late June–August): Long days pair perfectly with lake time, rafting, festivals, and state park activities. Book early for popular lodges and cabins.
• Fall (late September–October): Leaf-peeping is prime in Canaan Valley, Dolly Sods, and along the Highland Scenic Highway. Weekdays and early October dates often beat crowds.
• Winter (December–March): Snowshoe Mountain and Canaan Valley promise skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and the famous Blackwater Falls sled run. Holiday periods fill fast, so reserve early.

Plan your weekend like a mini-itinerary: anchor each day with a highlight (a hike, museum, or spa session), wrap with a memorable meal, and leave room for an unscripted hour or two. That balance turns a quick trip into a restorative one.

Transport options

• Car: Most trips work best with a car for trailheads and rural towns. High-clearance helps on some forest roads, though most main sights sit on paved routes.
• Train: Amtrak’s Cardinal (Cincinnati–Chicago to Washington, D.C./NYC) stops at Huntington, Charleston, Montgomery, Prince (for New River Gorge), Hinton, Alderson, and White Sulphur Springs. The Capitol Limited stops at Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg. Schedules favor daytime scenic rides, so watch for tri-weekly service on the Cardinal.
• Bus/Regional: Greyhound and FlixBus connect select cities, and local transit covers town centers. For Harpers Ferry/Martinsburg, MARC commuter rail runs weekdays to D.C. (limited weekend service).
• Flights: Yeager Airport (CRW, Charleston), North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB, Clarksburg/Bridgeport), Morgantown Municipal (MGW), and Tri-State (HTS, Huntington) offer regional service. Renting a car on arrival saves time.

Recommendations: Compare rental car rates and book cancellable fares 2–3 weeks out. If you expect to visit multiple national parks and federal sites this year, consider the America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

Budget and planning tips

• Book early for fall foliage, ski weekends, and festival dates. Flexible travelers snag midweek discounts or shoulder-season promotions.
• Pair paid highlights (spa, zipline, tours) with free or low-cost experiences (scenic overlooks, ranger talks, self-guided town walks).
• Watch for state park cabin deals and midweek lodge specials. West Virginia State Parks often run promos that beat private rentals in peak seasons.
• Eat local at lunch for value—many top spots offer daytime menus that mirror dinner quality at lower prices.
• Bring a small cooler for farmers markets and craft beverages; it doubles as trail snack storage.

Packing essentials

• Layers: Weather changes fast in the mountains. Pack a lightweight down jacket, breathable base layers, and a waterproof shell.
• Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes; add microspikes in winter for icy overlooks and steps.
• Day kit: 20–25L daypack, reusable water bottles or hydration bladder, headlamp, compact first-aid kit, and a power bank.
• Navigation: Offline trail maps (app or downloaded GPX) and a car phone mount.
• Comfort: Quick-dry towel, swimsuit (hot springs-style baths in Berkeley Springs and summer swimming holes), sun hat, and bug spray. Recommendations: A packable rain jacket, collapsible trekking poles, and a compact cooler make frequent appearances in West Virginia; booking a state park cabin or multi-night hotel deal often saves on dining, parking, and resort fees.

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Best Weekend Trips in West Virginia by Category

Romantic Weekend Trips

The Greenbrier & White Sulphur Springs

The Greenbrier has set the romantic standard in West Virginia for generations. Located in White Sulphur Springs, the grand resort blends Dorothy Draper’s bold interiors with mountain views, mineral springs history, and refined service. Couples come for the spa’s hydrotherapy treatments, late-afternoon tea, and cocktail hour in the lobby’s gilded spaces. Yet the resort also offers falconry lessons, horseback rides, golf, indoor tennis, bowling, and a fascinating Bunker Tour that reveals the Cold War-era congressional shelter hidden beneath the property.

In town, stroll Railroad Avenue for boutiques and galleries, then detour to neighboring Lewisburg for dinner, live music, and theater. If you prefer privacy, consider nearby cabins or boutique inns tucked in the Greenbrier Valley.

Travel info:

• Getting there: Amtrak’s Cardinal stops at White Sulphur Springs, making car-free weekends possible. By car, it’s about 1 hour from Beckley, 1.5 hours from Charleston, and 2.5 hours from Roanoke, VA.
• Best time: Spring blooms and fall foliage suit walks around the grounds. Winter brings cozy fireplaces and holiday decor.

Lodging ideas:

• The Greenbrier Resort (book spa appointments and bunker tours in advance)
• Historic General Lewis Inn (Lewisburg) for boutique charm
• Cabins via West Virginia State Parks at Greenbrier River access points for solitude

Recommendations: Book dinner and spa packages, and check the resort’s “stay and play” golf deals. If you’re arriving by train, reserve private transfers through the resort or a rideshare aggregator.

Berkeley Springs & Cacapon State Park

For a quieter, mineral-water-focused retreat, Berkeley Springs delivers. America’s first spa town invites you to soak in the historic Roman Baths at Berkeley Springs State Park. The warm mineral water flows year-round, and the private bathhouses turn a brisk morning into the start of a mellow day. After, wander the town’s independent art galleries and antique shops, or schedule a couples massage at one of several day spas.

Just 15 minutes away, Cacapon Resort State Park adds mountain scenery, golf, hiking, and a serene lodge with a modern design refresh. Hike to Cacapon Mountain Overlook for expansive views, then wrap the day with a fireside dinner.

Travel info:

• Getting there: About 45 minutes from Martinsburg, 2 hours from Washington, D.C., and 2.5 hours from Pittsburgh.
• Best time: Year-round. Winter soaking is especially peaceful; fall brings colorful hillsides; summer adds lake time at Cacapon.

Lodging ideas:

• Cacapon Resort State Park Lodge or cabins (great value, newly updated)
• Country inns and B&Bs in Berkeley Springs
• Boutique rentals within walking distance of the baths

Recommendations: Reserve Roman Bath sessions online, and consider a two-night state park package for better rates and on-site dining credits.

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Family-Friendly Weekend Trips

Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis & Thomas

Blackwater Falls State Park hits the sweet spot for families: short scenic hikes, a spectacular 57-foot waterfall, and kid-approved overlooks you can reach in minutes. The park’s boardwalk to the falls is manageable with little ones, and Lindy Point delivers a big-payoff vista at sunset. In winter, the park’s quarter-mile sled run (with a conveyor lift) is a dream day for kids and parents alike.

Nearby towns Davis and Thomas add walkable fun. Grab hot chocolate and pastries in Thomas, shop for local art at The Buxton & Landstreet Gallery, then head to Canaan Valley Resort for ice skating or tube runs. Warmer months bring easy rail-trail biking and wildlife spotting—keep an eye out for deer and black bear at a safe distance.

Travel info:

• Getting there: About 3 hours from Charleston and 2.5 hours from Morgantown. Roads are winding; drive carefully in snow.
• Best time: Summer for hikes and picnics; winter for the sled run and cross-country skiing.

Lodging ideas:

• Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge or cabins (book early for foliage and snow season)
• Canaan Valley Resort (pool, on-site dining, family activities)
• Family-friendly rentals in Davis/Thomas with kitchens for easy meals

Recommendations: State park multi-night cabin deals often include activity discounts. Consider renting a cargo box or picking up a rooftop cargo bag for bulky winter gear.

Oglebay Resort & Wheeling

Oglebay in Wheeling packs a full slate of family attractions into one hillside resort: the Good Zoo (with engaging animal encounters), an indoor pool, gardens, golf, mini-golf, a lake for paddleboats, and seasonal events. From mid-November to early January, the Winter Festival of Lights turns the property into a dazzling drive-through display. Visiting outside the holidays? Catch a glassblowing demonstration at Oglebay’s Glass Museum and tour the charming Mansion Museum.

Downtown Wheeling adds heritage and riverfront fun. Walk the Historic Centre Market for local eats, step into the Victorian-era Capitol Theatre for a show, or bike the Wheeling Heritage Trail along the Ohio River. For a quick thrill, cross the Wheeling Suspension Bridge on foot and admire the engineering.

Travel info:

• Getting there: About 1 hour from Morgantown and 1.5 hours from Pittsburgh.
• Best time: Holiday lights for winter magic; spring and summer for gardens and boating.

Lodging ideas:

• Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge (indoor pool and family rooms)
• Oglebay cottages for kitchen convenience
• Downtown boutique hotels for walkable dining

Recommendations: Look for Oglebay’s activity bundles and zoo add-ons when you book. Family travelers often save with a breakfast-included rate.

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Adventure & Outdoor Trips

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (Fayetteville)

New River Gorge is the East’s adventure capital. The sandstone gorge cuts deep through lush forest, creating a playground for rock climbers, whitewater rafters, mountain bikers, and hikers. Start with the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for orientation and the classic views of the New River Gorge Bridge. Then pick your main event:

• Whitewater rafting: The Lower New (class III–IV) thrills all summer; the Gauley River (seasonal fall releases) ranks among the world’s best big-water runs.
• Bridge Walk: Clip into a safety cable and walk the catwalk beneath the 876-foot-tall bridge for an unforgettable perspective.
• Hiking: Endless Wall Trail remains a top pick; Long Point offers a head-on view of the bridge; Grandview provides sweeping bends of the river.
• Biking: Hit Arrowhead Trails for well-built singletrack close to town.

Fayetteville itself charms with indie shops and hearty fare. After adventure, dig into wood-fired pizza, tacos, or Appalachian-inspired plates and toast with a local craft beer.

Travel info:

• Getting there: About 1 hour from Charleston, 1.5 hours from Beckley and Lewisburg. Amtrak’s Prince station places you a short drive from the gorge.
• Best time: Spring through fall for prime conditions; winter offers crowd-free hikes and cozy cabins.

Lodging ideas:

• ACE Adventure Resort (cabins, zipline, lake park)
• Adventures on the Gorge (cliffside cabins, guided trips)
• Fayetteville cottages and boutique rentals

Recommendations: Bundle rafting, ziplines, and lodging for savings. Pick up a dry bag, quick-dry layers, and water shoes before you go.

Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob & Dolly Sods

For classic Appalachian drama, aim for Pendleton County. Seneca Rocks rises like a shark fin above the North Fork River and lures climbers from around the country. Non-climbers still get a thrill on the switchback trail to the observation platform. Nearby, Spruce Knob—the highest point in West Virginia—delivers cool summer air and a stargazer’s sky. Meanwhile, Dolly Sods Wilderness surprises with open meadows, wind-stunted red spruce, and sweeping views that feel almost alpine.

Base in the towns of Seneca Rocks, Riverton, or Elkins for access to trails and guides. If you climb, local outfitters lead beginner-friendly trips on Seneca’s lower routes. Otherwise, piece together a weekend of hiking, fly fishing, and scenic driving.

Travel info:

• Getting there: Around 2.5 hours from Morgantown and 3.5 hours from Charleston. Forest roads can turn rough or gated; check conditions.
• Best time: Late spring through fall. Summer brings mountain breezes; fall foliage dazzles; winter access can be limited.

Lodging ideas:

• Yokum’s Vacationland (cabins and old-school charm)
• Seneca Shadows Campground (reserve early)
• Elkins hotels for more dining options

Recommendations: Reserve guided climbs or private hikes in advance. Trekking poles, a paper map, and a true waterproof shell pay off here.

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Cultural & Historical Trips

Harpers Ferry & the Eastern Panhandle

Harpers Ferry blends history and scenery at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The town set the stage for John Brown’s 1859 raid and saw heavy action during the Civil War. Today, the lower town’s brick storefronts house museums, outfitter shops, and cafes, all surrounded by Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Walk the footbridge into Maryland and step onto the Appalachian Trail; if you prefer a view, ascend to Maryland Heights for one of the region’s most photographed overlooks.

The area’s rail heritage remains tangible—watch trains roll by from park benches—and nearby Shepherdstown adds a literary and culinary scene. Antietam National Battlefield sits a short drive away in Maryland if you want to extend the history theme.

Travel info:

• Getting there: Amtrak’s Capitol Limited stops at Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg; MARC commuter rail serves weekdays from D.C. By car, it’s about 1 hour from Frederick, 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C., and 2.5 hours from Pittsburgh.
• Best time: Spring and fall for comfort and color; winter for quiet museums and uncrowded trails.

Lodging ideas:

• The Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company (Shepherdstown) for river views and on-site beer
• Historic B&Bs in Harpers Ferry within walking distance of the lower town
• Martinsburg hotels for value and ample parking

Recommendations: Reserve time-ticketed museum entries and guided history walks in peak season. Rail travelers can score bundle savings by pairing Amtrak with walkable inns.

Beckley, Coal Heritage & the New River Towns

To understand West Virginia’s story, visit coal country. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine offers guided “mantrip” rides underground with retired miners who share firsthand accounts. Kids handle real equipment (with supervision), and everyone leaves with a deeper sense of the state’s industrial past. After, browse West Virginia artisans at Tamarack Marketplace—think pottery, quilts, woodwork, and regional foods.

Extend the theme with the Coal Heritage Trail, which winds past company towns and tipples, or drop into the New River towns of Hinton, Thurmond, and Nuttallburg to see how the river shaped communities. In Hinton, summer brings a lively riverfront and a family-friendly water park.

Travel info:

• Getting there: Beckley sits at the I-64/I-77 junction, about 1 hour from Charleston and 45 minutes from Fayetteville.
• Best time: Year-round for the mine; spring–fall for scenic drives and open historic sites.

Lodging ideas:

• Beckley hotels for convenience to I-64/I-77
• Cabins near Hinton or on the Greenbrier River for quiet evenings
• Fayetteville rentals if you want to mix adventure with history

Recommendations: Buy a combined ticket for the Exhibition Coal Mine and the Youth Museum. Pick up a regional audio guide app for a self-paced Coal Heritage Trail drive.

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Food & Wine Trips

Lewisburg & the Greenbrier Valley

Lewisburg punches above its weight in dining and culture. Stroll Washington Street for locally owned restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and galleries. Farm-forward menus showcase Appalachian ingredients—ramp butter, trout, buckwheat, and heirloom vegetables—alongside wood-fired pizzas and creative small plates. In the Greenbrier Valley, visit Smooth Ambler Spirits for a whiskey tasting, sip traditional barrel-aged ciders at Hawk Knob, and sample seasonal releases at Greenbrier Valley Brewing.

Between bites, explore Lost World Caverns or paddle the Greenbrier River Trail. If you crave farm experiences, several area producers welcome visitors in season for U-pick fruit, cheeses, and market days.

Travel info:

• Getting there: About 1 hour from Beckley, 1.5 hours from Fayetteville, and 2 hours from Roanoke, VA. White Sulphur Springs Amtrak stop sits 10 minutes away.
• Best time: Spring through fall for markets and patios; winter for cozy dining rooms and whiskey tastings.

Lodging ideas:

• Downtown Lewisburg inns within walking distance of restaurants
• Cabins along the Greenbrier River Trail for morning jogs and evening stars
• The Greenbrier for a luxe splurge within a 15-minute drive

Recommendations: Book a tasting-and-tour combo at Smooth Ambler and check designated driver options. Consider a food-focused walking tour to maximize variety without guesswork.

Morgantown, Cheat Lake & Forks of Cheat Winery

Morgantown blends a youthful university energy with a growing craft food and drink scene. Start with a riverfront walk on the Mon River Rail-Trail, then wander high streets for specialty coffee, brunch, and bakeries. Craft beer fans can hop between breweries pouring hazies, lagers, and seasonal stouts. For wine, head to Forks of Cheat Winery just outside town for tastings and views of rolling hills. Depending on the season, you can also pair a lake day at nearby Cheat Lake with a picnic of local cheeses and charcuterie.

Sports and food often go hand-in-hand here. If you visit in fall, gameday weekends brim with pop-ups and specials. In shoulder seasons, restaurant reservations stay easier and hotel deals appear.

Travel info:

• Getting there: Morgantown sits on I-68 near I-79, about 1.5 hours from Pittsburgh and 3 hours from Charleston.
• Best time: Spring and fall for mild weather; summer for lake time; winter for quiet tasting rooms.

Lodging ideas:

• Downtown Morgantown hotels for walkable dining
• Cheat Lake rentals for sunset decks
• Boutique stays near the Wharf District along the rail-trail

Recommendations: Book a rideshare or designated driver service for tastings. Consider a picnic set (insulated tote, reusable wine tumblers) and a compact cooler for lake days.

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Travel Tips for Weekend Trips from West Virginia

Booking advice

• Reserve early for peak weekends: fall foliage (late Sept–Oct), ski season (Dec–Feb), and holiday events. Flexible travelers should watch for midweek discounts and off-peak rates.
• Bundle to save: Resorts and outfitters often package lodging with activities like rafting, ziplining, or spa credits. State park lodges run periodic cabin specials that sell out quickly.
• Choose a flexible cancellation policy: Weather and mountain roads can shift plans; free-cancel rates reduce stress.
• Use maps intelligently: Distances may look short, but mountain driving takes longer. Build buffer time between activities and dinner reservations.

Safety and accessibility tips

• Check weather and trail conditions daily, especially in the highlands. Thunderstorms form fast, and fog can limit visibility.
• Carry the 10 essentials for hikes (navigation, headlamp, first aid, sun protection, insulation, shelter, hydration, nutrition, repair kit, and fire). Even on short trails, these items matter.
• Mind cell service gaps. Download offline maps and share your plans with a friend or your lodging host.
• Respect water levels. Rivers rise quickly after rain; book guided trips for whitewater unless you’re highly experienced.
• Accessibility: Many parks, including New River Gorge and Blackwater Falls, offer accessible overlooks and visitor centers. Ask rangers about current conditions and accessible routes.

How to maximize a 2–3 day trip

• Set one “must-do” per day: a signature hike, spa block, museum tour, or guided activity.
• Start early: Sunrise at Lindy Point or Long Point often beats crowds and weather. Breakfast at your lodging saves time; pack a picnic to avoid midday lines.
• Cluster activities: Base near your top sights to minimize driving. For instance, stay in Fayetteville to hit multiple New River Gorge trails without backtracking.
• Eat smart: Book one special dinner and keep the rest flexible. Browse menus in advance and make a lunch reservation if you’re visiting a small town on a busy Saturday.
• Leave space: Plan a final-hour stroll, viewpoint drive, or coffee stop before you head home. That unscheduled moment often becomes the memory you keep.

Recommendations: Before you go, confirm any required permits or time-entry reservations (Bridge Walk, spa, tastings). Book travel insurance if your trip hinges on weather-sensitive activities, and consider an annual national parks pass if you’ll return for more weekends—which you likely will after your first taste of West Virginia.

With leafy rail-trails, storied rivers, historic main streets, and cozy cabins, West Virginia rewards every style of weekender. Pick a theme, pack light but smart, and plan just enough to unlock the state’s best moments. Then watch the hills do the rest.

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Frequently Asked Questions