10 Easy Road Trips Near Beckley, West Virginia (All Outside Raleigh County)
If you’re based in
Beckley, West Virginia and feel like getting out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or so, you can find stunning views, quirky small towns, river adventures, and a whole lot of history—all in nearby counties like
Fayette, Mercer, Summers, Kanawha, Boone, and
Wyoming.
The best part? These are all
short out-of-county road trips, perfect for a half-day escape or a full-day West Virginia adventure.
1. New River Gorge Bridge & Adventures in Fayetteville (Fayette County)
If you only take one road trip from Beckley, make it to
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve near Fayetteville. It’s about a 30–40 minute drive north and feels like another world.
You can:
The first time I stood at the overlook and saw that huge steel arch stretching across the gorge, it didn’t feel real. It’s one of those views that makes you just stand there quietly for a second and soak it in.
If you’re into
photography, hiking, or just scenic drives, this is an easy win.
2. Whitewater Rafting on the New River (Fayette County)
Staying around Fayetteville a little longer? Turn your trip into a full-blown
whitewater adventure. Several outfitters along the New River offer guided rafting trips that range from beginner-friendly to heart-pounding.
Expect:
- Beginner “family float” trips on the Upper New.
- Big waves and serious rapids on the Lower New.
- Professional guides who handle the tough stuff while you paddle and hang on.
Even if you’ve never rafted before, this is one of the top
things to do near Beckley. It’s a very “West Virginia” experience—river, rocks, and rugged scenery all around.
Ask yourself: would you rather just look at the gorge from above, or be down in it, splashing through rapids?
3. Summersville Lake: The “Little Bahamas of the East” (Fayette & Nicholas Nearby)
About an hour and 15 minutes from Beckley,
Summersville Lake is worth the drive for clear water and rocky cliffs. While the lake itself sits in Nicholas County, it’s an easy extension from a day in Fayette County, and many visitors bundle these together.
What you can do:
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard and cruise along the cliffs.
- Swim in the lake’s clear, deep-blue water.
- Walk the trails and enjoy the overlooks near the dam.
On a hot summer afternoon, that first jump into the lake feels like instant refresh. If you’re coming from Beckley, pack:
- Snacks and water
- Swim gear
- A light jacket (evenings can cool down fast)
It’s a simple, classic West Virginia lake day—no fancy plans required.
4. Pipestem Resort State Park (Summers County)
About an hour south of Beckley,
Pipestem Resort State Park in Summers County is a great pick if your group wants a little bit of everything.
You’ll find:
- Scenic overlooks into the Bluestone Gorge
- Hiking and biking trails
- Horseback riding (seasonal)
- Zipline tours for the thrill-seekers
One of the most unique things here is the
aerial tram that takes you down into the gorge (when in operation). It’s a fun ride with big views the whole way.
If you’re traveling with family or friends who like different kinds of activities, Pipestem is a solid compromise spot—everyone can find something they enjoy.
5. Historic Hinton & the Bluestone River (Summers County)
Just a bit farther along, still in Summers County, lies
Hinton, a historic railroad town on the Bluestone and New Rivers. It’s about 45–60 minutes from Beckley, depending on your route.
Things to do in and around Hinton:
- Stroll the historic downtown with its old brick buildings.
- Visit the nearby Bluestone State Park for hiking, picnics, and river views.
- Check out river overlooks and quiet pull-offs along Route 20.
Hinton has that slow, small-town feel—perfect if you’re looking for a quieter day trip from Beckley. You can grab lunch in town, then head to the river for a peaceful afternoon.
Have you ever just parked by a river, rolled down the windows, and listened to the water? This is that kind of place.
6. Princeton’s Artsy Vibe & Small-Town Charm (Mercer County)
Head about 45 minutes south on I-77 and you’ll hit
Princeton in Mercer County. It’s a good choice if you want something more relaxed than rafting but more lively than a remote overlook.
Highlights include:
- The Downtown Princeton arts scene with murals and local shops.
- Occasional live music and events along the streets (especially on weekends).
- Easy access to coffee, diners, and unique little stores.
Princeton makes a nice half-day road trip from Beckley. You can wander a bit, grab a bite, maybe pick up a local craft or T-shirt, and be back home before dark.
7. Bramwell: Once Home to Millionaire Coal Barons (Mercer County)
If you enjoy history and old houses,
Bramwell is a gem. It’s just over an hour from Beckley and feels like stepping back in time.
Why go?
- Bramwell was once known for having more millionaires per capita than almost anywhere else, thanks to coal.
- You can see ornate Victorian homes built by coal barons.
- The town hosts seasonal tours and events that highlight its coal heritage.
Walking through Bramwell, you can almost picture the town in its boom days, with elegant ladies on porches and coal executives heading to the train depot.
If you’re road-tripping with parents or grandparents who remember West Virginia’s coal stories, this stop can spark some great conversations.
8. Charleston: West Virginia’s Capital City (Kanawha County)
Want a bit of city life without a huge drive? Head about an hour northwest from Beckley to
Charleston, the state capital in Kanawha County.
In Charleston, you can:
Charleston is one of the best
day trips from Beckley if you’re craving more dining choices, live music, or just a change of pace from small-town life.
It can be fun to start your morning in Beckley, have lunch by the river in Charleston, and be back home the same evening.
9. Coal Country Scenery in Boone County
To the west of Raleigh County lies
Boone County, a rugged area shaped by the coal industry. While it’s not as polished as some tourist hot spots, it offers a very real look at southern West Virginia.
You might:
- Take a scenic drive along winding mountain roads.
- Stop in small communities to grab a snack and chat with locals.
- Explore roadside overlooks and quiet hollows where life moves slower.
Think of this as a “roll down the windows and drive” kind of trip. It’s less about checking off attractions and more about seeing
authentic coal country—the kind of place you usually only read about.
10. ATV Trails & Wild Ridges in Wyoming County
Southwest of Beckley,
Wyoming County is a great pick if you like dirt, mud, and engines. Parts of the famous
Hatfield–McCoy Trails system run through this region, giving ATV and off-road fans miles of routes to explore.
What to expect:
- ATV and side-by-side rentals in nearby trail towns.
- Mountain views and ridge-top trails.
- Small-town lodging and local diners catering to riders.
If you’d rather be on a machine than on a hiking trail, this is one of the best
out-of-county adventures near Beckley. Just remember to bring:
- Riding gear (helmet, goggles, gloves)
- Old clothes you don’t mind getting muddy
- Plenty of water and snacks
Tips for Planning Your Beckley Road Trips
To make the most of these short getaways:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are within about 30–75 minutes of Beckley.
- Watch the weather: Mountain weather can change fast—pack layers.
- Fuel up first: Some back roads don’t have many gas stations.
- Call ahead for activities: Rafting, ATVs, and ziplines often need reservations.
A simple day bag with water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger will go a long way.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Beckley?
There’s a lot more to southern West Virginia than just what’s inside Raleigh County. From the
New River Gorge Bridge in Fayette County to the
state capitol in Charleston, these short road trips from Beckley open the door to adventure, history, and some seriously beautiful scenery.
Now it’s your turn:
- Have you tried any of these out-of-county road trips near Beckley?
- Do you have a hidden gem in Boone, Mercer, Summers, Kanawha, Fayette, or Wyoming County that others should know about?
Share your experiences in the comments—your tips might help someone plan their next weekend escape.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for fun things to do near Beckley, WV. The more we share, the more people discover how special this corner of West Virginia really is.
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