10 Best Short Road Trips from Fairmont, West Virginia (Marion County)

10 Easy Road Trips From Fairmont, WV: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Marion County

If you live in Fairmont, West Virginia, or you’re visiting friends or family there, you might be wondering: “What can we do that’s close by, but still feels like a little adventure?” Good news. Within about an hour’s drive of Fairmont, you’ll find plenty of day trip ideas in the surrounding counties of Harrison, Monongalia, Taylor, and Wetzel. These are simple, no-stress road trips where you can jump in the car, grab some snacks, and be on your way. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Fairmont that locals and visitors in the USA will love—perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers.

1. Explore Downtown Morgantown & the WVU Scene (Monongalia County)

Morgantown, home of West Virginia University, is only about 30–40 minutes north of Fairmont. It’s one of the best nearby spots when you’re craving more restaurants, coffee shops, and college-town energy. What to do in Morgantown:

Stroll through downtown Morgantown for local shops, cafés, and murals.
Walk along the Mon River Rail-Trail for easy views of the river and bridges.
Stop by the WVU campus and check out the classic brick buildings and Mountaineer Field.
Catch a WVU game if it’s football or basketball season—this is huge in West Virginia.

If you’re used to quiet days in Fairmont, Morgantown can feel like stepping into a bigger city without the big city stress. Parking is easier, and everything is pretty close together. Keyword tip: Morgantown WV day trip, things to do near Fairmont, West Virginia University

2. Hit the Water at Tygart Lake State Park (Taylor County)

Looking for a summer getaway that doesn’t require a long drive? Tygart Lake State Park in is usually about 30–40 minutes from Fairmont, near . This is one of those places where you can pack a cooler, throw beach towels in the trunk, and spend the whole day outside. What makes Tygart Lake special:

Swim at the lake’s beach area on hot days.
Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or boat from the marina.
Try some easy hiking trails with lake views.
Spread out a picnic under the trees and watch the boats glide by.

If you grew up going to lakes in the summer, this spot will feel familiar in the best way. It’s a simple, low-cost, family-friendly road trip from Fairmont. Keyword tip: Tygart Lake State Park, Taylor County WV road trip, lakes near Fairmont WV

3. Classic Small-Town Feel in Grafton (Taylor County)

Just down the road from Fairmont, Grafton offers a slower pace and some meaningful history. It’s a good choice when you want something easy without spending a lot of money. Things to do in Grafton:

Visit the Grafton National Cemetery, one of the first national cemeteries created after the Civil War.
Walk through downtown Grafton and check out local diners and storefronts.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Tygart Lake State Park for a full day out.

If you’re into history or genealogy, Grafton is especially interesting. Even if you’re not, the town has that old-school West Virginia charm that’s hard to fake. Keyword tip: Grafton WV day trip, historic towns near Fairmont WV

4. Adventure & Culture in Clarksburg (Harrison County)

Head about 25–30 minutes southwest of Fairmont and you’ll reach Clarksburg, a Harrison County city with a nice mix of history, food, and kid-friendly fun. Ideas for a Clarksburg road trip:

Explore the downtown historic district and older neighborhoods.
Check local listings for festivals and seasonal events, especially in summer and fall.
Grab a meal at one of the many Italian restaurants the area is known for.

Clarksburg has a strong Italian-American heritage, so it’s a good place to go when you’re craving pasta or homemade-style cooking. It’s also close enough for a half-day visit from Fairmont. Keyword tip: Clarksburg WV road trip, Harrison County WV things to do

5. Bridgeport for Shopping, Dining & Easy Family Fun (Harrison County)

Right next to Clarksburg you’ll find Bridgeport, one of the handiest short trips from Fairmont when you want something familiar and convenient. Why Bridgeport is an easy win:

Visit shopping centers and big-box stores you might not have in Fairmont.
Choose from a wide range of chain and local restaurants.
Look for seasonal sports tournaments and community events.

Sometimes you don’t want a full “adventure”—you just want to get out of the house, eat somewhere different, and maybe browse a few stores. Bridgeport is perfect for that. Keyword tip: Bridgeport WV shopping, day trips from Fairmont West Virginia

6. Outdoor Escape at Valley Falls State Park (Taylor/Marion border – use Taylor side)

While the entrance area touches Marion County, many visitors reach Valley Falls State Park via routes through Taylor County, making it a fantastic “edge-of-county” escape. This park is known for its dramatic waterfalls on the Tygart Valley River. It’s a photographer’s dream and also a relaxing spot if you just want to sit and listen to the water. Things to do at Valley Falls:

Walk right up to the rocky falls (from a safe spot) and feel the spray on your face.
Try simple hiking trails through the forest.
Pack a picnic lunch and let the kids (or adults) run around in the open areas.

Just remember: the rocks can be slippery, and the river is powerful. Enjoy the views, but stay cautious near the water. Keyword tip: Valley Falls State Park WV, waterfalls near Fairmont, West Virginia day hikes

7. Big-Time College Sports & Nightlife in Morgantown (Monongalia County)

We already mentioned Morgantown once, but it honestly deserves a second look—especially if you’re into sports, nightlife, or live music. Morgantown for an evening road trip:

Catch a WVU football or basketball game and feel the crowd energy.
Visit the Wharf District restaurants along the Monongahela River.
Check out live music at local bars or venues—plenty of local bands call Morgantown home.

If you live in Fairmont and want a “night out in the city” without driving to Pittsburgh, Morgantown is your best nearby bet. Keyword tip: Morgantown nightlife, WVU sports, things to do near Fairmont at night

8. Fishing & River Views in New Martinsville (Wetzel County)

Head northwest from Fairmont and you can reach New Martinsville in Wetzel County, sitting right along the Ohio River. The drive itself is part of the fun, winding through classic West Virginia scenery. What to do in New Martinsville:

Walk along the riverfront and watch barges and boats go by.
Try your luck with some fishing (check regulations before you go).
Look for community events, fairs, and festivals that pop up during the year.

If you’re someone who finds peace just sitting by the water, this is a relaxing, under-the-radar spot for a day trip from Fairmont. Keyword tip: New Martinsville WV, Wetzel County road trip, Ohio River towns in West Virginia

9. Country Roads & Hidden Gems in Rural Wetzel County

Sometimes the best West Virginia road trips aren’t about one specific attraction. They’re about the drive itself—those narrow two-lane roads, rolling hills, and little general stores that seem frozen in time. How to enjoy a slow drive through Wetzel County:

Take the back roads instead of the highway and see where they lead.
Stop at roadside churches, old cemeteries, and small communities for photos.
Bring snacks and drinks, and treat it like a lazy Sunday drive.

If you’ve ever said, “I just want to go for a drive and clear my head,” this is exactly the kind of trip you’re thinking about. Keyword tip: scenic drives near Fairmont WV, Wetzel County country roads

10. Mix & Match: Create Your Own Loop Through Harrison, Taylor & Monongalia

One of the best parts of living in or visiting Fairmont is how close you are to several West Virginia counties with plenty to see and do. You don’t have to limit yourself to one place per day. Try building your own loop-style road trip:

Start in Fairmont and head to Tygart Lake (Taylor County) for a morning hike.
Drive up to Grafton for lunch and a walk through town.
Finish your day in Morgantown (Monongalia County) for dinner and a riverfront stroll.

Or:

Spend the morning in Clarksburg and Bridgeport (Harrison County) shopping and exploring.
Head north to Morgantown for a game or live music.
Drive back to Fairmont in under an hour.

These “mix and match” routes are perfect if you like to keep your plans flexible and see as much as you can in one day. Keyword tip: road trip from Fairmont WV, things to do near Fairmont in one day

Tips for Planning Your Fairmont WV Road Trips

A few quick pointers to keep your out-of-county adventures fun and stress-free:

Check driving times: Most of these spots are within 30–60 minutes of Fairmont, but always double-check your route.
Weather matters: Lakes and parks are best on clear days; downtown walks are more flexible.
Call ahead: For rentals, tours, or seasonal attractions, make sure they’re open before you go.
Pack the basics: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a small first-aid kit never hurt.

Road trips from Fairmont don’t have to be expensive or complicated. With Harrison, Monongalia, Taylor, and Wetzel Counties right next door, you’ve got a lot of options for quick escapes.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Fairmont?

Have you taken a great drive from Fairmont to one of these nearby towns or parks? Did we miss one of your favorite hidden gems near Fairmont, WV? Share your ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear:

Which of these spots you’ve already visited
Your go-to lake, trail, or small town for a quick getaway
Any local restaurants or stops you recommend along the way

And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for easy road trips from Fairmont, West Virginia. The more we share our favorite places, the more we all get to enjoy what this part of West Virginia has to offer.

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