10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Weirton, WV
If you live in or around
Weirton, West Virginia and feel like you’ve “done it all” close to home, this guide is for you. The good news? You’re tucked right up in the Northern Panhandle, which means you’re just a short drive from three states and a bunch of fun little adventures.
In this post, we’ll look at
10 short road trips from Weirton in nearby counties:
Each one is outside Hancock County, so it’s a true “out-of-county” escape, but still close enough for an easy half-day or full-day trip.
1. Explore Chester and the World’s Largest Teapot (Brooke County, WV & just over the line)
OK, this one starts just across the county line in
Brooke County, then nudges you into neighboring Hancock/Ohio River territory for a classic roadside stop.
Why go: It’s quirky, it’s quick, and it’s a fun way to kick off a day trip loop up and around the Ohio River.
- Drive the river road north from Weirton into Brooke County for pretty river views.
- Stop at small river pull-offs and old churches for photos.
- Continue a bit farther to see the famous “World’s Largest Teapot” in nearby Chester, then swing back through Brooke County.
It’s the kind of mini trip you can do on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Bring a coffee, roll down the windows, and enjoy the easy ride.
2. Get Outdoors at Tomlinson Run State Park (Brooke County, WV – Nearby Gateway)
While
Tomlinson Run State Park itself is just beyond Brooke County lines, the main approach route from Weirton takes you through parts of
Brooke County, making it a natural short road trip.
What to do:
- Hike simple, well-marked trails through rolling hills and woods.
- Rent a paddleboat in warm weather and cruise around the lake.
- Pack a picnic and claim a table by the water.
If you’ve been craving some quiet, this is a great reset. I’ve done similar drives where life felt busy, and by the time I parked and heard the sound of the water and wind in the trees, my shoulders finally dropped.
3. Historic Downtown Steubenville, OH (Jefferson County, OH)
Cross the Ohio River from the Weirton area and you’re in
Steubenville, Ohio, the seat of
Jefferson County. It’s an easy hop that feels like you’ve gone farther than you have.
Highlights:
- Walk downtown and check out the Steubenville murals painted on buildings.
- Visit local cafes or diners for a laid-back lunch.
- Browse antique and thrift shops scattered around the city streets.
Steubenville mixes history with that lived-in, real-town feeling. It’s not “perfectly polished,” but that’s part of its charm. If you like old brick buildings and river-town vibes, you’ll feel at home here.
4. Fort Steuben and Riverfront Walk (Jefferson County, OH)
Right in Steubenville, you’ll also find
Historic Fort Steuben, a reconstructed 18th-century frontier fort that brings early American history to life.
Things to do at and around the fort:
- Tour the fort buildings and learn how early settlers lived.
- Check out the visitor center and small museum exhibits.
- Stroll the riverfront walk nearby for big views of the Ohio River.
If you have kids, this is a fun way to sneak some history into their day without it feeling like school. Even if you’re traveling solo, it’s neat to step back in time for an hour or two.
5. East Liverpool: Pottery, River Views & Small-Town Streets (Columbiana County, OH)
Head northwest along the river and you’ll reach
East Liverpool in
Columbiana County, Ohio, a town once known as the “Pottery Capital of the World.”
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Walk through the downtown historic district with its older buildings and shops.
- Visit local pottery outlets and see pieces that nod to the city’s past.
- Enjoy Ohio River overlooks and small parks for a quiet break.
If you like browsing unique pieces for your kitchen or living room, you can easily lose an hour or two checking out pottery and vintage shops here.
6. Scenic Country Drives & Wineries in Columbiana County, OH
Beyond East Liverpool,
Columbiana County offers gentle hills, back roads, and a surprisingly relaxed wine scene.
Ideas for a laid-back day:
- Pick a couple of local wineries or vineyards and follow a loose “wine trail.”
- Drive old country roads lined with farms and fields.
- Stop at roadside stands for seasonal produce in summer and fall.
Think of it as your own mini “Napa Valley,” but in jeans and sneakers, not dress shoes. It’s casual, friendly, and you can set your own pace. Just remember to plan a designated driver if you’re tasting wine.
7. Beaver, PA: River Town with Cafes & Trails (Beaver County, PA)
To the northeast lies
Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The town of
Beaver itself is a pretty little spot with a relaxing main street and easy river access.
What you can do in a few hours:
- Walk along the tree-lined main street and pop into local boutiques.
- Grab coffee or lunch at a small café and people-watch from the window.
- Head down toward the river for a peaceful stroll along the water.
It’s an ideal trip if you want something simple: a nice drive from Weirton, a casual meal, a walk, and some time away from your usual routine.
8. Outdoor Fun at Raccoon Creek State Park (Beaver County, PA – Nearby)
One of the largest and most popular state parks in western Pennsylvania,
Raccoon Creek State Park is within easy reach from Weirton via Beaver and
Washington County roads.
Why it’s a great mini escape:
- Miles of hiking trails through woods and open fields.
- A large lake for fishing, paddling, or just enjoying the view from the shore.
- Picnic areas where you can spread out and relax for the afternoon.
If you’re the type who keeps a folding chair in the trunk “just in case,” this is where that comes in handy. On a clear day, you can easily spend several peaceful hours here without feeling rushed.
9. Washington, PA: Tanger Outlets & More (Washington County, PA)
Need a shopping day? Head southeast to
Washington County, Pennsylvania, where you’ll find
Tanger Outlets and a mix of restaurants and entertainment options nearby.
Make a day of it:
- Hit several outlet stores for deals on clothes, shoes, and home goods.
- Stop for dinner at one of the nearby chain or local restaurants.
- If you time it right, check out events at the nearby racetrack or casino area.
It’s not a “nature” day, but it’s perfect when you’ve been putting off buying new clothes or you just want a change of scenery that includes air conditioning and soft pretzels.
10. History & Charm in Washington’s Downtown District (Washington County, PA)
Before or after the outlets, take a detour into
downtown Washington, PA. This older city center has that mix of history and everyday life that makes small-city exploring fun.
Don’t miss:
- Restored historic buildings and old churches.
- Local diners and coffee shops tucked along the main streets.
- Occasional festivals, parades, or events depending on the season.
Take your time, park once, and wander. Sometimes the best travel memories come from places you didn’t originally plan to stay very long.
Tips for Planning Your Weirton Road Trips
To keep things easy and fun, here are a few simple tips:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are within about 30–60 minutes of Weirton, depending on your route and traffic.
- Watch the weather: Rivers and state parks are much more enjoyable on clear days.
- Bring snacks and water: Even short trips feel better when you’re not hungry or thirsty.
- Have a loose plan, not a strict schedule: Leave room to take a side road or stop at a place that looks interesting.
If you’re searching for
things to do near Weirton, WV, these nearby counties in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia give you plenty of choices without long highway drives.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living near
Weirton means you’re in a perfect spot for quick cross-border adventures. In under an hour, you can:
- Wander historic Steubenville in Jefferson County, OH
- Shop and sip in Columbiana County, OH
- Relax in charming Beaver County, PA towns
- Hike and explore in Washington County, PA
- Take scenic drives through nearby Brooke County, WV
Have you tried any of these road trips from Weirton? Do you have a favorite spot in Columbiana, Jefferson, Beaver, Washington, or Brooke counties that I missed?
Share your ideas in the comments—local tips are gold for anyone planning their next mini adventure. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family
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