10 Easy Road Trips From Huntington, WV: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Cabell County
If you live in or around
Huntington, West Virginia, you probably love the river views, the college-town energy, and the friendly people. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll down the windows, and see something new.
The good news? Within about an hour of Huntington, there are plenty of short
out-of-county road trips packed with small-town charm, outdoor adventures, and unique food stops. And the best part is, you don’t have to plan a huge vacation or drive all day to feel like you “got away.”
Below are 10 of the best things to do near Huntington, all located outside Cabell County in these nearby counties:
Each idea makes a perfect half-day or full-day trip from Huntington.
1. Explore the Riverfront & History in Gallipolis, Ohio (Gallia County)
Just across the Ohio River and a bit up the road,
Gallipolis feels like a step back in time in the best way. It’s a small town with a big, open riverfront that’s perfect for a slow walk or a picnic.
- Gallipolis City Park – A classic town square with shade trees, benches, and historic buildings surrounding it. On nice days, you’ll see families, dog walkers, and people just enjoying the view.
- Ohio River Scenic Byway – Drive along the river for pretty views and small river towns. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change.
- Our House Tavern Museum – This historic inn dates back to the early 1800s and tells the story of early life along the river.
If you like slow-paced, walkable towns with history and river views, Gallipolis is an easy win for a relaxing day trip from Huntington.
2. Get Outside at Tycoon Lake & Bob Evans Farm (Gallia County)
Looking for something a little more outdoorsy near Huntington?
Head deeper into
Gallia County and check out:
- Tycoon Lake Wildlife Area – A peaceful spot for fishing, birdwatching, or a quiet walk along the water. It’s not a flashy tourist attraction, and that’s the beauty of it.
- Bob Evans Farm (near Rio Grande, OH) – Yes, that Bob Evans. The farm that started the famous restaurant chain is open for visitors, with walking trails, a farmhouse museum, and seasonal events.
It’s the kind of simple, country-style day that reminds you why small-town road trips are so relaxing.
3. Cross the River to Ironton, Ohio (Lawrence County)
Just over the river from the Huntington area,
Ironton in
Lawrence County is a quick, easy road trip with a lot of local flavor.
If you only have a few hours to spare, Ironton is a simple, no-stress destination.
4. Hit the Trails at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area (Lawrence County)
If you’re an outdoor lover,
Lake Vesuvius in the
Wayne National Forest is one of the best day trips you can take from Huntington.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Hiking trails that wind along the lake and through thick forest, with options for both easy and more challenging walks.
- Fishing and boating on a scenic, tree-lined lake. It’s a quiet place to paddle or cast a line.
- Picnic areas where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy lunch with a lake view.
One of my favorite things about this spot is how different it feels from city life, even though it’s not that far from Huntington. When you’re walking next to the cliffs and looking down at the water, it almost feels like you’re in another state.
5. Take a Back-Road Adventure Through Lincoln County, WV
If you’re the kind of person who loves to
just drive,
Lincoln County is a great place for a scenic back-road adventure from Huntington.
Think winding country roads, small communities, and classic West Virginia hills.
Ideas for a Lincoln County day trip:
- Follow quiet country routes through rolling hills and valleys.
- Stop at local gas stations or mom-and-pop stores for snacks and friendly chats.
- Look for small churches, old barns, and roadside streams that make great photo spots.
This isn’t a big tourist-style road trip. It’s more about enjoying the open road, the scenery, and the slower pace that makes West Virginia special.
6. Visit Point Pleasant & the Mothman Legend (Mason County)
If you like quirky roadside attractions and riverfront towns, you’ll love
Point PleasantMason County.
Here’s what usually draws people in:
- Mothman Museum & Statue – Point Pleasant is famous for the Mothman legend. The museum is small but fun, filled with newspaper clippings, movie props, and local stories. Out front, there’s a shiny metal Mothman statue that’s perfect for a goofy road trip photo.
- Point Pleasant Riverfront Park – A lovely walkway along the Ohio River with benches, murals, and views of the bridges.
- Fort Randolph & local history – The town has deep roots in early American history, and you can explore that side too if you’re interested in forts and frontier stories.
If you’re looking for a road trip from Huntington that mixes weird fun with real history, this is it.
7. See the Famous Silver Bridge Site & River Murals (Mason County)
While you’re already in Point Pleasant, take time to explore more of its riverfront history.
- Silver Bridge Memorial – Learn about the tragic 1967 collapse of the Silver Bridge and how it shaped the town. It’s a somber but meaningful stop.
- Floodwall murals – Detailed murals along the riverfront show scenes from local history, Native American culture, and early settlers.
- Local diners and riverfront cafes – Grab a bite with a view of the Ohio River before heading back to Huntington.
This makes a great full-day trip when paired with the Mothman Museum and Riverfront Park.
8. Shop & Stroll in Teays Valley / Hurricane (Putnam County)
Sometimes you don’t want hiking boots or a museum. You just want an easy drive, some shopping, and a good meal. That’s where
Teays Valley and
Hurricane in
Putnam County come in.
Things to do:
- Browse local shops and national stores for clothes, home décor, and gifts.
- Try local restaurants offering everything from comfort food to pizza and burgers.
- Check out small parks where kids can run around and adults can relax.
It’s an easy, low-pressure day trip from Huntington when you just want to get out of the house without doing anything too intense.
9. Enjoy River Views & Small-Town Charm in Winfield (Putnam County)
Another relaxing spot in
Putnam County is
Winfield, a small town tucked along the Kanawha River.
Here’s what makes it a nice, simple escape:
- Kanawha River views – Find a pull-off or public area where you can watch boats and barges go by.
- Quiet streets – Take a slow drive or a short walk and soak in the small-town feel.
- Scenic routes – A lot of the roads between Winfield and Hurricane make for pleasant, easy drives through rolling hills and neighborhoods.
This trip pairs well with a stop in Teays Valley, turning your day into a simple loop with food, views, and relaxed exploring.
10. Go Rustic in Wayne County: Lakes, Back Roads & Mountain Views
To the south and west of Huntington,
Wayne County is a classic example of rural West Virginia beauty.
While you’ll want to avoid Cabell County, the wider Wayne County area offers:
- Scenic drives along ridges and through hollows, where you can pull over and catch sweeping views of the hills.
- Country churches and hillside cemeteries that tell generations of local stories just by looking at the names and dates.
- Small creeks and roadside picnic spots – Perfect for a quick stop, a sandwich, and some fresh air.
If you find peace in quiet roads and green hills, this will be one of your favorite short trips from Huntington.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Huntington Road Trips
To keep your day trips easy and fun, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Keep a loose plan. Know your main stops, but leave room to pull over at anything that catches your eye.
- Pack a small road trip bag. Bring water, snacks, a phone charger, and maybe a light jacket just in case.
- Check hours for museums and attractions. Small-town spots sometimes have limited hours, especially on Sundays.
- Fill up on gas before you go. Once you’re on back roads, stations can be few and far between.
With just a little planning, you can turn any free Saturday or Sunday into a mini-adventure.
Ready to Plan Your Next Drive From Huntington?
From
Gallia County and
Lawrence County in Ohio to
Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne Counties in West Virginia, there are plenty of easy ways to escape for a few hours without leaving the region.
Whether you’re into:
- Quirky small-town legends like Mothman
- Peaceful lakes and forest trails
- Scenic drives through hills and hollows
- Casual shopping and dining close to home
…you’ll find a road trip from Huntington that fits your style.
Now it’s your turn:
Which of these trips would you try first? Do you have a favorite
Huntington day trip spot I didn’t mention?
Please share this post with friends and family who love quick getaways, and
drop a comment with your own tips and road trip ideas near Huntington, WV. Your suggestions might inspire someone’s next adventure!
Comments
Post a Comment