10 Easy Road Trips Near Morgantown, WV (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)
If you live in
Morgantown, West Virginia, or you’re just visiting, you probably already know there’s plenty to do in town. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and see what’s waiting a short drive away.
This guide is all about
short road trips from Morgantown to nearby counties where you can hike, eat, paddle, explore, and relax for a day (or a weekend). Every spot on this list is
outside Monongalia County, but still close enough that you won’t be stuck driving all day.
We’ll be exploring fun things to do in:
1. Hike the Canyon Rim at Coopers Rock State Forest (Preston County, WV)
Yes,
Coopers Rock is famous with Morgantown locals, but the forest actually stretches into
Preston County too. That means you can enjoy the
same amazing scenery while technically heading out of Monongalia County.
If you drive just 20–30 minutes east of Morgantown, you’ll find:
- Scenic overlooks with sweeping views of the Cheat River Canyon
- Short family-friendly trails and longer hikes if you want a workout
- Picnic tables and shelters, perfect for a simple day trip
On a clear day, the view from the canyon rim is the kind that makes you pause and just breathe for a minute. Bring a light jacket; it can feel a bit cooler up there, even in summer.
Road trip tip: Pack a simple picnic—sandwiches, chips, and a cooler of drinks—and make a day of it. Sunrise or sunset here feels like you’ve driven a lot farther than just a half hour from Morgantown.
2. Go Underground at Laurel Caverns (Fayette County, PA)
Looking for something different from your usual hike or park day? Point your car about an hour north toward
Fayette County, Pennsylvania and explore
Laurel Caverns, the largest cave system in the state.
Here’s what you can do:
- Take a guided tour along safe, lit walkways
- Join a spelunking adventure (great for older kids and teens)
- Try gemstone panning for a fun, low-key activity
Walking into the cave feels like stepping into air-conditioning made by nature. Even on a hot July day, it stays cool underground. If you’re someone who hates blazing summer heat, this road trip is for you.
Road trip tip: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a light sweatshirt. The cave can feel chilly, especially if you’re used to 85-degree afternoons.
3. Explore History (and a Touch of Glamour) at Nemacolin Resort Area (Fayette County, PA)
If you’ve ever wondered what a luxury mountain resort looks like up close, drive about 1 to 1.5 hours from Morgantown to the
Nemacolin area in Fayette County.
You don’t have to book a room to enjoy the surroundings:
- Visit nearby Ohiopyle State Park for waterfalls and rivers
- Take a scenic drive through the Laurel Highlands
- Check for public events, festivals, or art displays open to day visitors
Even if you’re just passing through, the well-kept grounds and mountain views make this feel like a mini escape from everyday life.
Road trip tip: Pair this with a stop in Ohiopyle (see below) and you’ll have a full, unforgettable day that mixes nature, dining, and people-watching.
4. Chase Waterfalls at Ohiopyle State Park (Fayette County, PA)
If you only pick one road trip from Morgantown,
Ohiopyle State Park should be high on your list. It’s about 1 to 1.5 hours away in Fayette County, PA, and it’s packed with outdoor fun.
Things you can do in Ohiopyle:
The sound of the falls alone makes the drive worth it. I once spent a full afternoon just wandering from overlook to overlook and never got bored.
Road trip tip: Arrive early on sunny weekends—parking fills fast. Bring a change of clothes if you’re rafting or getting close to the water.
5. Step Back in Time at Greene County Historical Sites (Greene County, PA)
About 40–60 minutes north of Morgantown,
Greene County, Pennsylvania offers a quieter kind of trip—perfect if you like history, small towns, and old churches.
You’ll find:
- Historic downtown Waynesburg with classic brick buildings
- Old cemeteries and churches that tell the story of early settlers
- Scenic country roads with rolling hills and farmland
This is a great “slow day” option. No crowds, no rushing—just time to wander, take photos, and maybe grab coffee or a slice of pie at a local spot.
Road trip tip: Check for local events like small fairs, festivals, or farmers markets. Greene County often feels like a snapshot of classic small-town America.
6. Discover Rail Trails and River Views in Marion County, WV
Head about 30–45 minutes south from Morgantown and you’ll roll into
Marion County, home to towns like
Fairmont and
Fairview. It’s an easy day trip with a nice mix of outdoor and in-town options.
In Marion County, you can:
- Walk or bike local rail trails along old railroad corridors
- Enjoy river views and riverside parks
- Stop in Fairmont for local diners and classic West Virginia comfort food
If you like simple road trips—drive a bit, walk a bit, eat a bit—Marion County checks all the boxes without feeling overwhelming.
Road trip tip: Plan your walk first, then reward yourself with a big meal afterward. It makes even a short 2–3 mile stroll feel like an adventure.
7. Lake Day at Tygart Lake State Park (Taylor County, WV)
When it’s hot and you’re wishing you were at the beach, point your car south and head into
Taylor County.
Tygart Lake State Park is about an hour from Morgantown, and it’s a great place for a classic lake day.
Here’s what you can do:
- Swim in designated areas (especially nice in mid-summer)
- Rent a boat or kayak if they’re available
- Relax on the shore with a book, music, or a packed lunch
- Explore short hiking trails around the park
The lake is surrounded by hills, so you get that cozy, tucked-away feeling you don’t always find at larger, busier lakes.
Road trip tip: Bring a folding chair, towels, sunscreen, and a small cooler. Think of it as your “mini beach” only an hour from Morgantown.
8. Quiet Country Drive Through Taylor County Backroads
Not every road trip needs a specific “attraction.” Some days, you just want to drive, talk, and enjoy the view. Taylor County is perfect for a laid-back backroads adventure.
What to expect:
- Winding two-lane roads through forests and fields
- Old barns, farmhouses, and little country churches
- Pull-off spots where you can stop and just take in the view
It’s the kind of drive that’s perfect for long talks, podcasts, or just some quiet time. Roll the windows down, let the fresh air in, and see where the road takes you.
Road trip tip: Bring a paper map or download offline maps. Cell service can be spotty in some hollows and hills.
9. Riverfront Time and Small-Town Charm in Wetzel County, WV
Head northwest from Morgantown and you can reach parts of
Wetzel County in about 1.5 hours, depending on your route. The county borders the
Ohio River and has that classic river-town feel.
You might:
- Walk along riverfront areas and watch boats go by
- Check out small-town main streets for local shops and diners
- Stop at roadside overlooks or pull-offs with scenic views
Wetzel County is great if you’re craving a
different kind of landscape—wider river views instead of tight mountain valleys.
Road trip tip: Time your trip to catch golden hour by the river. The light on the water just before sunset is hard to beat.
10. Fall Foliage Loop: Preston and Wetzel Counties
If you love fall colors, plan a loop that takes you through
Preston County and into
Wetzel County during October. The hills explode with reds, oranges, and yellows, and the drives feel like you’re cruising through a postcard.
Ideas for your loop:
- Start in Morgantown and head east into Preston County
- Take your time on scenic back roads with mountain views
- Continue northwest toward Wetzel County for river and ridge views
- Stop at roadside stands if you spot local apples, pumpkins, or cider
If you’ve ever wanted that classic “country fall drive” experience, this is it—without having to leave the region.
Road trip tip: Bring a camera or charge your phone. You’ll want photos, especially on clear blue-sky days.
Final Thoughts: Turn Morgantown Into Your Road Trip Hub
Morgantown’s location makes it a perfect
hub for short road trips. In just 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, you can:
- Explore caves in Fayette County, PA
- Walk through history in Greene County, PA
- Hit lakes and rail trails in Marion and Taylor Counties, WV
- Take in overlooks and foliage in Preston County, WV
- Relax by the river in Wetzel County, WV
So the next time you’re wondering, “What is there to do near Morgantown?” you’ll know the answer:
a lot—you just have to turn the key and go.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near Morgantown
Have you taken any of these
short road trips from Morgantown?
Did I miss one of your favorite spots in Fayette, Greene, Marion, Preston, Taylor, or Wetzel County?
Drop your thoughts in the comments:
- Which day trip do you recommend to first-time visitors?
- What’s your go-to scenic drive or hidden gem?
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for fun things to do near Morgantown. A simple share can be the start of someone else’s next great adventure.
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