10 Best Short Road Trips from Parkersburg, West Virginia

10 Easy Road Trips From Parkersburg, WV: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Wood County

If you live in or around Parkersburg, West Virginia, you’ve probably asked yourself, “What can we do this weekend that’s close, but not the same old thing?” The good news: you don’t have to drive across the country to find new adventures. Within about an hour or so of Parkersburg, there are small towns, rivers, caves, and parks just waiting for a simple day trip. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips near Parkersburg, focusing on nearby counties in West Virginia and Ohio:

Hop in the car, pack a cooler, and let’s hit the road.

1. Discover College-Town Charm in Athens, Ohio (Athens County)

is about an hour northwest of Parkersburg and has that fun, laid-back college-town energy thanks to . It’s an easy drive up and makes a great day trip. Things to do in Athens:

Stroll Court Street – Lined with local shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s very walkable and has a lively feel, especially on weekends.
Athens Farmers Market – Usually open on Saturdays. You’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items. Great for grabbing snacks for a picnic.
Hockhocking Adena Bikeway – A paved trail that runs along the Hocking River. You can walk, jog, or bike. Even a slow stroll here feels relaxing.
Ohio University Campus – Brick paths, historic buildings, and big shade trees make it perfect for a quiet walk and some photos.

I once spent a rainy afternoon ducking into coffee shops along Court Street, and it turned what could’ve been a “lost” day into a cozy little escape. If the weather turns on you, Athens still has plenty to offer.

2. Hunt for River Views in Pomeroy, OH (Meigs County)

sits right on the , about 50–60 minutes south of Parkersburg. It’s small, easygoing, and has that classic river-town vibe. What to check out in Pomeroy:

Walk the riverfront – The downtown area hugs the river. Park, stretch your legs, and enjoy the water views.
Murals and historic buildings – The town has interesting architecture and painted walls that make good photo spots.
Local diners – Grab a burger or a slice of pie at a small-town restaurant where the staff will probably call you “hon” or “sweetie.”

This is a good trip if you want something low-key. No packed schedule, just a simple drive and time by the water.

3. Explore Nature at Forked Run State Park (Meigs County)

Just a short hop from Pomeroy, Forked Run State Park is a peaceful place for outdoor lovers. From Parkersburg, it’s about an hour’s drive, making it an easy half-day trip. Things to do at Forked Run:

Hiking trails – Short and manageable, great for families or anyone who doesn’t want a serious workout.
Picnics by the lake – Pack a cooler with sandwiches and snacks. There are picnic tables and plenty of shade.
Fishing and boating – There’s a lake where you can fish or put in a small boat. Check Ohio regulations and licenses if you plan to fish.

If you’ve been stuck inside for too long, this park is like hitting a reset button. Fresh air, quiet trails, and a chance to unplug.

4. Step Back in Time in Marietta, OH (Washington County)

Just across the river from West Virginia, Marietta is one of the easiest road trips from Parkersburg—usually about a 20–30 minute drive depending on exactly where you start. Marietta is known as one of the oldest settlements in the , so history fans will feel right at home. Don’t miss in Marietta:

Historic downtown & brick streets – Take a slow walk, shop local, and enjoy the preserved architecture.
Campus Martius Museum – Learn about early pioneers and Native American history in the area.
Ohio Riverfront – Walk along the levee path, watch the boats, and maybe catch a river festival depending on the season.
Mound Cemetery – Features a Native American mound surrounded by old gravestones. It’s both peaceful and fascinating.

Marietta is perfect for a “lazy Saturday”: coffee, museums, lunch on the river, and back home before dark.

5. Hit the Trails at Wayne National Forest (Washington & Athens Counties, OH)

If you’re craving a real outdoor adventure, Wayne National Forest stretches through parts of Athens and Washington Counties, not far from Parkersburg. Depending on which section you visit, the drive is usually around 45–75 minutes. Why go to Wayne National Forest?

Hiking and backpacking – Trails range from easy strolls to longer hikes. You can pick your level.
Scenic overlooks – Hilltop views, quiet hardwood forests, and in fall, some serious leaf color.
Off-road and horse trails – Certain areas allow ATVs or horseback riding (check current rules and permits).

If you’ve only hiked in small city parks, Wayne will feel huge—like trading a backyard trail for a real backcountry experience.

6. Road Trip to Jackson, WV for Small-Town Comfort (Jackson County)

Head an hour or so southeast and you’ll reach Jackson County, West Virginia, home to towns like Ripley and Ravenswood. It’s a solid choice if you want a simple drive and a very “classic West Virginia” feel. Ideas for Jackson County:

Ripley’s small-town downtown – Walk Main Street, browse shops, and check out local diners.
Local fairs and festivals – Ripley is known for big celebrations on the 4th of July and other occasions. Check the calendar before you go.
Ravenswood river views – Stop by Ravenswood on the Ohio River and enjoy a slow walk by the water.

This is the kind of trip where you point the car down the highway, turn up the music, and let the day unfold without a strict plan.

7. Enjoy Scenic Quiet in Pleasants County, WV

Just north of Wood County, Pleasants County is an easy, low-stress drive from Parkersburg. This is where you go when you want scenery more than crowds. What to do in Pleasants County:

Drive along the Ohio River – The roads here offer lovely river views and plenty of spots to pull off and take photos.
Explore St. Marys – A small town with a friendly feel. Walk around, grab a bite, and stretch your legs.
Railroad watching – Trains are a regular sight in the area, and if you’re into rail history or photography, you’ll have fun.

It’s the kind of place where time feels a little slower—in the best way.

8. Unplug in North Bend State Park (Ritchie County, WV)

North Bend State Park in Ritchie County is one of the best outdoor escapes within an easy drive of Parkersburg—usually around 45–60 minutes away. Highlights at North Bend State Park:

North Bend Rail Trail – A long, mostly flat trail built on an old railroad bed. Great for biking, jogging, or just a casual walk.
Tunnels and bridges – Some stretches of the rail trail go through old rail tunnels and over scenic bridges. Kids especially love this.
Lake for boating and fishing – Rent a kayak, bring a canoe, or cast a line. The water is calm and relaxing.

If you’re trying to get your family off their screens for a day, this is an easy win. Pack snacks, water, and maybe a change of clothes—just in case someone “accidentally” ends up in the water.

9. Take the Back Roads Through Wirt County, WV

Just east of Wood County, Wirt County is a great choice if you enjoy peaceful country drives, rolling hills, and pretty back roads. What makes Wirt County worth the trip?

Scenic drives – Think winding two-lane roads, old barns, and small churches.
Little Kanawha River views – The river adds a nice backdrop to your drive, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Quiet time – This isn’t a “schedule-packed” destination. It’s more about slowing down and enjoying the ride.

If you’ve ever felt like you just need to “get out and drive,” Wirt County is a simple and close option.

10. Mix & Match: Create Your Own Two-Stop Mini Road Trip

One of the best things about living near Parkersburg is how close all these counties are to each other. You don’t have to stick to just one. Here are a few easy combo ideas:

Marietta, OH + Wayne National Forest – Start with coffee and a walk in historic Marietta, then spend the afternoon hiking in the forest.
Athens, OH + Hockhocking Adena Bikeway – Explore downtown Athens, then rent bikes or just walk the riverside trail.
Pomeroy, OH + Forked Run State Park – Enjoy riverfront views in town, then head to the park for a picnic and some light hiking.

Think of Parkersburg as your home base and these counties as your backyard playground. With drives mostly under an hour and a half, you can leave in the morning and be back on your couch by evening.

Tips for Easy Road Trips From Parkersburg

To make these short road trips from Parkersburg even smoother:

Check hours and events – Some museums, parks, and festivals are seasonal or have limited hours.
Bring cash – Small-town diners, farm stands, or park fees may not always take cards.
Pack a “car bag” – Water, snacks, phone charger, a light jacket, sunscreen, and maybe a small first-aid kit.
Use a mix of GPS and common sense – In rural areas, cell service can get spotty. It never hurts to glance at a map before you go.

Share Your Favorite Day Trips Near Parkersburg

These are just 10 easy out-of-county road trips near Parkersburg, WV, but there are plenty more back roads, parks, and small towns to discover. Have you been to any of these places—Athens, Marietta, Pomeroy, North Bend State Park, or others?

Which spot is your favorite?
Did I miss a hidden gem in one of these counties?

Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other readers can find new ideas, too. And if you know someone in the who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,” share this post with them and help them plan their next easy day trip from Parkersburg.

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