10 Easy Road Trips Near Clarksburg, WV (That Take You Out of Harrison County)
Looking for fun, easy
road trips near Clarksburg, West Virginia that don’t involve the same old stops in town? You’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find lakes, caves, small towns, and classic West Virginia views in the surrounding counties of
Barbour, Doddridge, Lewis, Marion, Taylor, Upshur, and Wetzel.
All of these ideas keep you
outside Harrison County, but close enough for a relaxed day trip. Grab a coffee, fill up the tank, and let’s hit the road.
1. Philippi Covered Bridge & Civil War History (Barbour County)
If you love small-town charm with a side of history, head to
Philippi, about 35–40 minutes southeast of Clarksburg.
The star here is the
Philippi Covered Bridge, one of the oldest and longest covered bridges in the country that’s still in use. You literally drive right through it. It’s also tied to the first land battle of the Civil War.
- Walk around the town and snap photos of the bridge from both sides of the river.
- Check out the local Civil War history and small museums nearby.
- Grab a simple diner-style lunch and people-watch on Main Street.
On a clear day, the whole area has that “movie small town” feel. It’s an easy, low-stress half-day trip.
2. Tygart Lake State Park: Classic Lake Day (Taylor County)
About 35–45 minutes east of Clarksburg,
Tygart Lake State Park is one of the best quick getaways in the region. It sits near Grafton in
Taylor County and offers that classic West Virginia lake and mountain scenery.
Things to do:
- Swim at the public beach area in summer.
- Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard and explore the shoreline.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the views from one of the many picnic shelters.
- Come back in fall for gorgeous leaf color around the lake.
If you’re looking for a relaxed Sunday trip, this one is hard to beat. It feels far away, but you’re really just a short drive from Clarksburg.
3. Audra State Park: Rivers, Rocks, and Relaxing (Barbour / Upshur Counties)
About an hour southeast of Clarksburg,
Audra State Park straddles both Barbour and Upshur counties and delivers some of the prettiest river scenery in the region.
The main star is the
Middle Fork River, with clear water, big boulders, and forested banks.
Highlights:
- Walk the boardwalk trail that hugs rock overhangs and sandstone cliffs.
- Relax by the river and listen to the water rush by.
- Let kids skip rocks or wade in calmer spots when water levels are safe.
If you ever feel stuck indoors or stressed, this is the kind of spot that instantly resets your mood.
4. Stonewall Jackson Lake & Resort (Lewis County)
About 30–40 minutes south of Clarksburg, in
Lewis County, you’ll find
Stonewall Jackson Lake and the resort area around it. This is a great pick if you want options: lazy walks, lake views, or a slightly more “resort” feel without traveling far.
What you can do:
- Walk along the lakefront paths and enjoy wide-open water views.
- Golf at the resort course if that’s your thing.
- Rent a kayak or boat and explore the lake’s coves.
- Dine with a view and treat it like a mini getaway, even if you’re just there for a meal.
It’s an easy spot to take visiting family when you want to impress them with West Virginia’s beauty.
5. Downtown Buckhannon & Riverwalk (Upshur County)
If you enjoy walkable small towns, head about 45–55 minutes south to
Buckhannon in Upshur County.
Downtown Buckhannon has a cozy, artsy feel, with shops, murals, and a nice little riverfront area.
Try this simple plan:
- Stroll downtown and check out the local boutiques and antique stores.
- Walk the Riverwalk Trail along the Buckhannon River.
- Grab coffee or ice cream and sit outside if the weather is nice.
It’s an easygoing road trip that’s perfect when you don’t feel like hiking but still want to get out of the house.
6. Prickett’s Fort State Park: Step Back in Time (Marion County)
About 30–40 minutes north of Clarksburg, just outside
Fairmont in
Marion County, is
Prickett’s Fort State Park. This reconstructed 18th-century fort gives you a peek into frontier life.
Here’s what to expect:
- A reconstructed frontier fort with log buildings and costumed interpreters in season.
- Peaceful walking paths along the Monongahela River.
- Picnic areas and shady spots to relax.
If you have kids, they’ll probably love wandering around the fort and imagining what life was like back then. Even as an adult, it’s hard not to get pulled into the history.
7. Fairmont: City Park Vibes & Pepperoni Rolls (Marion County)
Still in
Marion County, the city of
Fairmont makes for an easy half-day trip from Clarksburg, usually 25–30 minutes by car.
Here’s a simple way to enjoy it:
- Walk or relax at one of Fairmont’s city parks, such as Morris Park or Wave Pool Park (in season).
- Sample a classic pepperoni roll from a local bakery — northern West Virginia is famous for them.
- Drive around town for some hilltop views and river scenes.
This is a “light adventure” option: not a big production, just a different place to hang out, eat, and explore.
8. West Union & Country Roads Drive (Doddridge County)
Head about 35–45 minutes west to
Doddridge County and the small town of
West Union for a true country-roads kind of trip.
This one isn’t about big attractions. It’s about the drive itself.
Ideas:
- Follow the winding back roads and enjoy old barns, rolling hills, and creek crossings.
- Stop in West Union for a snack, gas, and a short walk around town.
- Take random side roads (safely) just to see where they go — you’ll find some great views.
If you like scenic drives and quiet, this low-key road trip will hit the spot.
9. North Bend Rail Trail Access (Doddridge County)
Another reason to head west into
Doddridge County is to hop on part of the
North Bend Rail Trail, a long, mostly flat trail that used to be a railroad line.
Depending on where you access it, you’re roughly 45–60 minutes from Clarksburg.
What you can do:
- Walk or bike short sections of the trail — it’s great for all ages.
- Enjoy quiet forests, old railroad structures, and gentle grades.
- Pack snacks and make it a relaxed, no-rush outing.
It’s perfect if you like the idea of hiking but want something flatter and more predictable than a typical mountain trail.
10. Wetzel County Backroads & River Views (Wetzel County)
For a slightly longer adventure, head about 1–1.5 hours northwest to
Wetzel County. This area leans more rural, with scenic drives and river views along parts of the Ohio River.
Ideas for this trip:
- Follow the backroads through hills and farms to get that true “almost heaven” feeling.
- Check out small communities and local diners along the way.
- Look for spots where you can see the river or pull off safely for photos.
If you enjoy just getting lost (in a good way) and exploring, this is the kind of day trip you’ll remember.
Tips for Road Trips Near Clarksburg, WV
To make these
out-of-county day trips from Clarksburg smoother:
- Check the weather before you go, especially for parks and lakes.
- Bring cash — some small-town spots still don’t love cards.
- Download maps in advance; cell service can be spotty on backroads.
- Pack snacks and water, even for short drives.
Sometimes the drive itself is half the fun. Rolling hills, narrow hollows, old churches by the road — it all adds up to that classic
West Virginia road trip vibe.
What’s Your Favorite Day Trip from Clarksburg?
These are just 10 easy
day trips near Clarksburg, WV in the surrounding counties of Barbour, Doddridge, Lewis, Marion, Taylor, Upshur, and Wetzel. But there are plenty more backroads, parks, and small towns to explore.
Have you visited any of these spots?
- Which one would you recommend to a friend?
- Did I miss a hidden gem that locals love?
Drop a comment and share your favorite off-the-beaten-path adventure near Clarksburg. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are always asking, “What is there to do around here this weekend?”
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