10 Easy Road Trips from Charleston, WV: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Kanawha County
If you’re based in
Charleston, West Virginia and itching to get out of town for a bit, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or so in almost every direction, you’ll find small towns, outdoor adventures, and quirky roadside stops that feel a world away from downtown Charleston—without needing a plane ticket.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips to enjoy in the counties that surround Kanawha: Boone, Clay, Fayette, Jackson, Lincoln, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, and Roane. Each one makes a great half-day or full-day trip.
1. Conquer the New River Gorge in Fayette County
Looking for a classic West Virginia adventure? Head to
Fayette County, home of the
New River Gorge, one of the most iconic spots in the entire state.
From Charleston, you can reach the New River Gorge area in about an hour and 15 minutes, depending on where you go.
If you only have time for one out-of-county road trip near Charleston, this is the one that really shows off “Almost Heaven” West Virginia.
2. Relax at Summersville Lake in Nicholas County
In
Nicholas County, about an hour and a half from Charleston, you’ll find
Summersville Lake, often called “the Little Bahamas of the East” because of its clear blue water.
- Boating and Kayaking – Rent a boat, bring your kayak, or book a guided trip to explore the little coves and cliffs along the shore.
- Cliffside Views – Even if you’re not getting in the water, there are roadside pull-offs and picnic areas with great views.
- Hiking and Picnics – Pack a cooler, some camp chairs, and make a day of it with family or friends.
On a hot summer day, driving up to Summersville Lake from Charleston feels a bit like sneaking away to a beach—just with more mountains.
3. Ride the Rapids on the Gauley River in Nicholas County
While you’re thinking about Nicholas County, don’t forget the legendary
Gauley River, especially during
Gauley Season in the fall when controlled dam releases turn the river into a whitewater playground.
- Guided Whitewater Trips – Outfitters in Nicholas and nearby counties will provide gear, guides, and transportation. You just show up ready to get wet.
- Scenic Overlooks – Not a fan of intense rapids? You can still enjoy river overlooks and quiet spots along the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
- Fall Colors – Time your drive in late September or October, and the hills glow with red, orange, and gold leaves.
If you’ve ever wondered what serious whitewater rafting is like, this is one of the best places in the country to find out—less than a couple of hours from Charleston.
4. Explore Ripley & the Small-Town Charm of Jackson County
Head northwest from Charleston to
Jackson County for a slower-paced road trip centered around
Ripley, a friendly small town about 40–45 minutes away.
- Historic Downtown Ripley – Stroll the streets, browse local shops, and grab a bite at a mom-and-pop restaurant.
- Seasonal Festivals – Ripley is known for its big holiday celebrations and small-town events that make you feel like you just stepped into a movie.
- Country Drives – Take the back roads and you’ll see rolling hills, barns, and front porches that prove West Virginia country life is alive and well.
This is the kind of easy road trip that works for all ages—no hiking boots or helmets required.
5. Day-Trip to Beckley in Raleigh County
About an hour south of Charleston in
Raleigh County sits
Beckley, a handy base for both history and outdoor fun.
- Scenic Drives – The route from Charleston to Beckley gives you a nice sampling of Appalachian scenery without too many tight turns.
- Parks & Trails – Around Raleigh County you’ll find walking trails, parks, and viewpoints perfect for stretching your legs after the drive.
- Gateway to the Southern Coalfields – Beckley is a jumping-off point for exploring southern West Virginia’s coal heritage sites and small communities.
This trip is great when you want to get away but still have plenty of services, restaurants, and easy parking.
6. Farm Country Drives in Roane County
Drive about an hour north of Charleston and you’ll roll into
Roane County, a peaceful patchwork of farms, forests, and small towns.
- Quiet Country Roads – If you enjoy just driving with the windows down and no traffic, this is your spot.
- Local Shops & Diners – Pop into small-town diners or local stores, grab a slice of pie, and chat with the locals.
- Photography Stops – Old barns, church steeples, and wide-open fields make great photo backdrops, especially around sunset.
Sometimes the best “thing to do” near Charleston is simply to unplug, drive, and enjoy the landscape. Roane County makes that easy.
7. Outdoor Escapes in Clay County
Northeast of Charleston you’ll find
Clay County, a quiet, rugged slice of West Virginia that’s perfect if you want to get off the beaten path.
- Scenic Creeks and Back Roads – Follow the roads that wind along the water. You’ll find pull-offs for fishing, skipping rocks, or just sitting by the stream.
- Simple, Peaceful Vibes – Don’t expect big tourist attractions. Instead, you get peaceful drives, friendly folks, and plenty of space to breathe.
- Picnic Day Trip – Pack a cooler, a folding chair, and a good book. Find a shady spot and turn it into your personal day-use “resort.”
If your idea of a perfect road trip is a thermos of coffee, some good music, and fresh air, Clay County is an easy choice.
8. Backroads Adventure in Boone County
Head south of Charleston and you’ll soon cross into
Boone County, an area full of rolling hills, hollows, and winding roads.
- Coal Country Scenery – You’ll drive past old mining communities and hillside homes that tell the story of West Virginia’s coal heritage.
- Creekside Pull-Offs – Stop along the creeks for quick walks, rock hunting, or just dipping your toes in the water on a hot day.
- Local Flavor – Keep an eye out for local eateries where the menu is simple, hearty, and homemade.
This road trip from Charleston feels like a window into everyday Appalachian life—no fancy tickets, just real West Virginia.
9. Putnam County Parks & River Views
West of Charleston, about a 20–30 minute drive, lies
Putnam County, with a mix of bedroom communities, river views, and easy-access parks.
- Riverside Drives – Follow the Kanawha River downstream and enjoy the changing scenery and small towns along the way.
- Parks and Green Spaces – Putnam County has family-friendly parks where kids can play and adults can relax under the trees.
- Quick Getaway – This is an ideal trip if you want to “get out of Charleston” but don’t have time for a long drive.
If you’re trying to test out a new bike, walking shoes, or a picnic blanket, Putnam County is an easy first stop.
10. Quiet Drives and Small-Town Stops in Lincoln County
Southwest of Charleston is
Lincoln County, a mostly rural area where the roads may slow you down—but in the best way.
- Rolling Hills and Forests – Expect lots of curves, trees, and little glimpses of everyday life in southern West Virginia.
- Local Stores & Roadside Stops – Pop into gas stations and general stores. You’ll often find friendly chat and local tips.
- Good For “No-Plan” Days – This is the kind of drive where you don’t need a strict schedule. Just turn down a side road that looks interesting and see where it goes.
If you’ve ever said, “I just want to drive and clear my head,” a lazy loop through Lincoln County might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Tips for Planning Your Charleston, WV Road Trips
Before you head out from Charleston into the surrounding counties, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check Drive Times – Most of these spots are within about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours from Charleston, but mountain roads can slow you down.
- Fuel Up First – In more rural counties, gas stations can be spread out. Top off your tank in or near Charleston.
- Pack the Basics – Bring water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a small first-aid kit—just in case.
- Download Maps – Cell service can get spotty in the hills, so it helps to download directions ahead of time.
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your road trip smooth and stress-free.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living in or visiting
Charleston, West Virginia means you’re surrounded by easy road trip options. Whether you want
world-class outdoor adventures in Fayette and Nicholas Counties,
quiet country drives in Roane and Clay, or
small-town charm in Jackson and Putnam, you don’t have to go far to find something new.
Have you taken any of these out-of-county road trips from Charleston? Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Boone, Raleigh, Lincoln, or another nearby county?
Share your tips in the comments and pass this guide along to a friend or family member who loves road trips! The more we share, the easier it gets for everyone to discover the best things to do near Charleston, WV.
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