10 Fun Things To Do Near Beckley, West Virginia (That Locals Actually Love)
If you’re dreaming about a laid-back getaway in the mountains,
Beckley, West Virginia in
Raleigh County is a great place to start. This small city sits right in the heart of the
southern West Virginia coalfields and close to the stunning
New River Gorge area.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, passing through on I‑77 or I‑64, or looking for a new spot to explore with family, you’ll find plenty of things to do near Beckley.
Below are
10 fun, easy-to-enjoy activities in and around Beckley, WV.
1. Go Underground at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
If you do just
one thing in Beckley, make it this.
The
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine lets you ride an open-air mine car into a real coal mine once operated in the early 1900s. Retired miners guide the tours, and they don’t sugarcoat what life was like underground.
You’ll learn:
- How miners worked in low, cramped tunnels
- What tools they used before modern machines
- How dangerous the job really was
Above ground, wander through:
It’s one of the most unique things to do in Beckley and a powerful way to understand West Virginia’s history.
2. Walk the Lattice Bridge at Grandview for Big New River Gorge Views
About 20 minutes from Beckley, the
Grandview area of
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve delivers some of the best views in the entire state.
The main overlook sits roughly
1,400 feet above the New River. On a clear day you can see miles of rugged mountains and a sweeping curve in the river below.
Don’t miss:
If you’re traveling with kids or older family members, this is a great “wow” moment without a difficult hike.
3. Drop Down to the New River Gorge Bridge (and Maybe Walk Under It)
About 35–40 minutes north of Beckley, near
Fayetteville, sits one of the most famous landmarks in West Virginia: the
New River Gorge Bridge.
At 876 feet high and over 3,000 feet long, it used to be the longest single-arch bridge in the world. Even if you’re not a “bridge person,” this one is impressive.
Things to do around the bridge:
If you visit in October, you might catch
Bridge Day, when the bridge closes to traffic and fills with vendors, food, and BASE jumpers leaping into the gorge.
4. Explore Small-Town Charm in Historic Fayetteville
Since you’re already near the bridge, take a little time to wander
Fayetteville, a mountain town that’s become a hub for outdoor lovers.
In downtown Fayetteville you’ll find:
- Locally owned restaurants and coffee shops
- Outdoor gear stores and outfitters
- Colorful murals and historic buildings
You can:
- Grab a burger or a wood‑fired pizza after hiking
- Pick up a New River Gorge t‑shirt or sticker
- Chat with locals for trail tips and hidden swimming holes
Fayetteville has that laid-back, walkable feel that makes it a good afternoon side trip from Beckley.
5. Spend a Relaxed Day at Little Beaver State Park
Looking for something low-key and close to town?
Little Beaver State Park is just a short drive east of Beckley and perfect for a calm outdoor day.
At the heart of the park is a 18‑acre lake where you can:
- Rent a paddleboat or kayak in season
- Fish from the bank or a small boat
- Take an easy walk along the shoreline
On land, there are:
- Miles of hiking and biking trails
- Picnic shelters and open fields
- A playground for kids
If you like to camp, the campground makes a solid base for exploring the Beckley area and the New River Gorge.
6. Ride the Whitewater on the New River or Gauley River
If you’re ready to turn the adrenaline up a notch, this part of West Virginia is famous for
whitewater rafting.
From Beckley, you can book a trip with outfitters based around the New River Gorge. They’ll provide guides, gear, and transportation to and from the river.
You can choose:
- Lower New River – Bigger rapids, lots of action, great for adventurous first‑timers
- Upper New River – Milder and family‑friendly, with more calm pools
- Gauley River (in season) – One of the top whitewater rivers in the U.S., best for experienced paddlers
Most trips take a half day or full day and include time to swim, splash, and relax between rapids. If you’ve never tried rafting, this is a memorable way to experience West Virginia’s wild side.
7. Wander Through Tamarack, “The Best of West Virginia”
Right off the interstate in Beckley, you’ll see a red-roofed building shaped a bit like a starburst. That’s
Tamarack, a large arts and crafts center that showcases work from all over West Virginia.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Handmade pottery, glass, and woodworking
- Paintings, photography, and jewelry
- Local food products like jams, honey, and sauces
There’s also:
- A full-service restaurant with regional dishes
- Occasional live music and performances
- Rotating art exhibits
It’s a great stop to stretch your legs, grab a bite, and pick up gifts that are actually made in West Virginia, not shipped in from somewhere else.
8. Hike, Bike, or Ski at Winterplace (Year‑Round Fun)
About 15–20 minutes south of Beckley,
Winterplace Ski Resort is best known for skiing and snowboarding, but it’s worth a look throughout the year.
In winter, you’ll find:
- Multiple ski runs for beginners and advanced skiers
- One of the largest snow tubing parks in the region
- Lessons and rentals if you’ve never tried snow sports
Outside of ski season, the resort area and surrounding back roads are good for:
- Scenic drives with mountain views
- Nearby hiking, biking, and ATV riding
- Exploring small mountain communities
If you’re visiting Beckley in winter, Winterplace is close enough that you can ski during the day and still enjoy dinner in town.
9. Learn Local History at the Raleigh County Veterans Museum & More
Beckley isn’t just about outdoor fun. There are also several small museums and historical spots where you can slow down and learn.
Two to consider:
- Raleigh County Veterans Museum – Personal stories, uniforms, and artifacts from local veterans of various wars and branches of service.
- Wildwood House Museum – A restored 19th‑century home that offers a peek into life in Beckley long before highways and chain hotels.
These museums are on the smaller side, but that’s part of the charm. You can often talk directly with staff or volunteers and hear local stories you won’t find in a guidebook.
10. Enjoy Classic Comfort Food at Local Beckley Restaurants
After a day of hiking trails or touring coal mines, nothing hits the spot like a big plate of comfort food.
Beckley may be small, but it has a solid mix of:
- Family diners with hearty breakfasts and home‑style dinners
- Barbecue joints and burger spots
- Locally owned cafes and bakeries
Ask around for:
Sometimes the best travel memories are the simple ones: a good meal, a friendly server, and that pleasantly tired feeling after a full day outside.
Tips for Planning Your Beckley, West Virginia Trip
A few quick pointers to make your visit smoother:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through fall is ideal for hiking, rafting, and sightseeing. Winter is best if you’re coming to ski at Winterplace.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car. Many of the top things to do near Beckley are spread across Raleigh County and the New River Gorge area.
- Where to stay: Beckley has a wide range of hotels and chain options, plus a few cabins and campgrounds nearby.
- Weather: It can be cooler in the mountains, especially in the evenings, so pack layers even in summer.
Ready to Explore Beckley, WV?
From underground coal mines to mountaintop views,
Beckley and Raleigh County offer a little bit of everything: history, outdoor adventure, local art, and comforting Appalachian food.
If you’re driving through West Virginia on I‑77 or I‑64, don’t just pass by. Take a day—or a weekend—and discover what this part of the state has to offer.
Have you visited Beckley or the New River Gorge area?
What was your favorite thing to do near Beckley?
Share your experience in the comments and let others know what not to miss.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a West Virginia road trip!
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