, you’re in the perfect spot. Bluefield sits right on the edge of Virginia and West Virginia, which means you can hop in the car and reach a whole bunch of cool places in under an hour or two.
In this guide, we’ll look at
. No stops in Mercer County—this is all about what’s just beyond your backyard.
These are simple, laid-back ideas: outdoor views, small towns, waterfalls, history, and a few surprises along the way.
1. Burke’s Garden, Tazewell County, VA – “God’s Thumbprint”
About 45–60 minutes from Bluefield
County:
Tazewell County, Virginia
If you only do one trip from Bluefield, make it
Burke’s Garden. Locals often call it “
God’s Thumbprint” because this wide, high valley is shaped like a bowl and completely ringed by mountains. It honestly feels like you’ve stumbled into some secret world.
- Scenic loop drive through farms and open pastures
- Beautiful fall colors and mountain views
- Cycling-friendly roads and easy country walks
- Great spot for photography and picnics
The drive up the winding mountain road is part of the fun. Pack a simple picnic—sandwiches, chips, and a thermos of coffee—and find a pull-off to sit and just stare at the view for a while.
If you’re looking for a peaceful day trip from Bluefield with almost no crowds, this is it.
2. Pipestem Resort State Park, Summers County, WV – Views for Days
About 1–1.5 hours from Bluefield
County:
Summers County, West Virginia
Pipestem Resort State Park is one of the most popular
West Virginia state parks for a reason. It sits high on the rim of the
Bluestone Gorge, offering big, wide-open views you don’t even have to hike to enjoy.
- Overlooks with huge views of the Bluestone River Gorge
- Hiking and biking trails for all skill levels
- Horseback riding, golf, and seasonal activities
- Lodge, cabins, and camping options if you want to stay overnight
Even if you’re not an “outdoorsy” person, you can drive to the main overlook, grab a snack, and just relax. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Road tripping from Bluefield to Pipestem makes for a full but relaxed day: drive up in the morning, enjoy lunch with a view, take a short hike, and be home by evening.
3. New River Gorge & Grandview, Raleigh County, WV – Classic West Virginia Scenery
Around 1–1.5 hours from Bluefield
County:
Raleigh County, West Virginia
The
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is one of the biggest names in West Virginia travel, and parts of it are easily reached from Bluefield via Raleigh County. For a quick trip, head to the
Grandview area.
- Overlooks of the New River Gorge and endless rolling hills
- Short, family-friendly hikes to scenic points
- Spring wildflowers and summer green views
- Perfect for sunrise or sunset photos
If you’ve seen pictures of wild, green hills hugging a river and thought, “Wow, I’d love to see that,” this is the place.
You can pair Grandview with a stop in the
Beckley area for food or a quick walk-through of local shops. It’s a simple way to turn a normal weekend into a mini road trip adventure.
4. Tazewell, VA & the Back of the Dragon – Mountain Roads and Small-Town Charm
About 35–50 minutes from Bluefield
County:
Tazewell County, Virginia
Love a good scenic drive? The
Back of the Dragon, a twisty mountain road along Route 16 between Tazewell and Marion, is a favorite for motorcyclists and sports car drivers. Even if you’re in a regular car, the views and curves are a blast.
Start in the town of
Tazewell:
- Walk the historic downtown and grab coffee or lunch
- Check out local murals and small shops
- Then drive a stretch of the Back of the Dragon for mountain scenery
If curvy roads make you nervous, just take it slow and enjoy the overlooks. Or skip the twistiest part and explore the countryside around Tazewell instead—lots of barns, rolling hills, and old churches that make for great photos.
5. Glen Lyn & New River Access, Giles County, VA – Rivers and Relaxing
About 45–60 minutes from Bluefield
County:
Giles County, Virginia
Head east into
Giles County, VA for a calm day around the
New River. The
Glen Lyn area is an easy, low-stress road trip from Bluefield if you love water views but don’t want a long hike.
- Public river access points for fishing, relaxing, or putting in kayaks
- Shady spots along the New River for picnics
- Scenic drive through river valleys and small communities
If you’re into paddling or fishing, bring your gear and make a day of it. If not, just find a nice spot, listen to the water, and read a book. Sometimes the best road trips from Bluefield are the slow, quiet ones.
6. Bland County, VA – Appalachian Back Roads and Trailheads
About 40–60 minutes from Bluefield
County:
Bland County, Virginia
Bland County doesn’t scream “tourist destination,” and that’s actually the charm. This is a place of winding roads, quiet farm valleys, and pieces of the
Appalachian Trail crossing through the mountains.
- Easy country drives with mountain backdrops
- Access points to the Appalachian Trail (for short out-and-back hikes)
- Simple roadside churches, barns, and overlooks for photos
If you’ve ever wanted to say, “Yeah, I walked a bit of the Appalachian Trail,” here’s your chance. Look for trailheads near Route 52 or I-77, take a short hike up to a ridge, and then head back to the car before dinner.
7. War & Coal Heritage Sites, McDowell County, WV – History Off the Beaten Path
About 45–70 minutes from Bluefield
County:
McDowell County, West Virginia
Road-tripping from Bluefield into
McDowell County feels like stepping into a living history book. Former coal towns like
War, Kimball, and surrounding communities still carry the stories of the coal boom.
- Drive narrow mountain roads that follow old rail lines and creeks
- See historic coal-camp architecture and company town layouts
- Stop at small roadside memorials or signs about coal heritage
This is more of a “drive and observe” trip than a big attraction stop. But if you’re curious about the roots of West Virginia’s coal country, it’s worth seeing firsthand.
On one of my drives through here, I remember slowing down just to take in the old storefronts and faded signs. You can almost feel the past in the air.
8. Twin Falls Resort State Park, Wyoming County, WV – Waterfalls in the Woods
About 1–1.5 hours from Bluefield
County:
Wyoming County, West Virginia
Looking for waterfalls near Bluefield? Point your car toward
Twin Falls Resort State Park in
Wyoming County.
- Two main waterfalls reachable by relatively easy hikes
- Wooded trails great for kids and casual hikers
- Picnic areas, a lodge, and a golf course on-site
The hikes aren’t extreme—plan on sneakers, a bottle of water, and maybe a snack, and you’re good. After a week of work, standing in front of a waterfall and listening to the steady roar can be surprisingly calming.
9. Hinton, Summers County, WV – River Town with a Relaxed Vibe
About 1–1.25 hours from Bluefield
County:
Summers County, West Virginia
Hinton is a small
New River town that makes a great low-key day trip from Bluefield.
- Walk the historic downtown streets and old storefronts
- Enjoy river views and nearby overlooks
- Seasonal train and rail history events
You can pair a walk through Hinton with a side trip to a nearby overlook or river access point. This is an easy-going road trip idea when you don’t want anything too intense, just a change of scenery and a slower pace.
10. Beckley Area Sights, Raleigh County, WV – Mix-and-Match Day Trip
About 1–1.25 hours from Bluefield
County:
Raleigh County, West Virginia
The
Beckley area is a handy hub for a flexible day trip from Bluefield. You can combine outdoor views, local food, and a touch of history in one loop.
Ideas for your Beckley-area road trip:
- Start with a scenic overlook or short hike in the New River Gorge area
- Head into town for lunch and a walk around
- Add another quick stop in Raleigh County for more views or a park
This is the kind of road trip where you don’t need a tight plan. Just pick a couple of stops, leave room for exploring, and let the day unfold.
Tips for Planning Your Bluefield Road Trips
To make these out-of-county adventures from Bluefield smoother:
- Check drive times: Most of these trips are under 1.5 hours one way.
- Fill up the tank: Some rural areas have long stretches without gas stations.
- Bring snacks and water: Not every stop has food nearby.
- Look at the weather: Mountain areas can get foggy or icy in colder months.
- Download maps: Cell service can be spotty in hollows and along ridges.
Where Will You Go First?
Living in or visiting
Bluefield, WV puts you in a sweet spot for
short road trips into both Virginia and West Virginia. Whether you’re into:
- Big mountain views (Burke’s Garden, Grandview, Pipestem)
- Quiet river days (Giles County, Hinton, Glen Lyn)
- Historic coal country drives (McDowell County)
- Waterfall hikes (Twin Falls)
…there’s something within easy driving distance.
Now I’d love to hear from you:
- Which of these out-of-county road trips from Bluefield sounds best to you?
- Do you have a favorite hidden spot in Bland, Giles, Tazewell, McDowell, Raleigh, Summers, or Wyoming County?
Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments—your experience might help someone plan their next weekend escape.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for fun things to do near Bluefield. Sometimes the best adventures are just an hour down the road.
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