10 Fun Short Road Trips Near Grafton, WV (All Outside Taylor County)
If you live in or around
Grafton, West Virginia, you already know it’s a small town with a big heart. But what if you’re itching to get out of town for a few hours, or maybe a full day, without driving all day long?
The good news: you’re surrounded by some of the best little road trip spots in
North-Central West Virginia.
Every stop on this list is:
- Outside Taylor County (so it really feels like a mini getaway)
- Within a comfortable driving distance of Grafton
- Perfect for day trips or easy weekend adventures
Let’s jump into 10 easy out-of-county road trips from Grafton, focusing on nearby counties like
Barbour, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, and Preston.
1. Philippi Covered Bridge & Small-Town Charm (Barbour County)
If you head about 25–30 minutes south of Grafton, you’ll find the historic town of
Philippi in Barbour County. The star of the show here is the
Philippi Covered Bridge one of the most iconic sites in West Virginia.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Historic covered bridge you can actually drive through. It’s one of the oldest in the country that’s still in use.
- Nice photo spots along the river and around town.
- Cozy small-town feel, with a slower pace that makes a short trip feel like a real break.
If you love history or just enjoy scenic drives, this is a simple, low-stress road trip. Grab a coffee, roll the windows down, and enjoy a bit of old-school West Virginia charm.
2. Tygart Valley River & Outdoors Near Belington (Barbour County)
Keep going a little farther into Barbour County, and you’ll hit the Belington area along the Tygart Valley River.
Here’s what to do:
- Find a riverside pull-off for a quiet picnic.
- Bring a fishing pole and try your luck in the river.
- Take a slow, scenic drive along winding country roads.
This is one of those places where you don’t need a big attraction or theme park to have a good time. It’s more about being outside, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the rolling hills.
If you’ve ever said, “I just want to get away from everything for a few hours,” this is that kind of spot.
3. Clarksburg’s Historic Downtown & Waldomore (Harrison County)
About 35–45 minutes west of Grafton, you’ll land in Clarksburg in Harrison County. This is a great option if you’re craving something a bit more “city-like” without going too far.
Highlights in Clarksburg:
- Historic downtown with interesting old buildings and local shops.
- The Waldomore (a historic mansion near the library) for a quick dose of history and architecture.
- Plenty of places to grab lunch, coffee, or dessert.
If you’re used to Grafton’s slower pace, Clarksburg feels like a mini city—but still laid-back compared to big metro areas. It’s an easy day trip for shopping, strolling, and snacking.
4. Veteran’s Memorial Park & Recreation in Clarksburg (Harrison County)
While you’re in Clarksburg, add a stop at Veteran’s Memorial Park. It’s a good choice if you’ve got kids with energy to burn, or you just want to stretch your legs.
You might:
- Walk the paths and enjoy views of the hills.
- Let the kids enjoy the playgrounds in warmer months.
- Pack a simple picnic and relax at a shelter or table.
If your idea of a short road trip from Grafton involves a mix of activity and relaxation, this Clarksburg area combo (downtown + park) fits the bill.
5. Downtown Fairmont & the High-Level Bridge Views (Marion County)
Head northwest about 25–30 minutes and you’ll reach Fairmont in Marion County. It’s one of the easiest out-of-county road trips from Grafton and full of low-key things to explore.
What to check out:
- Drive or walk across the High-Level Bridge for river and town views.
- Stroll downtown to check out local coffee shops, bakeries, and small businesses.
- Take photos of old brick buildings and hillside neighborhoods.
Fairmont is also known for its classic pepperoni rolls, so this is a good trip if you’re a foodie. You can easily turn a simple lunch run into a half-day adventure.
6. Valley Falls State Park (Marion County)
If you haven’t been to Valley Falls State Park yet, put it at the top of your list. It’s technically in Marion County (with some land extending near Taylor and others), and it’s an easy drive from Grafton—usually under an hour depending on your route.
Why people love it:
- Beautiful waterfalls on the Tygart Valley River.
- Short hikes with rewarding views.
- Big flat rocks by the water that are perfect for sitting, relaxing, and listening to the river.
Just keep in mind: the rocks can be slick, and swimming near the falls is dangerous. Think of it as a place to look and listen, not to jump in.
If you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do near Grafton that don’t require expert hiking skills, Valley Falls is a great, family-friendly choice.
7. Morgantown’s Riverfront, Shopping, & WVU Vibes (Monongalia County)
For a livelier day trip, drive about 45–60 minutes north to Morgantown in Monongalia County. It’s home to West Virginia University (WVU), so there’s always something going on.
Fun things to do in Morgantown:
- Walk or bike along the Mon River Rail-Trail and riverfront.
- Explore the WVU campus and downtown area with shops and restaurants.
- Catch a game or event if you time your visit right.
This is a great road trip if you:
- Want more dining and nightlife options.
- Enjoy people-watching and college-town energy.
- Like mixing a little exercise with a lot of good food.
If you’re coming from quiet Grafton, Morgantown can feel like a different world—but it’s still close enough for an easy day trip.
8. Coopers Rock State Forest Overlooks (Monongalia County)
Just east of Morgantown, you’ll find one of the most famous outdoor spots in the region: Coopers Rock State Forest.
This is a “must-see” if you like views:
- Stunning overlook of the Cheat River Gorge.
- Short, family-friendly trails and longer hikes if you’re up for it.
- Picnic shelters, rock formations, and forest scenery.
If you time it for fall, the leaves are incredible. It’s the kind of place where you stand at the overlook and think, “Wow, this is only about an hour from home.”
From Grafton, it’s an easy half-day or full-day trip, especially if you combine it with a stop in Morgantown for lunch or dinner.
9. Kingwood & Small-Town Exploring (Preston County)
Looking for something quieter than Morgantown but still different from Grafton? Head into Preston County and visit Kingwood.
What you can do:
- Walk around town and take in the local courthouse and historic buildings.
- Check for local events or festivals, especially in late summer and fall.
- Use it as a base to explore the surrounding countryside and backroads.
Kingwood gives you that “old-school West Virginia town” feel, with just enough around to fill a slow, relaxing afternoon. If you like unhurried drives and simple pleasures, this one fits well.
10. Cheat River & Scenic Drives in Preston County
While you’re in Preston County, don’t miss the chance to follow parts of the Cheat River. Even if you’re not into hardcore whitewater, the scenery alone makes it worth the trip.
Ideas for this road trip:
- Drive along roads that trace the river and stop at safe pull-offs for photos.
- Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks, then find a quiet spot to relax.
- Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching or just spotting wildlife.
This is a great option when you want a “no schedule” day—just drive, stop when you feel like it, and enjoy some of the most underrated views near Grafton.
Tips for Planning Your Short Road Trips from Grafton
To make these little adventures smoother, here are a few quick tips:
- Check the weather before you go, especially for outdoor spots like Valley Falls or Coopers Rock.
- Fill up on gas in Grafton so you don’t have to stress about finding a station in rural areas.
- Pack a small “day trip” bag with water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a phone charger.
- Have a backup plan in case a trail, overlook, or park area is closed.
The best part of these short road trips near Grafton is that none of them require a ton of planning. You can wake up on a Saturday, look at the sky, and say, “Let’s go,” and be somewhere new in under an hour.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near Grafton
Now it’s your turn.
Have you:
- Watched the sunset at Coopers Rock?
- Walked the riverfront in Morgantown?
- Had a picnic at Valley Falls or along the Tygart Valley River?
Drop a comment with your favorite out-of-county road trip from Grafton—or one you’re planning to try next. Your ideas might help someone else plan their next escape.
And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for easy things to do near Grafton, WV. A simple share can turn into someone’s new favorite weekend adventure.
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