10 Easy Road Trips From Nitro, West Virginia: Fun Day Trips Just Outside Kanawha County
If you live in or around
Nitro, West Virginia, you probably know the major spots in Kanawha County by heart. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, drive 30–90 minutes, and discover something new.
The good news? There are a lot of
short road trips near Nitro in the surrounding counties that are packed with beautiful views, outdoor adventures, small-town charm, and classic West Virginia flavor.
Below are
10 out-of-county day trips you can enjoy in the nearby counties of Boone, Clay, Fayette, Jackson, Lincoln, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, and Roane. Each one is an easy drive for a Saturday escape, a Sunday drive, or a quick getaway from Nitro without crossing half the state.
1. Fayetteville & the New River Gorge Bridge (Fayette County)
If you only have time for one big adventure, make it Fayetteville in
Fayette County. From Nitro, it’s roughly an hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic, but it feels like a different world.
Why it’s special:
You’re heading straight into
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, home of the famous
New River Gorge Bridge — one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world.
- Walk out on the New River Gorge Bridge Overlook for postcard views.
- Try the Long Point Trail (about 3 miles round-trip) for a jaw-dropping view of the bridge.
- Book a New River whitewater rafting trip (in season) if you’re up for a thrill.
- Stroll around downtown Fayetteville for coffee, pizza, or a local craft beer.
On my first visit, I remember stepping up to the overlook and just going quiet for a minute. The drop is huge, the bridge looks unreal, and you really feel how wild West Virginia still is.
2. Summersville Lake & Lighthouse (Nicholas County)
Head southeast into
Nicholas County and you’ll find one of the most loved lakes in the state:
Summersville Lake. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Nitro, but it’s an easy, scenic one.
What to do:
- Swim or relax at one of the lake access areas in warmer months.
- Rent a kayak or pontoon and explore the cliff-lined coves.
- Visit the Summersville Lake Lighthouse and, if open, climb it for wide-open views.
- Pack a cooler and have a lakeside picnic with friends or family.
If you love the beach but don’t want to drive to the ocean, this is the next best thing. Think clear water, rocky cliffs, and boats drifting by — all within a day trip of Nitro.
3. Hawks Nest State Park & Scenic Overlook (Fayette County)
Also in
Fayette County, but closer than Fayetteville,
Hawks Nest State Park offers a classic New River view without a difficult hike. It’s just over an hour from Nitro.
Highlights:
- The main overlook with a sweeping view of the New River and the gorge.
- Short, manageable trails if you want to stretch your legs.
- A seasonal aerial tram down to the river area (check ahead for dates and times).
- Nice picnic spots under the trees — great for couples, families, or solo trips.
This is a good “intro” trip if you want scenery without a hardcore hike. It’s especially pretty in the fall when the leaves change.
4. Ripley & the Small-Town Charm of Jackson County
Looking for something more low-key? Drive about 45–60 minutes northwest from Nitro to
Ripley in Jackson County. It’s a classic Appalachian small town with a friendly vibe.
What makes it worth the drive:
- Walk around the Ripley courthouse square and grab a bite from a local diner.
- Check out any seasonal festivals or events — Ripley is known for its patriotic celebrations.
- Take a casual country drive on the backroads, especially pretty in spring and fall.
This is the kind of trip where you relax, grab some comfort food, maybe window-shop a bit, and just enjoy a slower pace.
5. Point Pleasant & Tu-Endie-Wei State Park (Mason County – via Jackson County)
While not on the original list of counties, this one ties in nicely with a drive through
Jackson County, and many Nitro locals treat it as a favorite river-town escape. From Nitro, it’s usually a 1.5-hour drive.
Don’t miss:
- Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, where the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers meet.
- The town’s Mothman legend spots, if you’re into quirky roadside fun.
- A peaceful stroll along the riverfront.
You can pair this trip with a stop in Ripley going to or from Nitro for a full day out on the road.
6. Cliffside Views & Bridges Around Ansted (Fayette County)
The area around
Ansted in Fayette County is perfect if you like short drives, big views, and a mix of history and nature. It’s roughly an hour from Nitro.
Things to see nearby:
- Contentment Historical Complex (for local history buffs).
- Scenic pull-offs near the Midland Trail (U.S. Route 60).
- Easy walks to overlooks above the New River.
If you enjoy driving twisty mountain roads with great scenery and plenty of places to stop for photos, this route is for you.
7. Adventures in Beckley (Raleigh County)
About an hour and 15 minutes from Nitro,
Beckley in Raleigh County gives you a mix of city conveniences and outdoorsy fun.
Ideas for a Beckley day trip:
- Explore the local parks and walking paths.
- Fuel up on homestyle cooking at a local restaurant.
- Use Beckley as a base to reach nearby Raleigh County hiking and fishing spots.
If you want a slightly bigger town than Nitro for shopping and dining, but still want that West Virginia character, Beckley is a solid pick.
8. Scenic Drives & Backroads in Roane County
Sometimes the best road trip is more about the drive than the destination.
Roane County, north of Nitro, is perfect for that. It’s easy to reach in under an hour.
What to enjoy:
- Quiet two-lane roads through hills and farmland.
- Simple small-town stops for snacks, gas, and conversation.
- Plenty of photos of classic “country West Virginia” scenery.
This is the kind of place where you roll the windows down, turn on some music, and see where the road takes you.
9. Laid-Back Country Time in Lincoln County
To the south of Nitro you’ll find
Lincoln County, full of wooded hills, hollows, and calm backroads. Depending on where you head, you can be in Lincoln County in under an hour.
Why go:
- Get away from traffic and noise for a few hours.
- Explore small communities and backroads that feel untouched.
- Enjoy simple pleasures: a good sandwich from a local spot, a walk, a quiet overlook.
If life’s been hectic and you just need to clear your head, a slow drive through Lincoln County can be surprisingly refreshing.
10. Riverside Relaxing in Putnam County
Even though it’s close,
Putnam County is outside Kanawha, so it counts as a little road trip from Nitro. Depending on where you’re going, you’re talking about a 20–40 minute drive.
What to look for:
- Pretty views of the Kanawha River from riverside roads and parks.
- Local spots for coffee, ice cream, or a casual meal.
- Easy walking areas where you can stretch your legs and watch the river roll by.
It’s perfect for a quick evening drive when you don’t have a full day, but still want to “get away” a little.
Tips for Planning Your Nitro Road Trips
A few simple ideas to make these
short road trips from Nitro even better:
- Check the weather before you go, especially for outdoor plans.
- Bring snacks and water, even for short drives. It’s West Virginia — services can be spaced out.
- Gas up in town so you don’t have to stress about finding a station.
- Download maps or save directions in case cell service gets spotty.
Think of Nitro as your home base. From there, you’ve got lakes, gorges, rivers, forests, and friendly small towns in almost every direction.
Where Will You Go First?
Living in or visiting
Nitro, WV gives you easy access to some of the best
day trips in West Virginia — from the awe-inspiring
New River Gorge in Fayette County to the calm waters of
Summersville Lake in Nicholas County, and the easygoing small towns of
Jackson, Lincoln, Raleigh, Roane, and
Putnam Counties.
Which of these short road trips would you try first? Have you already visited any of these spots?
- Share this post with friends and family who live near Nitro or love road trips.
- Comment with your favorite hidden gem in the counties around Kanawha — especially if I missed a place you think people should see.
Your local tips and stories can help other travelers plan their own
West Virginia road trip adventures starting right from Nitro.
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