1. Explore Historic Lewisburg in Greenbrier County
Lewisburg, in
Greenbrier County, is about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive from Oak Hill, depending on your route. It’s one of those small towns that feels like it belongs in a movie.
Walk down Washington Street and you’ll find:
- Local shops with antiques, books, and WV-made crafts
- Cozy cafés and bakeries perfect for a slow morning
- Carnegie Hall, one of the few still in use in the world
If you love history, check out the
North House Museum for stories about early life in the Greenbrier Valley.
Lewisburg is an easy, laid-back day trip: park once, stroll everywhere, and just enjoy the pace.
2. Tour The Greenbrier Resort & Bunker in White Sulphur Springs
About 75–90 minutes from Oak Hill, in
Greenbrier County, you’ll find the legendary
Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs.
You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy:
- The famous Cold War bunker tour hidden beneath the resort
- Beautiful lobby and grounds you can walk around
- On-site shops and restaurants
The
bunker tour is the real star. For decades, it was a secret fallout shelter for Congress. Today, you can actually walk through it, see the blast doors, and hear the wild backstory.
If you like unique, slightly quirky history, this is a must-do road trip from Oak Hill.
3. Capitol Views and City Vibes in Charleston (Kanawha County)
Looking for a bit of “city” without going too far? Head to
Charleston, the state capital in
Kanawha County, roughly an hour west of Oak Hill.
Start with:
- The West Virginia State Capitol – walk the grounds and view the gold dome up close
- The West Virginia State Museum – free, and full of cool exhibits on state history
- Capitol Market – a mix of local produce, shops, and casual eats
On a nice day, walk along the
Kanawha River near Haddad Riverfront Park. If you time it right, you might stumble on a festival or live music.
Charleston is an ideal road trip if you want more food choices, a bit of shopping, and indoor options on a rainy day.
4. Summersville Lake: “The Little Bahamas of the East” (Nicholas County)
About 30–40 minutes north of Oak Hill in
Nicholas County,
Summersville Lake is a local favorite. Clear blue water, tall cliffs, and great views make it feel almost tropical when the sun hits just right.
Things to do:
- Swim at the designated beach area in summer
- Rent a kayak or pontoon boat to explore hidden coves
- Fish for bass and trout
- Drive over to Summersville Dam and enjoy the overlooks
If you just want a quick escape, pack a cooler, load up some camp chairs, and make it a half-day trip. It’s one of the easiest outdoor road trips from Oak Hill.
5. Hike the Scenic Trails of Nicholas County
While you’re near Summersville, add a hiking stop in
Nicholas County. The area is packed with trails and lookouts.
Popular spots include:
- Long Point Trail (Summersville Lake) – great views over the water
- Battle Run area – nice lakeside walks and picnic spots
The hikes around Summersville Lake are mostly moderate—nothing too extreme if you take your time.
Bring water, good shoes, and a light jacket. Weather in the mountains can change fast, even in summer.
6. Beckley’s Coal Heritage & Tamarack (Raleigh County)
Just 20–30 minutes south of Oak Hill in
Raleigh County,
Beckley makes for an easy, low-stress road trip.
Check out:
If you’ve never been inside a coal mine, the exhibition tour is eye-opening. Guides walk you through what life was like for miners and their families.
Then head over to Tamarack to browse handmade pottery, woodwork, glass art, and more. It’s a perfect mix of history and culture in one short trip.
7. Grandview Overlooks and Trails (Raleigh County)
Also in
Raleigh County, about 30–40 minutes from Oak Hill, you’ll find the
Grandview area of
New River Gorge National Park (remember, we’re outside Fayette County here).
At Grandview, you can:
- Walk to stunning overlooks of the New River
- Enjoy family-friendly trails through the forest
- Relax at picnic shelters and playgrounds
In late spring and summer, the views are lush and green. In the fall, the colors are incredible.
If you’re not into long hikes, no worries—the main overlooks are only a short walk from the parking area, making this a great option for all ages.
8. Scenic Drive & Small-Town Charm in Hinton (Summers County)
Head about an hour southeast from Oak Hill to
Hinton in
Summers County. The drive itself, especially along the
New River, is part of the reward.
Once in Hinton, you can:
- Stroll the historic downtown with its old brick buildings
- Visit the Veterans Memorial Museum (check hours before you go)
- Walk along the riverfront for peaceful views
Hinton has a relaxed, old-time feel. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, grab an ice cream or a burger, and just wander.
If you enjoy photography, the downtown streets and rail lines make great backdrops.
9. Bluestone State Park & Bluestone Lake (Summers County)
Just a bit beyond Hinton, you’ll find
Bluestone State Park and
Bluestone Lake, still in
Summers County. This is a great spot if you love the water but want something quieter than the more famous lakes.
Things to do:
- Fish from shore or by boat
- Rent a cabin or spend a full day picnicking
- Take a short hike on one of the park trails
Bluestone has a calm, peaceful vibe. If you’re feeling burned out, this is the kind of place where you can just sit by the water and breathe for a while.
10. Pipestem Resort State Park Adventure (Summers County)
A bit farther (around 1.5 hours from Oak Hill), but still worth the drive, is
Pipestem Resort State Park in
Summers County.
Here you can:
- Ride the aerial tram down into the gorge (seasonal)
- Try horseback riding or disc golf
- Enjoy overlooks, trails, and wildlife
Pipestem feels like a mini mountain resort without leaving West Virginia. If you’re planning a full day or even a weekend away from Oak Hill, this is a solid choice.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips From Oak Hill, WV
To make your
short trips from Oak Hill smoother:
- Check hours for museums, tours, and visitor centers before you go.
- Fill up your gas tank in Oak Hill or a larger town; some rural areas have fewer stations.
- Pack a simple day bag with water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger.
- Watch the weather—mountain weather can shift quickly.
You don’t need a full week off or a huge budget. Most of these places are an hour or less away and can easily fit into a Saturday or even a free afternoon.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living in or visiting
Oak Hill, West Virginia means you’re surrounded by great options—historic towns, lakes, overlooks, state parks, and the state capital are all within easy reach.
Which of these
10 day trips near Oak Hill are you adding to your list?
- Shopping and dining in Lewisburg?
- A bunker tour at The Greenbrier?
- Swimming at Summersville Lake?
- Or a peaceful day at Bluestone Lake?
I’d love to hear your plans and your own favorite spots near Oak Hill.
Drop a comment with your go-to road trip or any hidden gems I missed, and feel free to
share this post with friends and family planning a visit to southern West Virginia. The more ideas we swap, the better our next adventure will be.
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