10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Pea Ridge, West Virginia
If you live in or around
Pea Ridge, WV in Cabell County, you know it’s a great spot for everyday life. But what about those days when you just want to hop in the car, turn up the radio, and explore somewhere new?
The good news: you don’t have to drive far.
Within about an hour or so, you can reach small river towns, state parks, quirky museums, and family-friendly attractions in nearby
Wayne, Lincoln, Mason, and Putnam counties in West Virginia, plus
Lawrence and Gallia counties in Ohio.
Let’s look at 10 short road trips from Pea Ridge that are perfect for a Saturday, a lazy Sunday, or even a spontaneous weeknight adventure.
1. Wayne & Beech Fork Lake – Quiet Country Roads and Lake Views (Wayne County, WV)
Head south from Pea Ridge and you’ll slide into
Wayne County, where things slow down in the best way possible. The drive itself is part of the fun—rolling hills, old barns, and stretches of forest that feel a world away from the main roads.
One of the most popular spots in the county is
Beech Fork Lake (just outside Cabell, but much of the surrounding recreation area touches Wayne County). Even if you’re not camping, it’s worth the drive for a few simple pleasures:
- Pack a picnic and enjoy a lakeside lunch.
- Walk along the shoreline or hit an easy trail.
- Rent a kayak or canoe when in season.
If you like low-key days, this area is perfect. No big city buzz—just water, trees, and plenty of space to breathe.
Tip: Try to arrive early or near sunset. The light on the water can be beautiful, and you’ll beat the afternoon crowds.
2. Wayne, WV Town Visit – Small-Town Stroll and Scenic Drive (Wayne County, WV)
Want a simple, no-stress road trip? Drive down to the town of
Wayne, the county seat of Wayne County. It’s a classic West Virginia small town with a relaxed feel and some nice spots to wander.
You can:
- Walk around the courthouse square and nearby streets.
- Pop into a local diner or café for a home-style meal.
- Take a slow drive on the back roads just outside town.
Is it flashy? Not at all. But if you’ve been staring at a screen all week, sometimes a quiet main street and friendly faces are exactly what you need.
3. Hocking Hills Winery & Rock Formations Day Trip Via Gallia County (Gallia County, OH)
If you’re up for a slightly longer day trip, you can cross into
Gallia County, Ohio, and use it as a gateway toward the scenic areas beyond, like the broader Hocking Hills region. While Hocking Hills itself is farther, the route through Gallia County gives you some fun stops along the Ohio River.
A popular approach is:
- Drive from Pea Ridge through Gallia County, enjoying the river views.
- Stop in a local Gallia County town for lunch or coffee.
- Continue on toward the rock formations, trails, or wineries farther north.
Along the way, you’ll pass rolling farmland, small river communities, and plenty of photo spots. It’s the kind of road trip where the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination.
Road-trip idea: Make a playlist, pack some snacks, and treat this as an all-day adventure. Heading back toward Pea Ridge at dusk along the river can be surprisingly peaceful.
4. Gallipolis Riverfront & French Heritage Walk (Gallia County, OH)
Right across the river from West Virginia,
Gallipolis in
Gallia County, Ohio, is a charming small town with a French heritage and a pretty riverfront park.
Once you cross the river, you can:
- Walk along the Gallipolis City Park and enjoy the open green space.
- Check out local shops and grab lunch or ice cream.
- Learn about the town’s early French settlers through local signs and markers.
If you like places with a bit of history but not a lot of hassle, Gallipolis makes for a simple half-day trip. It’s also a nice excuse to get those Ohio River views you can never quite see from your own side.
5. Ironton Riverfront & Downtown Explore (Lawrence County, OH)
From Pea Ridge, you can reach
Lawrence County, Ohio, fairly quickly, especially around the
Ironton area. Ironton is an old industrial river town that’s been slowly polishing up its riverfront and downtown.
On a typical visit, you might:
- Stroll the riverfront paths and sit for a bit to watch river traffic.
- Check out local murals or historic buildings downtown.
- Grab a bite at a diner or bar-and-grill and people-watch for a while.
If you’re into photography, Ironton is interesting—old brick buildings, train tracks, and river views all come together to give it a classic Midwestern river-town vibe.
6. Small-Town Lawrence County Drive – Country Churches & Back Roads (Lawrence County, OH)
Beyond Ironton, the rest of
Lawrence County offers a network of winding roads perfect for an easy weekend drive. It’s not about a single “must-see” attraction, but the feel of the landscape.
What you’ll find:
- Scenic ridges with long views in fall and spring.
- Old country churches and simple family farms.
- Pull-offs where you can stop, stretch, and take in the quiet.
This is a road trip for people who genuinely enjoy the drive itself. If you’re the kind of person who likes rolling down the windows and just wandering, Lawrence County’s back roads can be surprisingly rewarding.
7. Hometown Nature Retreats in Lincoln County, WV
Drive east from Pea Ridge and you’ll slip into
Lincoln County, West Virginia, a rural county filled with hills, hollows, and a few simple recreation spots that feel very local and low-key.
While there aren’t huge tourist attractions, that’s part of the charm. You can:
- Take a slow drive through the county’s ridge-top roads.
- Look for small creeks and pull off where it’s safe to enjoy the water.
- Stop at a local convenience store or diner and chat with the folks there.
Sometimes the best way to reset is to go somewhere that doesn’t feel like it’s trying to entertain you at every turn. Lincoln County offers that kind of genuine, everyday West Virginia feel.
Idea: Bring a picnic blanket, a cooler, and a good book. Find a quiet roadside picnic area and make your own little “day camp.”
8. Point Pleasant & the Mothman Legend (Mason County, WV)
For something a little quirkier, head up to
Point Pleasant in
Mason County, West Virginia. This river town is famous for the spooky
Mothman legend, and it has leaned into that story in a fun, tongue-in-cheek way.
Here’s what you can do:
- Snap a photo with the shiny Mothman statue downtown.
- Visit the Mothman Museum to learn about the sightings and folklore.
- Walk along the riverfront and check out the historic murals.
Even if you’re not a “paranormal” person, it’s a memorable and very different kind of day trip from Pea Ridge. It’s also a great conversation starter when you get back home—“So, I met Mothman today…”
9. Winfield & the Kanawha River Views (Putnam County, WV)
Just a short drive from Pea Ridge,
Putnam County offers easy access to the
Kanawha River and several laid-back small towns. One nice spot is
Winfield, the county seat.
Spend your time by:
- Driving along the river for long, peaceful water views.
- Finding a park or open spot to sit, relax, and maybe cast a fishing line.
- Stopping in nearby towns in Putnam County for snacks, coffee, or dinner.
This is an easy go-to evening or weekend escape when you don’t want a big production. You can leave Pea Ridge, enjoy the river for a couple of hours, and still be home before dark.
10. Teays Valley Shopping & Food Break (Putnam County, WV)
If your idea of a fun road trip involves
shopping, coffee stops, and good food, then a run over to the
Teays Valley area in Putnam County might hit the spot.
There, you’ll find:
- Plenty of places to shop for clothes, home goods, or outdoor gear.
- Casual restaurants and local spots for lunch or dinner.
- Cafés where you can sit, sip, and people-watch.
Think of this as your “easy comfort” day trip from Pea Ridge. No hiking boots required, just a little gas in the tank and an appetite.
Planning Your Road Trips from Pea Ridge
Before you go, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these trips are within about 30–90 minutes, but it’s good to double-check your route.
- Look up hours: Museums, diners, and small shops sometimes have limited hours, especially on Sundays.
- Bring cash: Some rural places still prefer cash, especially smaller eateries.
- Pack the basics: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a printed map if cell service gets spotty.
If you plan two or three of these short road trips, you’ll start to see just how much there is around
Pea Ridge, WV—even when you skip Cabell County itself and branch out into Gallia, Lawrence, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near Pea Ridge
Have you taken any of these out-of-county drives from Pea Ridge?
- Which spots did you enjoy the most?
- Did you find a hidden gem café, a quiet river overlook, or a trail you loved?
I’d love to hear your stories and tips.
Drop a comment with your favorite things to do near Pea Ridge, or add your own road-trip ideas so other readers can discover them too. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who live in the Pea Ridge area or love traveling through West Virginia and southern Ohio.
The more we share, the more people realize how many simple, memorable adventures are just a short drive away.
Comments
Post a Comment