10 Easy Road Trips From Princeton, WV: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Mercer County
If you live in or around
Princeton, West Virginia, chances are you’ve already hit most of the local spots. When you’re ready for a change of scenery, a short
out-of-county road trip can feel like a mini-vacation without the big price tag.
The good news? Within about an hour or so of Princeton, you’ll find mountain views, waterfalls, coal history, ATV trails, and some seriously good small-town food. Below are
10 short road trips to nearby counties in West Virginia and Virginia that make great day trips or easy weekend getaways.
1. Chase Waterfalls at Pipestem Resort State Park (Summers County, WV)
About 30–40 minutes northwest of Princeton,
Pipestem Resort State Park in
Summers County is a classic “I can’t believe this is so close” kind of place.
- What to do: Hike along the Bluestone River, look for waterfalls, and enjoy scenic overlooks that feel like something out of a postcard.
- Don’t miss: The views from the canyon rim and the chance to spot deer or wild turkeys along the trails.
- Good for: Families, couples, and anyone who just needs fresh air and a break from traffic lights.
If you like simple hikes with big payoffs, this spot is an easy win. Pack a picnic, toss a blanket in the car, and you’ve got a full day of nature without going far from Princeton.
2. Walk the Historic Streets of Bramwell (McDowell County, WV)
Head about 45–60 minutes southwest into
McDowell County to visit
Bramwell, once home to more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the United States during the coal boom.
- What to do: Stroll past the old brick mansions, many built by coal barons; visit local shops and small museums.
- Don’t miss: If you time it right, the walking tours that share stories from Bramwell’s “golden age.”
- Good for: History buffs and anyone who loves old houses and small-town charm.
It feels like stepping back in time, and it’s a great way to understand the history that shaped southern West Virginia near Princeton.
3. Ride the Hatfield–McCoy Trails (McDowell & Wyoming Counties, WV)
If you’re into the outdoors with a little more horsepower, the
Hatfield–McCoy Trails in
McDowell and
Wyoming counties are a must.
- What to do: Hop on your ATV, dirt bike, or side-by-side and explore miles of marked off-road trails.
- Don’t miss: Beginner-friendly loops if you’re new to riding, and scenic overlooks that remind you just how wild these mountains are.
- Good for: Adventure seekers, groups of friends, and family riders.
Many people drive much farther than folks in Princeton to ride these trails, so having them within a short drive is a real perk.
4. Explore the Ghost Town of Thurmond (Raleigh County, WV)
About an hour north of Princeton, in
Raleigh County, sits
Thurmond, a tiny town along the New River that feels frozen in time.
- What to do: Walk the old main street, see the historic train depot, and watch trains roll by along the river.
- Don’t miss: The old buildings and interpretive signs that tell stories of when Thurmond was a bustling railroad hub.
- Good for: Photography, history, and anyone who enjoys a slightly spooky, “ghost town” vibe.
It’s a small place, but it makes a powerful impression. Pair it with another Raleigh County stop, and you’ve got a full day trip from Princeton.
5. Hike and Raft Near New River Gorge (Raleigh County, WV)
Also in
Raleigh County, you’re within easy reach of the southern edges of the
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, one of the newest national parks in the USA.
- What to do: Try beginner-friendly whitewater rafting trips in season, hike along the gorge, or simply enjoy the river views.
- Don’t miss: Overlooks in the New River Gorge area and simple trails that give you a feel for the canyon without a huge workout.
- Good for: Active travelers, teens, and anyone who wants that “national park” experience without a long road trip.
From Princeton, this makes a perfect summer or fall day trip. Leave in the morning, get on the river, and be back home by night.
6. Step Into Appalachia’s Past at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine (Raleigh County, WV)
Still in
Raleigh County, the
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine offers a unique look at coal mining history, which has shaped so many communities around Princeton.
- What to do: Ride a small mine car into the restored mine, see the tools and equipment, and explore the recreated coal camp buildings above ground.
- Don’t miss: Talking with guides, many of whom have real mining experience and personal stories.
- Good for: Families, school-age kids, and anyone curious about West Virginia’s coal heritage.
It’s hands-on, memorable, and a good way to connect the dots between the past and present in southern West Virginia.
7. Visit “The Grand Canyon of the South” at Breaks Interstate Park (Tazewell County, VA)
Drive about an hour and a half west from Princeton and you can reach
Breaks Interstate Park, which straddles the Virginia–Kentucky line. Parts of the approach route run through
Tazewell County, Virginia, just across the border.
Many people call this place the
“Grand Canyon of the South” thanks to its deep gorge carved by the Russell Fork River.
- What to do: Hike along scenic rims, look down into the gorge, and in warmer months, rent a paddle boat or kayak on the park’s lake.
- Don’t miss: The main overlooks with sweeping views that make the drive worth it all by themselves.
- Good for: Day trips from Princeton, scenic drives, and anyone who loves big views.
This is a longer road trip than some on the list, but you’re rewarded with views that feel like they belong several states away.
8. Discover Small-Town Charm in Tazewell & Richlands (Tazewell County, VA)
Closer than Breaks, but still in
Tazewell County, VA, are the towns of
Tazewell and
Richlands, both easy drives from Princeton if you’re looking for a relaxing, low-key getaway.
- What to do: Wander downtown streets, check out local shops, grab a bite at a diner, and enjoy mountain backroad drives.
- Don’t miss: Historic buildings and local events or festivals if your timing lines up.
- Good for: Couples, casual day trippers, and anyone who enjoys poking around old main streets.
It’s not flashy, and that’s the point. Sometimes the best road trips from Princeton are simply about new views and a good meal in a different town.
9. Float the New River Near Hinton (Summers County, WV)
In
Summers County, just beyond Mercer, you’ll find the river town of
Hinton, about 45–60 minutes from Princeton depending on your route.
- What to do: Rent kayaks or tubes in season, relax on the riverbanks, or drive up to overlooks along the New River.
- Don’t miss: Watching trains run alongside the river and exploring the historic downtown area.
- Good for: Laid-back day trips, families, and anyone who wants to cool off in the summer.
Floating the New River on a warm day is one of those simple pleasures that stick with you long after the drive back to Princeton.
10. Drive Through Mountain Tunnels and Valleys Around Bland & Giles (Bland and Giles Counties, VA)
Just over the state line in
Bland County and
Giles County, Virginia, you’ll find quiet backroads, mountain tunnels, and peaceful valleys that are perfect for a slow weekend drive from Princeton.
- What to do: Enjoy scenic overlooks, stop at trailheads along the Appalachian hills, and pull over at country stores for snacks and conversation.
- Don’t miss: The drive along mountain roads near the Appalachian Trail corridor and the views that pop up around almost every bend.
- Good for: Sunday drives, photography, and anyone who just wants to roll the windows down and listen to the radio.
When life feels busy in Princeton, a quiet drive through Bland and Giles counties can feel surprisingly calming.
Tips for Planning Your Princeton Road Trips
- Check the weather: Mountain weather can change fast. Layers are your friend.
- Gas up first: Some backroad areas have long stretches without gas stations.
- Call ahead: For tours, rafting, or mines, make sure hours and seasons haven’t changed.
- Bring snacks & water: Especially if you’re hiking or driving remote routes.
These
short road trips from Princeton, WV let you enjoy the best of nearby counties—McDowell, Wyoming, Raleigh, Summers, Tazewell, Bland, and Giles—without long drives or complex planning.
Share Your Favorite Princeton-Area Road Trip
Have you tried any of these
day trips from Princeton? Do you have a hidden gem in one of these nearby counties that you think more people should know about?
Drop your tips, stories, or questions in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their next weekend escape.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who live in or near Princeton, West Virginia. A simple share might be the nudge they need to get out and explore the beautiful places just beyond Mercer County.
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