10 Easy Road Trips from Vienna, West Virginia: Big Fun in Small Drives
If you’re in
Vienna, West Virginia (up in
Wood County) and itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ll find river islands, old-time trains, peaceful farms, and small towns that feel like a step back in time.
The best part? These are all
short, out-of-county road trips — no need to drive all day or spend a fortune. Just hop in the car, grab some snacks, and go.
Below are 10 fun day trips from Vienna that take you into:
- Athens County, Ohio
- Meigs County, Ohio
- Washington County, Ohio
- Jackson County, West Virginia
- Pleasants County, West Virginia
- Ritchie County, West Virginia
- Wirt County, West Virginia
1. Blennerhassett Island & Museum – Washington County, OH
Just across the river from Parkersburg,
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park feels like you’ve driven into a history book.
You’ll actually park in
Belpre, Ohio or nearby Parkersburg (still out of Wood County once you cross the river into
Washington County, OH) and take a sternwheeler boat over to the island.
On the island you can:
- Tour the Blennerhassett Mansion, a grand 18th-century-style home
- Ride in a horse-drawn wagon around the island
- Stroll along quiet river trails with Ohio River views
- Visit the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History in town
It’s a great spot if you like a mix of
history, scenery, and easy walking, and it’s close enough that you can be back home by dinner.
2. Downtown Marietta, Ohio – Washington County, OH
About 20–30 minutes from Vienna,
Marietta in Washington County is one of the most charming small river towns in the region.
Think brick streets, old riverfront warehouses, and pretty views where the
Ohio and Muskingum Rivers meet.
Things to do in Marietta:
- Walk or bike the Marietta River Trail along the water
- Explore Front Street’s shops, cafes, and restaurants
- Check out the Campus Martius Museum or the Ohio River Museum
- Take a riverboat cruise in season
If you enjoy classic American small towns with a walkable downtown, this is an easy, rewarding day trip from Vienna.
3. Marietta–Washington County Trails & Covered Bridges – Washington County, OH
If you like a slow country drive, use Marietta as your starting point and head out into
Washington County’s back roads.
You can:
- Hunt for historic covered bridges scattered around the county
- Drive rolling backroads with wide-open farm and hill views
- Stop at small-town diners and roadside stands in season
Bring a picnic, fill your gas tank, and just explore. It’s the kind of unplanned wandering that turns into stories you talk about for years.
4. Athens, Ohio & Ohio University – Athens County, OH
About an hour northwest of Vienna, you’ll find
Athens, Ohio, a lively college town in
Athens County. It has a totally different vibe from the river towns — more youthful, artsy, and energetic.
Here’s what to check out:
- Walk through the Ohio University campus with its red-brick buildings and big shade trees
- Stroll around uptown Athens for coffee shops, bookstores, and local eats
- Explore parts of the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway if you bring bikes
- Look for farmers markets and local festivals, especially in warmer months
If you’re used to quiet evenings in Vienna, Athens will feel like a small city getaway, but still easy to navigate.
5. Burr Oak & Wayne National Forest Area – Athens County, OH
If you’re craving trees, trails, and quiet, point your car toward the
Wayne National Forest and nearby recreation spots in and around Athens County.
Popular outdoor ideas include:
- Hiking forest trails with gentle hills and creek crossings
- Lakeside time at Burr Oak State Park (a bit northwest of Athens)
- Wildlife watching — deer, birds, and other forest critters
Bring sturdy shoes and a light jacket, even in spring and fall. Forest weather can change quickly, especially near water.
6. Pomeroy & the Ohio River Views – Meigs County, OH
Head northwest along the river and you’ll come to
Pomeroy in
Meigs County, Ohio, a quirky little river town stacked against the hillside.
What makes it fun?
- A main street that hugs the Ohio River with close-up water views
- Flood wall murals and small local shops to poke around in
- Scenic drives along Route 124 following the curves of the river
Pomeroy is the kind of place where you grab an ice cream or a burger, sit on a bench, and just watch the river traffic float by.
7. Meigs County River Byway & Small-Town Stops – Meigs County, OH
While you’re in Meigs County, keep driving the back roads a bit.
You can:
- Follow the Ohio River Scenic Byway for wide river views
- Pop into little towns and local diners along the way
- Stop at river access points to fish or just skip a few stones
It’s not about one big “must-see” sight here. It’s about the whole relaxed feel of small-town Ohio along the river — a laid-back change of pace from daily life in Vienna.
8. Ripley, WV & Cedar Lakes Conference Center – Jackson County, WV
Head south on I‑77 and you’ll roll into
RipleyJackson County, West Virginia, a town known for its Fourth of July celebrations and small-town charm.
Nearby you’ll find
Cedar Lakes Conference Center, which often hosts:
- Craft fairs and festivals
- Educational retreats and workshops
- Walking paths, ponds, and peaceful wooded areas
Even on quiet days, the grounds are a pleasant place to stretch your legs, snap a few photos, and enjoy a slower pace.
9. North Bend Rail Trail – Ritchie County, WV
If you love easy walks, bike rides, or gentle trail runs, drive east from Vienna into
Ritchie County and connect with the
North Bend Rail Trail.
This old railroad line has been turned into a long, mostly flat trail that passes through:
- Cool rock cuts and old train tunnels
- Streams, fields, and shady woodlands
- Small towns where you can stop for drinks or snacks
You don’t have to tackle the whole thing. Just pick a trailhead, go a few miles out and back, and enjoy the quiet.
Tip: bring a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to go through any longer tunnels. They can get dark fast.
10. Quiet Country Drives in Wirt & Pleasants Counties, WV
If your idea of a perfect road trip is simply
rolling the windows down and driving back roads, aim your GPS toward
Wirt County or
Pleasants County.
In these rural areas you’ll find:
- Winding two-lane roads through hills and hollows
- Small churches, old cemeteries, and farmsteads
- Creeks and small rivers, especially near the Ohio River in Pleasants County
Stop when you see a good fishing spot, a pretty overlook, or a roadside produce stand. These are the kinds of drives where you lose track of time in the best way.
Tips for Planning Your Vienna, WV Road Trips
To keep your short road trips from Vienna easy and fun:
- Check drive times: Most of these are within 30–60 minutes of Vienna.
- Look up hours: Museums, boats, and visitor centers can have seasonal hours.
- Pack smart: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a small cooler.
- Have a backup: If one stop is closed, know a second spot nearby.
Even if you’ve lived in the Mid-Ohio Valley for years, there’s always some out-of-the-way park, trail, or small town you haven’t explored yet.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips from Vienna
Do you have a go-to
day trip from Vienna, West Virginia that you absolutely love? Maybe a hidden fishing spot in Ritchie County, a favorite diner in Meigs County, or a special memory from Blennerhassett Island?
Drop your stories, tips, and questions in the comments — I’d love to hear where you like to go.
And if you found this guide helpful, please:
- Share it with friends and family who live in or near Vienna
- Post it in your local community or travel groups
The more we share these easy little adventures, the more people can discover just how much there is to do within a short drive of Vienna, WV.
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