10 Easy Road Trips From Buckhannon, WV: Fun Things To Do Nearby (But Out of Upshur County)
Living in or visiting
Buckhannon, West Virginia and itching to explore a little farther? The good news: you don’t have to drive all day to find fresh views, good food, and outdoor fun.
All of the ideas below are
short, out-of-county road trips from Buckhannon. We’ll skip Upshur County completely and focus on nearby spots in:
- Barbour County, WV
- Harrison County, WV
- Lewis County, WV
- Randolph County, WV
- Webster County, WV
Most of these destinations are about 30–90 minutes away, which makes them perfect for a half-day escape or a full-day adventure.
1. Explore History and the Covered Bridge in Philippi (Barbour County)
If you like small towns with big stories,
Philippi is a must-do day trip. It’s only about 25–30 miles north of Buckhannon, depending on your route.
The star of the show is the
Philippi Covered Bridge, one of the oldest and longest covered bridges still in use in the United States. You actually drive across it, which feels a bit like going back in time.
While you’re there, you can also:
- Visit the Barbour County Historical Museum for Civil War and local history.
- Walk around downtown and check out the small shops and cafes.
- Take photos of the river and bridge from different angles.
If you enjoy American history, especially Civil War history, Philippi packs a lot into a small, walkable town.
2. Step Into Civil War History at Belington & the Bear Heaven Area (Barbour County)
Just a bit farther down the road in
Belington, you’ll find another quiet spot with roots in the Civil War era and easy access to the outdoors.
Belington works well if you:
- Like peaceful small-town drives
- Enjoy river views and back roads
- Want less-crowded alternatives to bigger tourist towns
From Belington, you can wander toward the
Bear Heaven and nearby forest areas in neighboring counties for hiking and scenic overlooks. It makes for a nice loop: Buckhannon → Philippi → Belington → back home, with a mix of history and nature along the way.
3. Spend the Day in Clarksburg: Food, Shopping & Culture (Harrison County)
Looking for more of a “small city” feel? Head about 40–45 minutes northwest to
Clarksburg in Harrison County.
Clarksburg is a good choice when you want:
- Restaurants with more variety (including some solid Italian spots)
- Shopping – from small local shops to larger stores
- Events and festivals, especially in spring and summer
A simple way to spend the day:
- Walk through the historic downtown area.
- Grab coffee or dessert at a local café.
- Check out any weekend events, markets, or live music.
If you’ve been staying close to Buckhannon for a while, Clarksburg can feel like a mini reset: new streets, new food, new people-watching.
4. Take a Relaxing Break at Veteran’s Park & Local Trails in Clarksburg (Harrison County)
While you’re in Harrison County, make time for some fresh air. Just outside the busier parts of Clarksburg, you’ll find parks and green spaces that are perfect for a low-key afternoon.
One popular option is
Veteran’s Park, a family-friendly spot with:
- Playgrounds and open areas
- Walking paths
- Picnic tables and shelters
Pack a cooler with snacks, let the kids run around, or just sit under the trees and relax. It’s a simple, low-cost way to add some nature to your road trip without heading too far into the mountains.
5. Tour Stonewall Jackson Lake & Resort Area (Lewis County)
Head about 25–30 minutes west from Buckhannon and you’ll reach the
Stonewall Jackson Lake area in Lewis County. This is one of the best nearby spots if you love lakes, rolling hills, and classic West Virginia scenery.
Around the lake, you can:
- Go boating or kayaking (seasonal rentals are often available).
- Try fishing from the shore or by boat.
- Walk the trails and look for wildlife.
- Enjoy a meal with a view near the water.
If you don’t have much time, you can simply drive around the area, stop at a few overlooks, breathe in the pine-scented air, and head back before dinner.
6. Wander Through Historic Weston & Its Classic Main Street (Lewis County)
Just a bit north of Stonewall Jackson Lake, you’ll find the town of
Weston. It’s a relaxed, historic place with a real old-town feel.
While in Weston, you can:
- Stroll along Main Street and admire the older buildings.
- Check out antique stores and small shops.
- Find a local diner or café for lunch.
If you enjoy photographing old storefronts and quiet side streets, Weston can be surprisingly charming. It’s an easy add-on to a lake day: hit the water in the morning, then head into town for food and a slower-paced walk.
7. Get Outside in Elkins: Mountains, Music & Downtown Vibes (Randolph County)
Drive about 45–60 minutes southeast from Buckhannon and you’ll reach
Elkins, a gateway to West Virginia’s higher mountains and national forest land.
Elkins is great if you want a mix of:
- Outdoor adventure – hiking, biking, and scenic drives
- Arts and music – especially traditional Appalachian and bluegrass
- Walkable downtown with restaurants and shops
You can:
- Stroll around downtown and grab lunch.
- Visit local galleries or music venues (check what’s happening on weekends).
- Use Elkins as a starting point to explore nearby forest roads and trailheads.
If you’ve been craving mountain views, Elkins is one of the easiest ways to get them on a short road trip from Buckhannon.
8. Ride a Scenic Train From the Elkins Area (Randolph County)
If you’re up for something a little different, consider a
scenic train ride from the Elkins area. It’s a unique way to experience the mountains without doing all the driving yourself.
On these rides, you’ll pass:
- Rivers and streams cutting through narrow valleys
- Thick forests that change color beautifully in fall
- Remote areas you’d probably never see from the highway
This is a great option for families, couples, or anyone who just wants to sit back with a cup of coffee and watch West Virginia roll by the window.
9. Unplug in the Monongahela National Forest Near Randolph County
As you push a bit farther southeast from Elkins, you’ll begin to edge deeper into the
Monongahela National Forest. While much of it stretches beyond Randolph County, you don’t have to go too far to feel like you’re in another world.
Think:
- Gravel roads that wind through thick woods
- Small pull-offs by streams, perfect for a picnic
- Hiking trails ranging from easy walks to longer climbs
If you’ve ever wanted to shut off your phone and just listen to the wind in the trees and the sound of water over rocks, this is your place. Take it slow, bring extra water, and enjoy the quiet.
10. Chase Waterfalls & Back Roads in Webster County
To the south of Buckhannon lies
Webster County, a more rugged, less crowded part of central West Virginia. It’s ideal if you like scenic drives that feel off-the-beaten path.
On a Webster County road trip, you can:
- Follow winding mountain roads with almost no traffic.
- Look for small waterfalls and roadside streams after a good rain.
- Stop at tiny towns and local eateries along the way.
It’s the kind of day where the
drive itself is the experience. Roll the windows down, turn on your favorite playlist, and see where the road takes you.
Tips for Planning Your Buckhannon Road Trips
To make your out-of-county adventures smoother:
- Check drive times before you go so you’re not rushing back after dark.
- Bring cash for small-town diners, farm stands, or older gas stations.
- Pack a small cooler with water, snacks, and maybe sandwiches.
- Download maps in case you lose cell service in the mountains.
A simple rule I like to follow: if you see a great overlook or a little roadside spot that catches your eye,
pull over safely and check it out. Some of the best road trip memories happen in those unscripted moments.
Ready to Hit the Road From Buckhannon?
You don’t have to go far from Buckhannon, WV to find new places to explore. Whether you’re into history in
Philippi, lakes in
Lewis County, small-city energy in
Clarksburg, mountain air in
Elkins, or quiet forest roads in
Webster County, there’s a short road trip waiting for you just outside Upshur County lines.
Now it’s your turn:
- Which of these trips are you most excited to try first?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem near Buckhannon that others should know about?
Share this post with friends and family who live in or visit Buckhannon and are always saying there’s “nothing to do.” And don’t forget to
drop a comment with your own tips, favorite routes, or questions about planning road trips in this part of West Virginia. Your ideas might inspire someone else’s next adventure.
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