10 Easy Road Trips From New Martinsville, WV: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Wetzel County
If you live in or around
New Martinsville, West Virginia, you know it’s a cozy river town with a slow, easy pace. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll down the windows, and see what else is out there.
The good news? Within about an hour or so, you’ve got charming small towns, state parks, classic diners, and even a Bigfoot museum waiting for you. And the best part—these are all
out-of-county road trips, so you’ll be exploring beyond Wetzel County while still staying close to home.
Below are
10 short road trips from New Martinsville that make perfect day trips or easy weekend escapes. All distances are approximate and based on normal driving conditions.
1. Moundsville & The Famous Grave Creek Mound (Marshall County, WV)
Approx. drive: 30–40 minutes southeast of New Martinsville
First up is a classic:
Moundsville in
Marshall County, WV. This small city packs a surprising punch for a quick road trip.
- Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex – One of the largest conical burial mounds in North America. You can walk around the grounds and pop into the museum to learn about the Native American cultures that once lived here.
- West Virginia Penitentiary (exterior views, tours if you like) – A massive Gothic-style former prison right across the street. Even if you don’t have time for a full tour, it’s worth a look from the outside. It’s like stepping onto a movie set.
- Walk the riverfront – Stretch your legs along the river and grab a bite at a local diner or pizza shop.
This road trip is perfect if you want something short, historic, and easy. You can leave New Martinsville after breakfast and be back home before dinner.
2. Tyler County Backroads & Middlebourne Stroll (Tyler County, WV)
Approx. drive: 20–30 minutes southwest of New Martinsville
If you like taking the
long way just to enjoy the view, head into
Tyler County. The countryside here feels like an old postcard: rolling hills, farm fields, and narrow roads where you might only pass a couple of cars the whole time.
Stop in
Middlebourne, the county seat, and:
- Take a relaxed walk through town and along nearby backroads.
- Check out a local restaurant or mom-and-pop store.
- Detour onto some side roads just to see where they lead—half the fun is exploring.
If you’re someone who unwinds just by driving, this is an easy, low-stress trip close to home.
3. Morgantown: College Town Energy & River Views (Monongalia County, WV)
Approx. drive: 1.5 hours southeast of New Martinsville
Need a bit more action? Head to
Morgantown in
Monongalia County, home of
West Virginia University. It has that college-town buzz plus plenty of outdoor scenery.
Top ideas for a Morgantown day trip:
- Caperton Trail / Mon River Rail-Trail – Walk or bike along the river. The trail is mostly flat and easy, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
- Downtown Morgantown – Browse local shops, coffee spots, and casual restaurants. You’ll find everything from burgers to global cuisine.
- University vibes – Stroll around the WVU campus area and catch the feel of a big Mountaineer game day (even if it’s not game day).
If you’re craving good food choices, people-watching, and a bit of nightlife before heading back, this is your road trip.
4. Fairmont: Pepperoni Rolls & River Views (Marion County, WV)
Approx. drive: 1.5 hours south-southeast of New Martinsville
In
Marion County, the city of
Fairmont claims to be the birthplace of the famous West Virginia
pepperoni roll. That alone is worth the drive.
On a Fairmont day trip, you can:
- Hunt down a local bakery or shop for fresh, warm pepperoni rolls.
- Walk along the Monongahela River and look for small parks or overlooks.
- Drive through town and nearby neighborhoods to see classic hillside homes and old churches.
This road trip is all about comfort food and small-city charm. If you’re a “drive-eat-relax-drive-home” person, Fairmont hits the spot.
5. Clarksburg & Bridgeport: Shopping, Dining, and a Change of Scenery (Harrison County, WV)
Approx. drive: 1.5 hours south of New Martinsville
When you’re in the mood for bigger stores, more restaurants, and a little bit of everything, head to
Harrison County—specifically
Clarksburg and nearby
Bridgeport.
What you can do on this road trip:
- Enjoy a sit-down meal at a family restaurant or try something new in one of the chains or local spots.
- Run errands or browse at shopping centers you don’t have back home.
- Take a slow drive around the hills outside town and enjoy the views from a different part of the state.
This is a practical and fun trip rolled into one. You get a day out plus the chance to tick a few things off your to-do list.
6. Doddridge County Countryside: Slow Down and Breathe (Doddridge County, WV)
Approx. drive: 1–1.25 hours southwest of New Martinsville
If you’re looking for peace and quiet,
Doddridge County is a great option. Think winding two-lane roads, forested hills, and that “middle of nowhere” feeling—in a good way.
Ideas for your Doddridge County loop:
- Pack a simple picnic and stop at a small roadside pull-off or local park.
- Explore backroads and see where they go, keeping your gas tank and phone charged.
- Listen to your favorite playlist or podcast while you cruise through the hills.
Have you ever just driven with no set plan, just to clear your head? This area is made for that.
7. Waynesburg & Greene County, PA: Small-Town Pennsylvania Charm (Greene County, PA)
Approx. drive: Around 1–1.25 hours northeast of New Martinsville
Cross the line into
Pennsylvania and explore
Waynesburg in
Greene County. The feel changes as soon as you cross the state border—new license plates, slightly different road signs, and a fresh landscape.
On this cross-state road trip, you can:
- Walk through Waynesburg’s downtown and look at the historic courthouse and old storefronts.
- Find a local diner or café and try some homemade pie or a big sandwich.
- Drive the rural highways of Greene County and spot old barns, rolling farms, and long ridge lines.
It’s a simple way to get that “I went somewhere” feeling, even though you’re not that far from home.
8. Woodsfield & Scenic Monroe County, OH (Monroe County, OH)
Approx. drive: About 45 minutes northwest of New Martinsville
Heading across the Ohio River into
Monroe County, Ohio is like stepping into a quieter cousin of West Virginia. The small town of
Woodsfield makes a nice base for a short visit.
Things to do in Monroe County, OH:
- Stroll around the Woodsfield courthouse square and snap a few photos.
- Explore nearby country roads; you’ll see a lot of forest, hills, and farmland.
- Make stops at local gas stations or small stores and chat with the locals—it’s a friendly area.
If you enjoy old-fashioned main streets and peaceful drives, this Ohio side trip is hard to beat.
9. Bigfoot & Backroads in Sutton / Southern Monroe County, OH (Monroe County, OH)
Approx. drive: About 45–60 minutes northwest of New Martinsville
Yes, you read that right:
Bigfoot. Parts of Monroe County, Ohio, lean into tall tales and local legends, and it makes for a fun twist on a simple day trip.
On this quirky road adventure:
- Seek out local spots that mention Bigfoot or local cryptid stories—people love to share what they’ve “heard.”
- Cruise the backroads in southern Monroe County and imagine what might be hiding in those deep woods.
- Stop at a roadside pull-off, stretch your legs, and enjoy the quiet. It’s easy to see how legends start in places like this.
Whether you’re a believer or just going along for the story, this trip adds a little mystery to your weekend.
10. River & Ridge Views Around Marshall County, WV (Marshall County, WV)
Approx. drive: 30–45 minutes up and down the river from New Martinsville
You don’t have to go far at all for a solid
West Virginia scenic drive. Just follow the Ohio River into other parts of
Marshall County and explore beyond your usual routes.
How to enjoy this low-key road trip:
- Pick a direction along the river and just go, turning onto side roads that head up into the hills.
- Look for pull-offs or overlooks where you can see both the ridges and the river below.
- Catch sunrise or sunset if you can—the light on the water and hills can be amazing, especially in fall.
This is the kind of drive where you might not take many photos, but you’ll remember how it felt.
Tips for Planning Your New Martinsville Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from New Martinsville, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check your gas and tires before you leave, especially if you’ll be on country roads.
- Download offline maps in case cell service drops in rural areas.
- Pack snacks and water, even for short drives—especially if you’re traveling with kids.
- Keep your camera or phone handy for unexpected views or small-town scenes.
A lot of the fun is in the in-between places: that random overlook, that old barn, that tiny diner with the huge portions.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living in or near New Martinsville means you’re surrounded by
West Virginia,
Ohio, and
Pennsylvania counties that are perfect for quick, easy day trips. From the mounds of Moundsville to the food of Fairmont and the trails of Morgantown, you’ve got options in every direction.
Which of these
10 out-of-county road trips will you try first?
- Are you more into small towns and history?
- Or do you prefer big plates of comfort food and river views?
- Maybe you’re ready to chase Bigfoot stories for a day?
However you travel, start close to home—and let the miles take care of the rest.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From New Martinsville
Have you taken any great drives into
Marshall, Tyler, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Doddridge, Greene, or
Monroe counties?
Share your favorite routes, small towns, or hidden spots in the comments. Your ideas can help other New Martinsville locals (and visitors) discover new places too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who might be looking for easy weekend getaways from New Martinsville, WV. The more road trip stories we trade, the better the journeys get.
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