10 Easy Road Trips Near St. Albans, WV (That Take You Out of Kanawha County)
If you live in or around
St. Albans, West Virginia, you probably love the small-town feel and river views. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and explore somewhere new for the day.
The good news? You don’t have to drive far to find great places to visit. Within about 30 minutes to 2 hours from St. Albans, you’ll hit waterfalls, hiking trails, old coal towns, cool small cities, and classic West Virginia scenery.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from St. Albans, focusing on things to do in the surrounding counties of:
None of these are in Kanawha County itself, so you’ll truly feel like you’ve “gotten away” for the day.
1. Feel the Rush at the New River Gorge Bridge – Fayette County
If you only do one road trip from St. Albans, make it this one.
The
New River Gorge Bridge in Fayette County is one of the most famous sights in all of West Virginia. It’s about
1.5 hours southeast from St. Albans and totally worth the drive.
- What to do: Stop at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for information and a great view. Walk down the boardwalk and steps to an overlook with a postcard-perfect view of the bridge and river.
- Adventure options: Try a guided Bridge Walk along the catwalk under the bridge (you’re clipped in with safety gear). You can also book rafting trips on the New River if you want big whitewater.
- Extra stop: Explore the town of Fayetteville nearby for coffee, pizza, and local shops.
Standing on those overlooks, watching the river flow hundreds of feet below, really makes you appreciate how wild and beautiful West Virginia is.
2. Summersville Lake & Gauley River Views – Nicholas County
Need a summer day trip with water, sunshine, and big views? Head to
Summersville Lake in
Nicholas County, about
1.5–2 hours from St. Albans.
- Why go: It’s often called the “Little Bahamas of the East” because of its clear, blue-green water and tall rock cliffs.
- Things to do:
- Swim at the beach area near the dam
- Rent a kayak, boat, or paddleboard
- Fish along the shore or by boat
- Take in the view from the Summersville Dam overlook
- Nearby adventure: The Gauley River is famous for some of the best whitewater rafting in the US during fall releases.
If you’re looking for a simple day: pack a cooler, bring some camp chairs, and just relax by the water. It’s an easygoing road trip from St. Albans that feels much farther from home than it really is.
3. Family Fun & Shopping in Teays Valley & Hurricane – Putnam County
For a quick and easy getaway, head west into
Putnam County. In under
30 minutes, you can be in the
Teays Valley and
Hurricane area with plenty to do.
- Eat & Shop: Teays Valley has a growing strip of restaurants, cafes, and local shops. It’s a nice change when you want options beyond your usual spots.
- Outdoor time: Local parks around Hurricane and Scott Depot offer walking paths, playgrounds, and spots to stretch your legs.
- Rainy day idea: Hit indoor play areas or arcades with the kids, then grab ice cream on the way home.
This is one of those short road trips from St. Albans where you can be home by dinner but still feel like you “went somewhere.”
4. Historic Coal Country & Outdoor Fun Around Whitesville – Boone County
Drive about
1–1.5 hours south into
Boone County and you’ll find small towns, coal history, and classic mountain scenery.
One good area to explore is around
Whitesville and the surrounding hollows.
- What you’ll see: Winding roads, old coal towns, river views, and quiet mountain valleys. It’s a nice drive if you enjoy “Sunday drive” style trips.
- Things to do:
- Stop in town for a local lunch or snack
- Take photos of historic buildings and coal-themed memorials
- Explore nearby backroads and streams for a peaceful break
If your idea of a good road trip is less about attractions and more about slow driving and seeing “real” West Virginia, Boone County is a solid choice.
5. Backroads, Rivers, and Small-Town Charm in Clay County
Clay County, WV sits northeast of St. Albans and offers a quieter kind of road trip. The drive itself is the main draw here.
- Driving time: Around 1–1.5 hours, depending on your route.
- What to expect:
- Curvy mountain roads
- Rivers and creeks running alongside the highway
- Small towns with that “everybody knows everybody” feel
- Ideas for your day:
- Stop in the town of Clay to walk around and grab a bite
- Pull off at safe spots along the river for photos or a short walk
- Bring a picnic and find a quiet spot to relax
This is a good road trip if you just need to clear your head, listen to music, and watch the mountains roll by.
6. Hiking and Hidden Hollows in Lincoln County
Head southwest from St. Albans into
Lincoln County for a peaceful rural escape. It’s a
short drive—often under an hour, depending on where you’re going.
- Why go: Lincoln County offers winding roads, farmland, wooded hills, and a slower pace.
- Simple things to do:
- Go for a scenic drive through the hills
- Explore small communities like Hamlin and nearby areas
- Look for local diners or mom-and-pop restaurants
- Tip: Bring a camera. Old barns, rolling hills, and quiet backroads make great photo spots.
If you grew up in a rural area, driving through Lincoln County might feel a bit like visiting your childhood.
7. Downtown Beckley & Tamarack Arts Center – Raleigh County
If you’re in the mood for both
culture and comfort food, head about
1.5 hours south to
Raleigh County, home of
Beckley.
- Top stop: Tamarack – a big arts and crafts center right off the highway that showcases West Virginia-made goods.
- Browse handmade pottery, glass, woodwork, and art
- Try classic WV food in the cafeteria-style restaurant (think cornbread, fried chicken, and more)
- In Beckley:
- Walk around downtown for shops and cafes
- Check local event listings — you might catch a festival, concert, or market
This makes a great all-weather day trip from St. Albans because you can spend as much time indoors as you need.
8. Quiet Country Roads & Courthouse Squares in Roane County
Looking for a low-key day where you just drive, stroll, and snack? Point your car northeast toward
Roane County, about
1–1.5 hours from St. Albans.
- Main hub: The town of Spencer, with a classic small-town courthouse square vibe.
- Things to do:
- Walk around town and check out local shops
- Grab lunch at a local diner or café
- Drive the side roads and enjoy the hills and farmland
- Why it’s nice: It’s calm, simple, and not crowded. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
Roane County is a great reminder that you don’t need a big attraction to have a relaxing road trip.
9. Small-Town Strolls & Farm Country in Jackson County
Northwest of St. Albans,
Jackson County gives you that mix of
Ohio River access, farmland, and friendly small towns. It’s usually around
1 hour away, depending on your route.
- Where to go: Head toward towns like Ripley or Ravenswood.
- What to do:
- Walk around the town centers and check out local businesses
- Attend fairs or events if your timing lines up (Ripley is known for hosting big 4th of July celebrations)
- Enjoy river views and rural scenery along the way
This is an easy, family-friendly road trip near St. Albans that works in any season.
10. Mountain Vistas & Backroad Exploring in Nicholas & Surrounding Counties
Yes, Nicholas County already made the list with Summersville Lake, but the
backroads and overlooks beyond the lake are their own kind of adventure.
If you enjoy just driving and seeing where the road goes (within reason!), this one’s for you.
- What to do:
- After visiting Summersville Lake, take some of the side roads that wind over the ridges
- Stop at overlooks, pull-offs, and small towns you pass
- Look for local churches, old cemeteries, and barns that tell the story of the area
- Tip: Download maps ahead of time. Cell service can be spotty in some mountain areas.
Think of this as a “choose your own adventure” drive, starting with a big lake and then following whatever catches your eye.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from St. Albans
To make these
short road trips near St. Albans more enjoyable:
- Check the weather before you go – especially for lake or hiking days.
- Bring snacks and water, even for short drives. Some rural areas don’t have many stores.
- Fill up on gas in or near St. Albans so you’re not hunting for a station in the middle of nowhere.
- Download offline maps if you’re heading into the mountains.
- Give yourself time to stop, explore, and take photos. The best moments are often unplanned.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Living in or near
St. Albans, WV puts you in a perfect spot for quick adventures. In less than a couple of hours, you can reach:
- Iconic spots like the New River Gorge
- Relaxing lakes like Summersville
- Quiet small towns in Boone, Clay, Lincoln, Roane, and Jackson Counties
- Shopping and arts in Putnam and Raleigh Counties
You don’t need a week off work or a plane ticket. Just a free day, a tank of gas, and a little curiosity.
Now it’s your turn:
Which of these road trips would you try first? Have you already visited any of these places from St. Albans?
Share your experiences, favorite stops, or hidden gems in the comments below. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near St. Albans, West Virginia.
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