10 Easy Road Trips From Hurricane, West Virginia You’ll Want to Take This Year
If you live in or around
Hurricane, West Virginia, you already know it’s a cozy spot along I‑64 in
Putnam County. But what happens when you’ve tried every local restaurant and driven every back road nearby?
That’s when a short
out‑of‑county road trip can be the perfect fix.
All of the ideas below are outside Putnam County, in nearby
Cabell, Kanawha, Jackson, Lincoln, and Mason counties. They’re close enough for a half‑day or full‑day adventure, but far enough to feel like a real escape.
Let’s hit the road.
1. Stroll the Riverfront & Shops in Huntington (Cabell County)
Huntington is about 35–45 minutes west of Hurricane, depending on traffic, and it has that classic small‑city feel that’s perfect for a day trip.
Why go: You get a mix of history, river views, and local food without driving all day.
Don’t miss:
- Harris Riverfront Park – Walk along the Ohio River, watch the barges roll by, and let the kids burn off some energy at the green spaces.
- Heritage Station – A cluster of small shops in old railroad buildings. You’ll find local crafts, coffee, and a laid‑back vibe.
- Central City Antique District – Several blocks of antique shops; great if you enjoy “treasure hunting.”
On one of my own visits, I went “just to look” and came home with an old wooden crate I absolutely did not need—but now it’s my favorite storage box. That’s Huntington for you.
2. Explore Ritter Park & the Rose Garden (Cabell County)
Still in Huntington, but this one deserves its own stop.
Ritter Park is about as peaceful as it gets.
What makes it special:
- Winding walking paths under mature trees
- A beautiful rose garden that bursts with color in late spring and summer
- Plenty of space for kids and dogs to run around
If you’re looking for a simple, low‑stress trip from Hurricane, pack:
- A blanket
- Some sandwiches or snacks
- A good book
Then just stretch out in the grass and enjoy a slow afternoon. Sometimes that’s all you really need.
3. Discover History & Art at Marshall University’s Campus (Cabell County)
You don’t have to be a student to enjoy
Marshall University.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Walk through the pretty campus, especially in spring and fall.
- Visit the Memorial Fountain, dedicated to the victims of the 1970 plane crash. It’s a quiet, reflective place.
- Check out campus galleries or events when they’re open to the public.
It’s an easy way to add a bit of culture and history to your day without feeling like you’re stuck in a museum all afternoon.
4. Take the Sternwheel & River Walk in Point Pleasant (Mason County)
Head about an hour northwest of Hurricane to
Point Pleasant, where the
Ohio and
Kanawha Rivers meet. The town has a surprising mix of history, legends, and riverfront views.
Highlights:
- Point Pleasant Riverfront Park – Murals, boat traffic, and walking paths along the river.
- Tu‑Endie‑Wei State Park – A small but meaningful park at the river confluence, marking the site of the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant.
I once spent nearly an hour just sitting on a bench watching the water and listening to the sounds of the river. It felt a world away from my normal routine, even though I was only about an hour from Hurricane.
5. Hunt for the Mothman & Visit the Museum (Mason County)
If you love quirky stories, this road trip from Hurricane is a must.
Point Pleasant is famous for its
Mothman legend—stories of a mysterious creature seen in the 1960s.
What to do:
- Snap a picture with the shiny metal Mothman statue downtown.
- Check out the Mothman Museum for clippings, props, and local lore.
- Stroll the downtown streets and pop into local shops.
Whether you believe in the legend or not, the town leans into it in a fun way. It’s one of those “only in West Virginia” kind of day trips that makes for great stories later.
6. Explore Charleston: West Virginia’s Capital City (Kanawha County)
From Hurricane, Charleston is usually a 30–40 minute drive east. It’s close enough that you can make this trip again and again and still find something new to do.
Top things to see:
- West Virginia State Capitol – That gold dome is stunning in the sun. You can walk the grounds and admire the architecture.
- Haddad Riverfront Park – Overlooks the Kanawha River; concerts and events are often held here in warm weather.
- Capitol Market – A converted train station with local foods, produce, and seasonal plants.
If you’re craving more options for dining and nightlife than Hurricane can offer, Charleston is your go‑to quick escape.
7. Spend a Day at the Clay Center for Arts & Sciences (Kanawha County)
Still in Charleston, the
Clay Center is one of the best family‑friendly attractions near Hurricane.
Why it’s great for a road trip:
- Interactive science exhibits kids can touch and explore
- Art galleries for when you’re in a slower, more relaxed mood
- Regular events, performances, and shows
If you’ve got kids asking, “What are we doing today?” for the 10th time, this is a solid answer. Even adults walk away having learned something new.
8. Hike, Bike, or Paddle at Kanawha State Forest (Kanawha County)
Just a bit outside Charleston,
Kanawha State Forest feels wonderfully wild but is still very reachable from Hurricane.
What you can do:
- Hike trails ranging from easy to challenging
- Mountain bike on designated paths
- Enjoy a picnic at one of the shelters or tables
If you like to be outside but don’t want to drive all the way to the New River Gorge, this is an easy middle ground. Bring sturdy shoes, some water, and a sense of adventure.
9. Go Back in Time in Ripley & Jackson County (Jackson County)
Head about 45–60 minutes north of Hurricane to
Ripley, the county seat of Jackson County. It has a classic small‑town feel that’s perfect if you’re looking to slow down for a day.
Ideas for your visit:
- Check out the historic courthouse and surrounding square.
- Visit local shops and diners where everybody really does seem to know everybody.
- If you time it right, enjoy one of the area’s festivals or fairs.
Driving up through this part of West Virginia, you’ll see rolling hills, farms, and open fields. Sometimes the drive is half the fun, especially if you take the back roads instead of sticking to the interstate.
10. Enjoy Country Quiet in Lincoln County
Just south of Hurricane lies
Lincoln County, a rural area that’s ideal when you’re craving quiet and open space.
What to look for:
- Scenic backroads perfect for a slow drive
- Small communities where you can stop for a bite and a chat
- Plenty of photo‑worthy hills, barns, and streams
If you’ve ever said, “I just want to get away from everything for a few hours,” this is the kind of simple road trip that helps you reset. Roll down the windows, turn on some music, and just enjoy the ride.
Tips for Planning Your Hurricane, WV Road Trips
To make these short getaways from Hurricane smoother, keep a few things in mind:
- Check hours ahead of time – Museums, shops, and some attractions can have seasonal or limited hours.
- Pack a small “road bag” – Water, snacks, phone charger, and a light jacket go a long way.
- Use the scenic route when you can – Highways are fast, but West Virginia’s backroads are where the views really shine.
- Budget a little extra time – In this part of the state, it’s easy to spot something interesting and make an unplanned stop.
Road trips from Hurricane don’t have to be long or expensive. Even a half‑day trip can make the week feel a lot brighter.
Where Will You Go Next?
From
Mothman legends in Mason County to
gold‑domed history in Charleston and
lazy river walks in Huntington, there are plenty of things to do near Hurricane, West Virginia—without ever leaving the region.
Which of these out‑of‑county road trips are you thinking about trying first?
- Are you more into riverfront views or quiet forests?
- Do you travel with kids, a partner, friends, or solo?
I’d love to hear your plans and ideas.
Share this post with friends or family who live in Hurricane (or nearby) and are always saying there’s “nothing to do.” And if you’ve taken any of these trips—or have your own favorite spot in Cabell, Kanawha, Jackson, Lincoln, or Mason Counties—drop a comment and let everyone know what you recommend.
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