10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Brookhaven, WV
If you live in or near
Brookhaven, West Virginia, you know how nice it is to be close to Morgantown without being right in the middle of the hustle. But what if you’re itching to get out of Monongalia County for a day or a weekend?
The good news: you’re surrounded by small towns, rolling hills, and rivers that are perfect for short drives and simple adventures.
Below are
10 short road trips from Brookhaven, all outside Monongalia County, in neighboring counties like
Fayette (PA),
Greene (PA),
Marion (WV),
Preston (WV),
Taylor (WV), and
Wetzel (WV).
Think of this as your quick-hit guide to
things to do near Brookhaven that don’t require a plane ticket—just a tank of gas, a snack, and maybe a good playlist.
1. Pricketts Fort State Park – Marion County, WV
Looking for a low-stress day trip with a bit of history and a lot of scenery? Head about 30–40 minutes south to
Pricketts Fort State Park near Fairmont in Marion County.
This reconstructed 18th-century fort sits where Prickett’s Creek meets the Monongahela River. It’s a peaceful place to wander and imagine what frontier life used to be like.
- Explore the reconstructed fort and historic buildings.
- Walk easy trails along the river and through the woods.
- Bring a picnic and relax at one of the shady tables.
- Ride or walk on the adjacent rail trail if you want more exercise.
On weekends in the warmer months, you’ll often see costumed interpreters cooking, crafting, or firing muskets. It’s a nice mix of
family-friendly and
relaxing, and it’s close enough that you can be home by dinner.
2. Valley Falls State Park – Marion & Taylor Counties, WV
If your perfect day involves waterfalls and river views, this one’s for you.
Valley Falls State Park sits right on the border of Marion and Taylor counties and is about an hour’s drive from Brookhaven.
The star of the show is a series of powerful falls and rapids on the Tygart Valley River.
- Take photos from the rock outcroppings (but watch your footing!).
- Hike the wooded trails for quiet, shaded walks.
- Spread out a blanket and enjoy the sound of rushing water.
I like to treat Valley Falls as a “mini vacation.” You’re not that far from home, but once you’re sitting by the river, it feels like another world.
3. Cathedral State Park – Preston County, WV
Want to feel tiny in the best possible way? Head east into Preston County to
Cathedral State Park, a pocket of old-growth forest with giant hemlock trees that soar more than 90 feet into the air.
It’s about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes from Brookhaven, depending on your route.
- Walk the short loop trails under the towering trees.
- Breathe in that cool, earthy forest air—especially great on hot days.
- Listen for birds and the wind in the branches; it’s incredibly calming.
The place truly feels like a natural cathedral—tall, quiet, a little dim even on a sunny day. If you’re stressed, this is a great “reset” kind of trip.
4. Cheat Lake & Coopers Rock Overlook (via Preston County backroads)
Yes, Coopers Rock is in Monongalia and Preston counties, so you’ll want to stick to the Preston County side and the surrounding roads to keep this
out-of-county. But the backroad drive out toward
Cheat Lake and Coopers Rock-area overlooks (through Preston County) is half the fun.
From Brookhaven, take the less-traveled Preston County routes instead of the interstate. The drive is about 30–40 minutes, depending on your exact path.
Here’s what you can enjoy in the
Preston County stretch:
- Scenic ridgeline views toward Cheat Lake.
- Quiet country roads with barns, fields, and rolling hills.
- Pull-offs where you can stop, stretch, and snap photos.
This isn’t about one big attraction. It’s more about an easy
scenic drive from Brookhaven when you just want to roll the windows down and wander a bit.
5. Morgantown & Kingwood Pike Backroad Loop – Preston County, WV
Another nice option in Preston County is a relaxed loop using
Kingwood Pike and nearby backroads. Even if you’ve driven parts of it before, doing it as a “road trip” makes you notice more.
You can:
- Start near Brookhaven and head east into Preston County.
- Roll past farms, old churches, and roadside cemeteries.
- Stop at small country stores when you see them—grab a drink or snack.
Think of this as a
Sunday-drive-style road trip. No real agenda. Just follow the road, pull over for views, and enjoy the slower pace that Preston County is known for.
6. Greene County Historical Drive – Greene County, PA
Head north into
Greene County, Pennsylvania for a mix of rural scenery and local history. It’s an easy 45–60 minute drive from Brookhaven, depending on where you wander.
In and around the Waynesburg area, you’ll find:
- Historic stone churches and old farmhouses.
- Rolling pastures dotted with cattle and small towns.
- Local diners where you can grab a hearty lunch.
One of my favorite things about Greene County is how
unrushed it feels. You might drive several miles and only see a few cars. It’s the kind of place where you can pull off, take a picture of an old barn, and not feel like you’re in anyone’s way.
7. Nemacolin Country Area & Fayette County Backroads – Fayette County, PA
When most people think of Fayette County, PA, they jump straight to Ohiopyle or Fallingwater. Those are great, but even just the
backroads around Nemacolin, Republic, or New Salem can make for a simple day trip from Brookhaven.
From Brookhaven, you’re looking at about a 1–1.5 hour drive, depending on your route.
Along the way and in
Fayette County, you can:
- Enjoy ridge-top views and winding backroads.
- Stop at local family restaurants or pizza shops.
- Check out old coal patch towns and historic neighborhoods.
If you like poking around small towns and getting a feel for local life, this is a great
off-the-beaten-path drive near Brookhaven.
8. Grafton & Tygart Valley River Views – Taylor County, WV
About 45 minutes from Brookhaven, the town of
Grafton in Taylor County offers a low-key mix of river scenery and small-town charm.
Here’s how to enjoy it:
- Drive into Taylor County on the winding roads with river views.
- Check out bridges, old buildings, and river overlooks.
- Walk along the water at spots where you can safely pull over.
If you want to extend your visit, you can also explore nearby recreation areas along the Tygart Valley River. The whole trip has a slower, old-fashioned feel—perfect when you want to get away from traffic and noise.
9. Hundred & Route 7 Scenery – Wetzel County, WV
Wetzel County lies a bit northwest of Brookhaven, and going there feels like stepping into “deep country” territory in the best way.
The small town of
Hundred and the surrounding roads offer:
- Curvy country highways with forested hills.
- Roadside creeks and occasional rock cutouts.
- Classic small-town West Virginia vibes—modest homes, local stores, quiet streets.
The drive from Brookhaven takes about 1–1.5 hours, depending on the path you pick. This is a good choice when you’re in the mood for a
longer scenic drive near Brookhaven but still want to be home the same day.
10. Fairmont Food & Murals – Marion County, WV
We started in Marion County with Pricketts Fort, but it’s worth mentioning the
Fairmont area itself as a separate, easy road trip from Brookhaven.
In and around Fairmont, you can:
- Search out local pepperoni rolls and classic West Virginia comfort food.
- Drive through older neighborhoods with historic homes and small businesses.
- Look for murals and street art as you wander side streets.
It’s a simple little escape: leave Brookhaven, explore another small city for a few hours, grab dinner, and be back before it’s too late.
Tips for Planning Your Brookhaven Road Trips
To make these
short road trips from Brookhaven, WV more enjoyable, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check your gas: Some backroads don’t have many stations.
- Download maps: Cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
- Pack snacks and water: Especially if you’re hiking or exploring parks.
- Dress in layers: Mountain weather changes fast, even within an hour’s drive.
- Bring a camera: From barns to rivers to old bridges, there’s a lot you’ll want to remember.
You don’t need a week off work to feel like you’ve gone somewhere special. Many of these places are less than an hour or two from Brookhaven, making them perfect for a
spontaneous Saturday trip.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip Near Brookhaven?
If you live in or around Brookhaven, you probably have your own secret spots—maybe a quiet river pull-off, a family restaurant in a nearby county, or a scenic overlook you stumbled on by accident.
I’d love to hear about them.
- Which out-of-county road trip do you enjoy most?
- Did I miss one of your favorite places in Fayette, Greene, Marion, Preston, Taylor, or Wetzel County?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell others about your go-to routes and stops. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near Brookhaven, West Virginia.
Sometimes the best adventures are only an hour down the road.
Comments
Post a Comment