. But sometimes you just need to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and see what else is out there.
The good news? Within about an hour or so, you can find waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails, coal history, and small-town diners that feel like home. And the best part: all these ideas are
, in nearby West Virginia counties like Boone, Fayette, Putnam, Raleigh, and more.
Below are
from Dunbar to inspire your next weekend drive.
1. Fayetteville & New River Gorge Bridge (Fayette County)
If you want a classic West Virginia day trip, this is it.
From Dunbar, head about an hour southeast to
Fayetteville in
Fayette County. The town itself has a laid-back vibe, with coffee shops, outfitters, and local restaurants. But the real star is the
New River Gorge Bridge and the surrounding national park.
- Walk the overlook trails for stunning views of the gorge.
- Stop by the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to learn about the area.
- Drive the old Fayette Station Road down to the river for a throwback to the days before the big bridge.
- If you’re brave, try Bridge Walk, where you walk under the bridge on a catwalk (with safety gear, of course).
It’s an easy, scenic drive from Dunbar and perfect for anyone who wants big views without a long hike.
2. Summersville Lake & Gauley River Area (Nicholas County)
Craving water, cliffs, and a little adventure? Point your car toward
Nicholas County, about 1.5 hours from Dunbar, and spend the day around
Summersville Lake.
Summersville Lake is often called the “
Little Bahamas of the East” because of its clear water and rock cliffs.
- Swim or sunbathe at the Battle Run or Salmon Run recreation areas.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the coves.
- Take a scenic drive along the lake and stop at overlooks.
In the fall, hikers and photographers love this area for colorful leaves and calm weather. If you’ve got a free Saturday, this is a relaxing but memorable road trip from Dunbar.
3. Grandview & Coal Heritage Stops (Raleigh County)
About an hour and fifteen minutes from Dunbar, in
Raleigh County, you’ll find
Grandview, a section of New River Gorge National Park known for its incredible overlooks.
At Grandview, you can:
- Walk the Main Overlook trail for sweeping views of the New River below.
- Explore short trails that weave through the forest and rocky outcrops.
- Bring a picnic and enjoy the huge open fields and playgrounds.
You can easily combine Grandview with a visit to historic coal towns in the area, like
Beckley’s Exhibition Coal Mine (also in Raleigh County). You’ll go underground on a mine tour and get a real feel for the coal mining history that shaped West Virginia.
4. Ripley’s Small-Town Charm (Jackson County)
Sometimes you don’t need a national park. Sometimes all you want is a small-town day: local diners, antique shops, and a stroll through a quiet downtown.
Head about 45 minutes northwest from Dunbar to
Ripley in
Jackson County.
In Ripley you can:
- Walk around the courthouse square and check out local shops.
- Grab lunch at a hometown restaurant or café.
- Visit nearby parks for an easy walk or a quick picnic.
Ripley is especially lively around holidays and festivals, and it makes an easy half-day or day trip from Dunbar when you just need a change of scenery.
5. Winfield & Hurricane Along the Kanawha River (Putnam County)
To the west of Dunbar, over in
Putnam County, are the growing communities of
Winfield and
Hurricane. They’re close by—roughly 20–35 minutes from Dunbar—so they’re perfect for a short evening or weekend outing.
Things to do include:
- Walk along the river near Winfield and watch boats and barges pass by.
- Check out local shops and restaurants in and around Hurricane.
- Visit nearby parks and playgrounds for a family-friendly afternoon.
If you don’t feel like driving far, Putnam County is one of the easiest “mini road trip” options from Dunbar.
6. Ansted & Hawks Nest Area (Fayette County)
Another Fayette County gem,
Ansted, is about an hour from Dunbar and makes a great mix of history and outdoor fun.
In the
Hawks Nest area you can:
- Stop at the Hawks Nest State Park overlook for dramatic views of the New River.
- Take the tram (seasonal) down toward the river level.
- Try short hikes that lead to quiet viewpoints and picnic spots.
This drive is especially beautiful in the fall, when the cliffs and mountains explode with color. If you enjoy scenic overlooks more than long hikes, this is a good pick.
7. Madison & Coal Country Drives (Boone County)
Looking for a drive that really feels like “coal country”? Head south into
Boone County and the town of
Madison, about an hour from Dunbar.
The drive itself is part of the experience. Winding roads follow creeks and hills, passing old coal tipples and small communities. In and around Madison you can:
- Walk through town and grab a meal in a local restaurant.
- Visit small roadside memorials and markers tied to coal history.
- Explore nearby back roads for photo stops and scenic pull-offs.
If you’re curious about the everyday life of southern West Virginia, a road trip through Boone County is eye-opening and surprisingly peaceful.
8. Clay & the Elk River Backroads (Clay County)
To the northeast of Dunbar lies
Clay County, a quieter, more rural area that’s great if you just want to unplug.
Drive about an hour to the town of
Clay, following the
Elk River for much of the way. It’s a slower, more relaxed kind of outing.
Things to do:
- Enjoy the riverside views from pull-offs and small parks.
- Bring a fishing rod if you like to fish and check local regulations.
- Pack snacks or a picnic, since it’s more remote and less commercial.
This is the kind of trip where you roll down the windows, let the river guide you, and just enjoy the ride.
9. Hamlin & Country Roads in Lincoln County
About an hour southwest of Dunbar,
Hamlin in
Lincoln County offers that classic “small town surrounded by hills” feeling.
You won’t find big attractions here, but that’s kind of the point.
- Stroll around town and visit local stores or a diner.
- Drive the winding backroads for hillside views and old barns.
- Look for quiet pull-offs where you can sit, relax, and listen to the creek.
If your idea of a good day is a slow drive, no crowds, and a chance to talk with locals, Hamlin and the rest of Lincoln County make a great low-key road trip from Dunbar.
10. Spencer & Country Fairs (Roane County)
To the north, in
Roane County, sits the town of
Spencer, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes from Dunbar.
Spencer feels like the kind of place you see in a movie about small-town America:
- Walk through the downtown streets and check out local shops.
- Stop at a café or diner for lunch or a slice of homemade pie.
- Plan your visit around community events or fairs if you enjoy that “county fair” atmosphere.
The drive to Spencer takes you through rolling hills and farm country, which is half the reward on its own.
Tips for Planning Your Dunbar Day Trips
A few quick suggestions to make your
road trips near Dunbar, WV smoother:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are within about 30–90 minutes from Dunbar.
- Watch the weather: Mountain weather can change fast, especially near the gorge or lakes.
- Pack basics: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes go a long way.
- Gas up early: Some rural areas have fewer gas stations, especially late at night.
Think of Dunbar as your home base, and these nearby counties—Boone, Clay, Fayette, Jackson, Lincoln, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, and Roane—as your playground.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Dunbar?
Have you taken any of these
short road trips from Dunbar, West Virginia? Maybe you’ve watched the sunset at Hawks Nest, swum in Summersville Lake, or wandered through Ripley on a lazy Saturday.
- Which spot would you visit first?
- Do you have a hidden gem in one of these counties?
Share your stories, tips, and favorite stops in the comments. Your experience might help someone else plan their next adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who live around Dunbar or are planning a trip through West Virginia. The more we share, the more people get to see just how much there is to do within a short drive of this small river town.
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