10 Easy Road Trips From Moundsville, WV: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Marshall County
Looking for fun
day trips from Moundsville, West Virginia that don’t take all day to reach? You’re in luck. Within about an hour or so of Moundsville, you’ll find charming towns, historic sites, riverside views, and family-friendly attractions across
Ohio,
Pennsylvania, and nearby
West Virginia counties.
The best part? You can leave in the morning, explore, and be back home by evening. No packing, no hotel bill—just a tank of gas and a sense of adventure.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Moundsville, all in the surrounding counties of
Belmont and
Monroe (Ohio),
Greene and
Washington (Pennsylvania), and Ohio and
Wetzel (West Virginia).
1. Wheeling, WV – Classic River Town Adventure (Ohio County, WV)
Just about 15–20 minutes north of Moundsville,
Wheeling in
Ohio County is an easy first choice for a quick getaway.
- Oglebay Resort & Park – Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can walk the grounds, visit the free zoo, or play a round of mini golf. In the winter, the Festival of Lights is a huge draw.
- Wheeling Island – Enjoy river views, a walk along the water, or a stop at the casino if that’s your thing.
- Centre Market – A historic market district with small shops, antique stores, and local eateries; great spot for lunch.
If you grew up in the
Ohio Valley, chances are you’ve ended up in Wheeling for a show, a game, or some holiday shopping. It still has that “big town nearby” feel for Moundsville locals.
2. Historic St. Clairsville, OH – Shopping & Small-Town Charm (Belmont County, OH)
Cross the river into
Belmont County, Ohio, and you’ll hit
St. Clairsville in about 30–40 minutes, depending on your route.
- Ohio Valley Mall – If you need a shopping day, this is one of the main retail hubs in the area.
- Downtown St. Clairsville – Brick-lined streets, old buildings, and local restaurants give it a classic small-town Ohio look.
- National Road Bikeway – A rail-trail built along the Historic National Road, great for biking or walking.
It’s the kind of place where you can run errands, get a bite to eat, and still make time for a walk or short bike ride before heading back to Moundsville.
3. Barkcamp State Park – Lakeside Relaxation (Belmont County, OH)
For outdoor lovers,
Barkcamp State Park is a peaceful break from everyday life and only about 45–60 minutes from Moundsville.
If you want a low-key day—pack a cooler, toss some camp chairs in the car, and spend the afternoon by the water. It feels like a mini vacation without the long drive.
4. Hannibal & the Ohio River Views (Monroe County, OH)
Drive north along the river and head across to
Monroe County, Ohio. The little town of
Hannibal is a great spot if you love quiet river scenery.
- Ohio River lookouts – Stop at pull-offs and overlooks for photo-worthy river views.
- Local diners and small shops – Simple, home-style meals in laid-back settings.
- Scenic drives – The roads along the river are relaxing, especially in the fall when the leaves change.
This is more of a “slow day” kind of road trip—no big attractions, just calm views and an excuse to roll the windows down and drive.
5. Woodsfield, OH – A Quiet County Seat Getaway (Monroe County, OH)
If you keep exploring Monroe County, you’ll eventually make your way to
Woodsfield, the county seat. It’s about an hour or so from Moundsville, depending on your route.
- Historic courthouse square – Classic small-town Ohio architecture and a walkable downtown.
- Local festivals (seasonal) – Check community calendars for fairs, parades, and holiday events.
- Country backroads – Great for Sunday drives, especially if you like old barns and rolling farmland.
If you’re someone who loves old-fashioned small-town vibes, this is a relaxing way to spend half a day.
6. Washington, PA – Shopping, History & Dining (Washington County, PA)
Head northeast into
Washington County, Pennsylvania, and you’ll reach
Washington, PA in roughly 45–60 minutes from Moundsville.
- Washington & Jefferson College area – Pretty campus and nearby streets with old homes and tree-lined sidewalks.
- Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village* – A short drive from town, you can see one of the oldest-known human habitation sites in North America and a recreated historic village.
- Tanger Outlets (nearby) – If you want deals on clothes, shoes, and gear, this is a major outlet shopping area.
You can easily turn this into a mixed day: a little history, a sit-down meal, and some outlet shopping before the drive home.
*Check seasonal hours before you go.
7. Waynesburg, PA – Greene County’s Friendly Hub (Greene County, PA)
< b>Waynesburg, the seat of
Greene County, Pennsylvania, sits about an hour from Moundsville and offers a laid-back but interesting trip.
- Greene County Historical Society Museum – Local history, artifacts, and exhibits in a historic setting.
- Waynesburg University campus – Another pretty college campus that’s nice for a short walk.
- Downtown cafés – Good spots for coffee, a casual lunch, or dessert.
This is a nice road trip if you like exploring slightly off-the-radar towns with a strong community feel.
8. Ryerson Station State Park – Quiet Nature Escape (Greene County, PA)
Also in Greene County,
Ryerson Station State Park is a peaceful place to unplug for a few hours.
- Wooded trails – Great for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
- Creekside spots – Pack a snack and relax near the water.
- Wildlife – Don’t forget your binoculars if you like spotting birds and small animals.
If your idea of a good day is hearing nothing but wind in the trees and your own footsteps, this is the kind of park you’ll enjoy.
9. New Martinsville, WV – Riverfront Walks & Local Flavor (Wetzel County, WV)
About 30–40 minutes south of Moundsville is
New Martinsville in Wetzel County, right along the Ohio River.
- Riverfront parks – Simple, peaceful spots to watch boats, walk, or sit on a bench and relax.
- Historic downtown – Older buildings, local shops, and a very walkable main drag.
- Local diners and bakeries – A good place to find comfort food and homemade desserts.
If you like small river towns, New Martinsville makes a perfect half-day trip from Moundsville—easy drive, easy parking, and low stress.
10. Fishing & Backroad Exploring in Wetzel County, WV
Beyond New Martinsville, the backroads of
Wetzel County offer plenty of simple, low-key adventures.
- Fishing spots – Check out public access areas along local creeks and the Ohio River.
- Scenic drives – Rolling hills, forests, and winding roads make for a great weekend drive.
- Country churches & old cemeteries – If you enjoy local history, these little landmarks tell a quiet story about the area.
This is the kind of trip where you don’t need a strict plan. Just fill the tank, pick a direction, and see what you find.
Tips for Planning Your Moundsville Road Trips
- Keep it flexible – Many of these spots are close enough that you can change plans mid-day if you want.
- Check hours before you go – Museums, parks, and attractions may have seasonal hours or special events.
- Pack the basics – Water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a phone charger can make the day smoother.
- Watch the weather – Some of the best views and drives are even better on clear days.
What’s Your Favorite Day Trip From Moundsville?
Living in or near
Moundsville, WV means you’re surrounded by easy road-trip options in
Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. From river views and outlet shopping to quiet hikes and historic towns, there’s a lot to see within about an hour’s drive.
Have you taken any of these routes? Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Belmont, Monroe, Greene, Washington, Ohio, or Wetzel County?
Share your go-to road trip spot in the comments and tell us why you love it. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near Moundsville. Your next great day trip might be closer than you think.
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