10 Easy Road Trips Near South Charleston, WV (All Outside Kanawha County)
If you live in or around
South Charleston, West Virginia and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’ve got more options than you might think. Within about an hour or so, you can find waterfalls, lakes, quirky roadside stops, and real small-town charm—without ever leaving the hills of West Virginia.
To keep things interesting, every spot on this list is
outside Kanawha County but still close enough for a short road trip. These ideas work great for a Saturday drive, a family day out, or even a last‑minute date.
1. Waterfalls & Bridge Views in Fayetteville (Fayette County)
If you only have one day to get away from South Charleston, head to
Fayetteville. It’s about
an hour southeast, and it’s packed with classic West Virginia scenery.
You can:
I still remember the first time I drove under the bridge on Fayette Station Road. I pulled over, stepped out, and just stood there listening to the river echo off the gorge walls. It’s one of those “wow, this is home?” kind of moments.
Why it’s great for South Charleston locals: It feels like a full vacation, but you can be back home by dinner.
2. Summersville Lake: West Virginia’s Little Beach Day (Nicholas County)
About
1 hour and 15 minutes from South Charleston,
Summersville Lake is where a lot of locals go when they want a “beach day” without driving to the ocean.
Here you can:
The water here is surprisingly blue on a sunny day. If you time it right in late summer, the lake is warm enough for a long swim, and you may find a quiet cove all to yourself.
Pro tip: Pack a cooler, camp chairs, and maybe a portable speaker, and you’ve got a full day of fun for the cost of gas and a parking fee.
3. A Relaxing Day at Kanawha State Forest’s Neighbor: Bloomingrose & Beyond (Boone County)
Skip Kanawha County and head straight into
Boone County, just south of South Charleston. The drive itself is half the fun—curvy roads, small hollers, and plenty of views.
Things to look for around
Bloomingrose and nearby areas:
- Scenic drives along winding coal-country roads.
- Pull-offs where you can stop, stretch, and listen to the creeks.
- Small, old churches and cemeteries that tell the story of the area.
Is this a “big attraction” area? Not exactly. But that’s the charm. Sometimes a simple country drive with the windows down is exactly what you need.
Road trip idea: Grab coffee in South Charleston, head south into Boone County, and make it your mission to find the prettiest random overlook or stream. No schedule, no rush.
4. Ripley: Small-Town Charm & Antique Hunting (Jackson County)
Ripley in
Jackson County is about
45–50 minutes northwest of South Charleston, right off I‑77. It’s perfect if you like low-key road trips.
What to do:
- Stroll around the Ripley town square and check out local shops.
- Hunt for surprises at antique stores and thrift shops.
- Grab a bite at a local diner and people‑watch like a pro.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you dropped into a Hallmark movie town for an afternoon, Ripley is your spot—especially around holidays when decorations are up.
Good for: Couples, casual shoppers, or anyone who likes a slower pace and easy parking.
5. Quiet Forest Time at Calvin Price & Gauley River Region (Nicholas County)
Beyond Summersville, parts of
Nicholas County dip toward protected forest land and the
Gauley River area. This is where you go when you want to hear more birds than cars.
Near the Gauley region you can:
- Find short, unofficial trails leading to river overlooks.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the sound of rushing water.
- Bring a camera and capture fog hanging low in the trees on cool mornings.
Driving these backroads feels like flipping the “quiet” switch on life. Cell service may fade in and out, which honestly can be a blessing.
Tip: Download an offline map before you go and toss a paper map in the glove box just in case.
6. Putnam County Backroad Loop: Hurricane & Winfield (Putnam County)
If you don’t want to be in the car too long,
Putnam County is your best friend. From South Charleston, you can be in
Hurricane or
Winfield in about
25–35 minutes.
Here’s a simple loop:
- Head west on I‑64 toward Hurricane.
- Wander the backroads between Hurricane and Winfield.
- Drive along the Kanawha River (on the Putnam side) for scenic water views.
You’ll find river houses, hillside farms, and plenty of little pull-offs where you can stop for photos. It’s close, easy, and makes a nice after‑work or Sunday drive.
Why it works: Minimal planning needed. Just pick a direction, drive, and explore.
7. Rafting & Adventure in Oak Hill and Bradley (Raleigh & Fayette Counties)
If you’re up for more action, head toward the Oak Hill/Bradley area—right where
Raleigh County brushes close to
Fayette County. It’s usually about
an hour to an hour and 15 minutes from South Charleston.
In this area you can:
- Book a whitewater rafting trip (usually on the New or Gauley River).
- Try a zipline tour for a different view of the mountains.
- Go for short hikes to overlooks with sweeping views of the gorge.
I once watched a group come off the river at the end of a rafting trip—muddy, soaking wet, laughing so hard they could barely talk. That’s when you know it was a good day.
Good to know: These adventures often require reservations, especially in summer and in Gauley season (early fall). Check ahead before you drive down.
8. Clay County’s Elk River Drive (Clay County)
Clay County doesn’t always make the top of the tourist lists, and that’s exactly why you should go. From South Charleston, it’s usually about
an hour to the Clay area, depending on your route.
What makes it special:
- The Elk River runs alongside much of the drive, offering great water views.
- You’ll see rugged hills, old barns, and classic country scenery.
- Traffic is light, so you can just roll along at a relaxed pace.
If you’re the type who likes to find the small, almost-forgotten corners of West Virginia, this is the kind of drive that sticks with you.
Road trip idea: Pack snacks, put on a favorite playlist, and let yourself get a little “lost” (safely) on Clay County backroads.
9. Lincoln County: Country Roads & Old‑School West Virginia
Head southwest from South Charleston into
Lincoln County for a very “real” West Virginia experience. It’s less about big attractions and more about atmosphere.
On a Lincoln County drive you might:
- Follow narrow roads that twist along ridges and creeks.
- Pass by family farms, hillside homes, and forested hollows.
- Pull over now and then just to breathe that deep, piney air.
This is where you go when you want to clear your head. No lines, no crowds, just you, the road, and a whole lot of mountains.
Tip: Bring a full tank, a camera, and maybe a paper notebook. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to sit and jot down your thoughts.
10. Quiet Hills & Heritage in Roane County
Finally, take a short trip north into
Roane County, about
an hour from South Charleston, depending on where you head. Places around Spencer and the backroads nearby make a peaceful day trip.
In Roane County you can:
- Drive rolling hills dotted with fields and woodlots.
- Look for old barns, country churches, and small family cemeteries.
- Stop at local diners or gas‑station grills for a simple, hearty meal.
There’s something comforting about this part of the state. It feels like time moves just a little slower here, and that’s a good thing when you’re on a weekend road trip.
Best for: When you don’t want a “tourist attraction,” you just want
West Virginia.
Tips for Short Road Trips from South Charleston, WV
To make the most of these out‑of‑county adventures, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check the weather before you go—mountain storms can pop up fast.
- Fill your tank in South Charleston; rural gas stations can be far apart.
- Download maps since cell service can get spotty in the hills.
- Pack a small day bag with water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger.
These trips are close to home, but they still feel like real getaways—especially when you leave your schedule flexible and let the day unfold.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living in or near
South Charleston, West Virginia means you’re surrounded by easy
road trip options. Whether you want waterfalls in Fayette County, lake days in Nicholas County, or quiet country drives in Boone, Lincoln, or Roane County, there’s always somewhere new to explore just an hour or so away.
Have you tried any of these out‑of‑county day trips? Do you have a favorite spot in Boone, Clay, Fayette, Jackson, Lincoln, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, or Roane County that I missed?
Share your ideas in the comments and tell us about your own quick getaways from South Charleston. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for fun, easy things to do near South Charleston, WV. The more we share our favorite backroads and hidden gems, the more we all get to enjoy this amazing corner of West Virginia.
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