without driving all day? You’re in the perfect spot. Bridgeport sits in Harrison County, surrounded by laid-back mountain towns, hidden waterfalls, and historic Main Streets that feel like they’re straight out of a movie.
The best part? All of these road trips are
, but still close enough for a quick day trip or easy weekend escape. We’ll hop around nearby counties like Barbour, Doddridge, Lewis, Marion, Taylor, Upshur, and Wetzel – all within a couple of hours (many much closer).
Whether you’re into hiking, history, small-town cafes, or just a pretty drive with a good playlist, these
will give you plenty of ideas.
1. Philippi Covered Bridge & Civil War History (Barbour County)
If you only do one quick trip from Bridgeport, make it
Philippi, about 30–40 minutes south. This small town in
Barbour County is home to the famous
Philippi Covered Bridge, one of the oldest and longest covered bridges still in use in the U.S.
Walk or drive across the bridge and imagine horse-drawn wagons clattering over the boards.
It’s the kind of place where you automatically slow down a little.
While you’re there, check out:
- Barbour County Historical Museum – Inside the old railroad depot, full of Civil War and local artifacts.
- Site of the Battle of Philippi – Often called the “First Land Battle” of the Civil War.
- Small downtown cafes – Perfect for a sandwich or slice of pie after exploring.
This is a great first road trip if you’re easing into exploring
north-central West Virginia beyond Harrison County.
2. Quiet Country Roads & Fishing in Doddridge County
Looking for a drive where you see more cows than cars? Head west into
Doddridge County. It’s about 30–45 minutes from Bridgeport, depending on your route, and it feels wonderfully off the beaten path.
A few relaxed stops to consider:
- Doddridge County Park – Walking trails, picnic spots, a lake, and plenty of shade. Great for families or a low-key date day.
- Local streams and creeks – Pack your fishing gear and try your luck on the water.
- Scenic back roads – Ideal for a slow Sunday drive when you just want to roll the windows down and unwind.
If you like peace and quiet more than crowds and noise, Doddridge makes an easy, refreshing day trip from Bridgeport.
3. Stonewall Jackson Lake: Boating, Camping & Lake Views (Lewis County)
About 30–40 minutes south on I‑79, you’ll find
Stonewall Jackson Lake in
Lewis County. This is one of the top outdoor destinations near Bridgeport, especially if you love being out on the water.
Here’s what you can do around the lake:
- Boating & kayaking – Rent a boat or bring your own. The coves are calm and scenic.
- Fishing – The lake is popular for bass and other game fish.
- Hiking – Trails wind through woods and along the shoreline.
- Picnics & sunsets – There are plenty of spots for a blanket and a cooler.
If you have extra time, swing by
Weston nearby to stroll the downtown and grab a bite. Stonewall Jackson Lake is an easy full-day escape from Bridgeport that feels like a mini vacation.
4. Weston’s Historic Charm & Glass Heritage (Lewis County)
While you’re in
Lewis County, don’t skip
Weston, about 40 minutes from Bridgeport. This small city has a surprising amount of history packed into a few blocks.
Some highlights:
- Mountain glass heritage – Browse shops that feature locally made and vintage glass. West Virginia has a long glassmaking tradition.
- Historic architecture – Old brick buildings, churches, and storefronts that are fun to photograph.
- Local diners and bakeries – Ideal for a comfort-food lunch or a sweet treat.
If you enjoy old towns with real character, Weston pairs nicely with a lake visit or stands alone as an easy half-day road trip from Bridgeport.
5. Fairmont’s Rivers, Murals & Pepperoni Rolls (Marion County)
Head about 30 minutes north and you’ll reach
Fairmont in
Marion County. It’s a college town, a river town, and a food town all in one.
Things to do:
- Walk along the Monongahela River – Look for riverfront trails or simply enjoy the views from bridges and overlooks.
- Hunt for murals – Colorful street art gives the city a fun, creative feel.
- Try classic West Virginia pepperoni rolls – Many people say this area does them best.
- Explore downtown shops – From coffee spots to antiques, it’s an easy area to wander.
Fairmont is close enough to Bridgeport for a quick dinner trip, but interesting enough to fill a whole day if you slow down and explore.
6. Valley Falls State Park: Waterfalls & River Views (Marion & Taylor Counties)
If you want a true “wow” moment, take the 40–50 minute drive to
Valley Falls State Park, straddling
Marion and
Taylor counties. The park’s broad, rocky waterfalls on the Tygart Valley River are especially striking after a good rain.
What to do at Valley Falls:
- Hike the trails – There are several routes ranging from easy to more challenging.
- Picnic by the water – Bring a cooler and enjoy lunch with the sound of rushing water in the background.
- Photography – The falls and surrounding forest look great in every season.
Keep in mind: the rocks can be slick, and the water can be powerful. Enjoy the views from safe spots on shore. This is one of the best outdoor day trips from Bridgeport if you love rivers and waterfalls.
7. Tygart Lake State Park: Swimming, Boating & Cabin Vibes (Taylor County)
Another Taylor County gem,
Tygart Lake State Park, sits about 45–55 minutes from Bridgeport. It’s a bright blue lake tucked into forested hills, perfect for summer days or peaceful off-season getaways.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Swimming area – Cool off on hot days at the designated beach.
- Boat rentals – Get out on the water for cruising, fishing, or exploring quiet coves.
- Cabins and lodge – If you want to turn your road trip into a weekend, this is a great spot.
- Hiking and picnics – Trails and picnic shelters dot the park.
If you’re comparing lakes near Bridgeport, Tygart Lake feels relaxed and family-friendly, a nice counterpoint to Stonewall Jackson Lake.
8. Buckhannon’s Artsy Main Street & Festivals (Upshur County)
About 45 minutes to an hour southeast of Bridgeport, you’ll find
Buckhannon in
Upshur County. This small college town has an artsy, upbeat feel without losing that classic West Virginia charm.
Things worth doing:
- Stroll Main Street – You’ll find shops, galleries, and cozy restaurants.
- Catch a local event or festival – Depending on the time of year, Buckhannon hosts community events that draw folks from all around.
- Enjoy coffee or dessert at a local café – Great for people-watching and soaking in the town’s vibe.
If you enjoy “walkable” small towns, Buckhannon is one of the most pleasant road trips from Bridgeport.
9. Audra State Park: River Caves & Shaded Trails (Upshur & Barbour Counties)
For a more rugged nature escape, explore
Audra State Park, roughly an hour from Bridgeport, on the border of
Upshur and
Barbour counties. It feels like a hidden pocket of deep forest.
What makes Audra special:
- Middle Fork River – Clear, fast-moving water flows through rocky channels.
- Boardwalk under rock overhangs – A short trail threads under sandstone ledges, giving the park a cave-like feel in spots.
- Swimming holes & wading – On hot days, people cool off in calmer parts of the river.
If you love the idea of a shady hike with the sound of rushing water beside you, Audra is worth the drive.
10. Wetzel County’s Backroads, Rivers & Small-Town Feel
Finally, head north and a bit west into
Wetzel County for a slower, more old-fashioned kind of road trip. It’s a bit farther than some of the others, but still reasonable for a long day out from Bridgeport.
What you can expect:
- Scenic drives – Rolling hills, farms, and winding two-lane roads.
- Ohio River towns – Stop in communities along the river to walk, grab a bite, and watch the boats.
- Local diners and mom-and-pop shops – Great places to chat with locals and hear stories you won’t find online.
Wetzel County is perfect if you enjoy just seeing where the road takes you, rather than ticking off a long list of attractions.
Tips for Planning Short Road Trips From Bridgeport
To make the most of these
West Virginia day trips from Bridgeport, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the weather – Many of these trips involve lakes, rivers, or hiking.
- Pack the basics – Water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a small first-aid kit.
- Fill up on gas – Some backroads don’t have many stations.
- Give yourself extra time – Twisty mountain roads can be slower, and you’ll probably want to stop for photos.
Think of Bridgeport as your home base. From there, you can pick a direction – north, south, east, or west – and hit a different adventure every weekend.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Bridgeport?
Now it’s your turn. Have you driven to any of these spots from Bridgeport? Did we miss a favorite swimming hole, a small-town café, or a scenic overlook in one of these nearby counties?
- Share your stories in the comments.
- Drop your own tips for Barbour, Doddridge, Lewis, Marion, Taylor, Upshur, or Wetzel counties.
- Send this post to a friend or family member who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
If you found this guide helpful,
share it on social media so more people can discover easy, affordable road trips from Bridgeport, WV. The next great day trip might be just 30 miles down the road.
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