10 Easy Road Trips From Keyser, WV: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Mineral County
If you live in
Keyser, West Virginia, you know it’s a small town with a big heart. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and see something new.
The good news? Within about an hour’s drive, you’ve got mountains, lakes, caves, rail trails, and some surprisingly cool small towns. And all of these road trip ideas are
outside Mineral County, just like you asked for.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Keyser, focusing on nearby counties:
- Allegany County, MD
- Garrett County, MD
- Grant County, WV
- Hampshire County, WV
- Hardy County, WV
All perfect for a half-day or full-day adventure.
1. Ride History and Scenic Rails in Cumberland, MD (Allegany County)
Cumberland is only about 30 minutes from Keyser, but it feels like a different world. It’s one of the best
day trips from Keyser if you like history, trains, and river views.
Don’t miss:
- Western Maryland Scenic Railroad – Take a vintage train from downtown Cumberland up into the mountains toward Frostburg. The ride is about 3–4 hours round trip, with great fall foliage views.
- C&O Canal Towpath – Walk or bike along the Potomac River. It’s flat, peaceful, and great for families.
- Historic Downtown Cumberland – Grab coffee, check out local shops, and wander the brick streets.
If you only have an afternoon, just stroll downtown and watch the trains roll by. On a longer visit, book a rail ride and make a full day of it.
2. Play by the Water at Rocky Gap State Park (Allegany County, MD)
Looking for lakes and easy hikes near Keyser?
Rocky Gap State Park is about 40–45 minutes away and has a little bit of everything.
What to do:
- Relax on the sand beach at Lake Habeeb – The water is clear, and the mountain backdrop is gorgeous.
- Hike around the lake – Trails range from short and easy to moderate, with plenty of shade.
- Try your luck at Rocky Gap Casino Resort if that’s your style.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard in the warmer months.
Pack a cooler, toss in some sandwiches, and you’ve got a simple, low-stress day trip from Keyser that feels like a mini-vacation.
3. Escape to Deep Creek Lake, MD (Garrett County)
When folks around here say they’re “going to the lake,” they usually mean
Deep Creek Lake. It’s about an hour from Keyser and one of the most popular
weekend getaways near Keyser.
Highlights:
- Boating & water sports – Rent a pontoon boat, jet ski, or kayak.
- Wisp Resort – Ski in winter, try the mountain coaster, ziplining, or scenic chairlift in summer.
- Lakefront dining – Grab a burger or ice cream with a lake view.
If you’ve got kids, this is a great spot. They can splash at the state park beach while you relax on a blanket with a book.
4. Chase Waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park (Garrett County, MD)
Just a bit beyond Deep Creek, you’ll find one of the most beautiful spots in Western Maryland:
Swallow Falls State Park.
A simple loop trail (about 1–2 miles) takes you along the Youghiogheny River and past several waterfalls.
Don’t miss:
- Muddy Creek Falls – A dramatic, roughly 50+ foot waterfall that’s picture-perfect.
- Tall pine and hemlock forest – Feels a bit like stepping into a storybook.
- Great photo spots all along the trail.
The trail can be a little rocky and uneven in places, so wear decent shoes. If you love nature photography, this is a must-do day trip from Keyser.
5. Experience the Highlands at Dolly Sods (Grant County, WV)
If you’re in the mood for something wild and almost other-worldly, head south to
Dolly Sods Wilderness in Grant County. It’ll take a little over an hour from Keyser, but it’s worth every mile.
The plateau feels more like Canada than West Virginia, with open views, stunted trees, and cool breezes even in summer.
Things to know:
- Roads in can be rough and sometimes muddy – a higher-clearance vehicle helps.
- Weather changes fast; bring layers and rain gear.
- Cell service is spotty, so download maps before you go.
Popular spots:
- Bear Rocks Preserve – One of the most famous overlooks in the state.
- Short walks and longer hikes depending on your time and energy.
If you’ve ever wanted that “on top of the world” feeling only about an hour from home, this is the place.
6. Explore the Underground World at Smoke Hole Caverns (Grant County, WV)
Need something unique that the whole family can enjoy?
Smoke Hole Caverns offers guided cave tours, stories about old moonshiners, and cool rock formations.
Why it’s great:
- The cave stays cool year-round – perfect escape on a hot summer day.
- Guided tours mean you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
- Nearby scenic drives along the South Branch of the Potomac are beautiful.
You can easily pair a visit to the caverns with a picnic by the river or a short hike in the area.
7. Step Back in Time in Romney, WV (Hampshire County)
Just under an hour from Keyser,
Romney is one of the oldest towns in West Virginia. It’s a quiet place, but full of small-town charm.
What to do:
- Stroll through historic downtown and check out old buildings and local shops.
- Drive the country roads around town for classic West Virginia scenery.
- Visit local diners or cafés for comfort food and friendly faces.
Romney makes a good “slow day” trip when you don’t want anything too intense—just a change of scenery and a slower pace.
8. Ride the Rails on the Potomac Eagle (Hampshire County, WV)
While you’re in the Romney area, consider one of the most iconic
scenic train rides near Keyser: the
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad.
The train follows the South Branch of the Potomac River through the narrow
Trough, a rugged, steep-sided gorge.
Why people love it:
- High chance of spotting bald eagles along the river.
- Comfortable ride with open-air or enclosed cars.
- Relaxing way to see mountain scenery without hiking.
If you’ve got visiting relatives and want to show off West Virginia’s beauty in a low-effort way, this is a fantastic option.
9. Get Outside at Lost River State Park (Hardy County, WV)
About an hour and a half from Keyser,
Lost River State Park is a peaceful forest escape in Hardy County. It’s not flashy, and that’s exactly the charm.
Things to do:
- Hike to Cranny Crow Overlook for wide, sweeping valley views.
- Enjoy picnic areas, horseback rides (seasonal), and quiet trails.
- Rent a cabin if you want to turn your day trip into a simple weekend getaway.
This is a great spot when you want quiet, fresh air, and starry skies instead of crowds.
10. Discover the Small-Town Vibe of Wardensville, WV (Hardy County)
On the eastern side of Hardy County,
Wardensville has grown into a fun stop for foodies and road-trippers.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Trendy coffee shops and bakeries with fresh, local food.
- Artisan shops and small galleries with handmade goods.
- Easy access to nearby trails and scenic drives in the George Washington National Forest.
It’s a great “wander, eat, and browse” kind of stop. Go slow, talk to the locals, and enjoy the mix of old and new West Virginia.
Tips for Planning Short Road Trips from Keyser, WV
To make your
Keyser road trips smoother, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times – Most of these are within 30–90 minutes, but mountain roads can add a bit of time.
- Look at the weather – Especially for Dolly Sods, state parks, and waterfall hikes.
- Pack basics – Water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger go a long way.
- Call ahead – For train rides, caverns, or resorts, check hours and ticket options.
Over time, you might find yourself building a little “favorites list” of spots you return to every season.
What’s Your Favorite Day Trip from Keyser?
These 10 road trips from Keyser are just a start. There are countless side roads, hidden overlooks, and hole‑in‑the‑wall diners waiting just beyond Mineral County’s borders.
Have you tried any of these places yet? Do you have a favorite hike, lake, or small town you’d add to this list?
- Share your go-to spots in the comments.
- Tell us your best road trip story from the Keyser area.
- Pass this guide along to friends or family who live in or around Keyser and need new ideas.
If you found this guide helpful,
share it on social media so more people can discover fun things to do near Keyser, West Virginia—without flying, and without driving all day.
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