10 Easy Road Trips From Lewisburg, WV: Short Drives, Big Adventures
If you’re based in
Lewisburg, West Virginia and looking for fun things to do without driving all day, you’re in the perfect spot. Within about an hour or so, you can hike under towering cliffs, soak in hot springs, chase waterfalls, and wander small mountain towns that feel frozen in time.
Below are
10 short out‑of‑county road trips from Lewisburg, all in nearby counties like Fayette, Pocahontas, Monroe, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Bath, and Alleghany. None of these are in Greenbrier County, so they’re true “get out of town” escapes.
Use this as your go‑to guide for
day trips from Lewisburg, WV or quick weekend getaways in the mountains.
1. New River Gorge National Park – Fayette County, WV
If you only have time for one road trip from Lewisburg, make it this one.
The
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in Fayette County is about an hour northwest of Lewisburg and feels like a national park out West…just with more trees.
- Distance from Lewisburg: About 1 hour to Fayetteville or the Canyon Rim Visitor Center
- Why go: Iconic views, bridges, whitewater, and some of the best hiking in West Virginia
Top things to do:
- Walk the Canyon Rim Boardwalk for that postcard shot of the New River Gorge Bridge
- Hike the easy Long Point Trail to a jaw‑dropping overlook of the bridge
- Try whitewater rafting with an outfitter on the New River (in season)
- Explore the shops and cafés in Fayetteville, a fun, outdoorsy little town
If you time it right in October, you can experience
Bridge Day, when thrill‑seekers BASE jump off the New River Gorge Bridge. Even if you stay far from the edge, it’s wild to watch.
2. Bluestone Lake & Pipestem Area – Summers County, WV
Love calm water, gentle hikes, and easy views? Head south into Summers County.
Bluestone Lake, one of West Virginia’s largest lakes, sits in a peaceful valley just beyond Hinton. It’s a great choice if you want a relaxed day trip from Lewisburg without intense hiking or crowds.
- Distance from Lewisburg: Around 1 hour
- Why go: Boating, fishing, picnics, and scenic drives along the river
What to do at Bluestone and nearby:
- Rent a kayak or bring your own for a mellow paddle on Bluestone Lake
- Fish from the shoreline or a small boat (check local regulations)
- Drive into Hinton, a historic railroad town with old‑school charm
- Consider tacking on a visit to Pipestem Resort State Park just a bit farther south for more trails and viewpoints
It’s the kind of place where you throw a cooler in the car, pack a few folding chairs, and let the day unfold.
3. Cass Scenic Railroad – Pocahontas County, WV
If you’re into trains, history, or just cool mountain views, the
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Pocahontas County is a must‑do.
From Lewisburg, you head north into higher country, where an old logging railroad now carries visitors up the mountain on vintage steam locomotives.
- Distance from Lewisburg: Around 1.5 hours (worth every mile)
- Why go: Classic steam train rides, high‑elevation views, and a laid‑back, nostalgic feel
What you can do:
- Ride the steam train up to Whittaker Station or all the way to Bald Knob, one of the highest points in West Virginia
- Walk through the historic company town of Cass, with preserved houses and a small museum
- Pack a jacket—even in summer, the top of the mountain can feel surprisingly cool
If you grew up around trains (or wished you did), this trip hits all the nostalgic buttons.
4. The Green Bank Observatory – Pocahontas County, WV
Also in Pocahontas County, but a totally different vibe: the
Green Bank Observatory, home to one of the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescopes.
This area is part of the “National Radio Quiet Zone,” which limits cell signals and radio interference so scientists can listen to the universe. Yes, that means your cell service might drop…and it’s kind of refreshing.
- Distance from Lewisburg: About 1.5 hours north
- Why go: Science, stargazing, and a real break from screens
Highlights:
- Take a guided tour to see the huge Green Bank Telescope up close
- Check out hands‑on science exhibits in the visitor center
- Stay after dark (if you can) and enjoy a night sky that actually shows stars
If you enjoy space documentaries or you’re traveling with kids who ask a million questions, this spot is a goldmine.
5. The Homestead & Hot Springs – Bath County, VA
Looking for something a bit more refined? Cross into Virginia and visit the
Hot Springs area in Bath County, home to luxury resorts and natural warm springs that have drawn visitors for centuries.
- Distance from Lewisburg: Roughly 1.5 hours east
- Why go: Mountain views, historic resorts, golf, and a touch of old‑school elegance
Things to do around Hot Springs and Bath County:
- Stroll the grounds of the historic resort area (even if you’re not staying there)
- Enjoy a nice sit‑down meal with mountain views
- Drive the quiet backroads for sweeping ridgeline scenery, especially in the fall
- Hit a day spa or soak in warm mineral waters if available and in season
This makes a great
“treat yourself” day trip—perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a reset from everyday life.
6. Douthat State Park & Covington – Alleghany County, VA
In nearby Alleghany County, Virginia, you’ll find one of the most loved state parks in the region:
Douthat State Park. Combine it with a quick stop in
Covington or nearby small towns, and you’ve got a full day.
- Distance from Lewisburg: Around 1 hour 15 minutes
- Why go: Classic lakeside state park with good trails, a beach area, and mountain scenery
What to do:
- Take an easy walk along the lake or try one of the longer trails into the hills
- Swim at the lake beach in warmer months or rent a paddleboat
- Bring a picnic and find a shady table near the water
- Stop in Covington for a quick bite or to stroll around town
If you like places that feel “classic summer”—dock, water, pine trees, and people grilling nearby—this one fits the bill.
7. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory – Monroe County, WV
For big views without a long, punishing hike, check out the
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory in Monroe County. This old fire tower turned bird‑watching spot sits on a ridgeline with sweeping views across West Virginia and Virginia.
- Distance from Lewisburg: About 1 hour south
- Why go: Panoramic mountain views and seasonal raptor migration watching
What to expect:
- A moderate uphill hike (a bit rocky and steep in places, but not extremely long)
- A tall tower you can climb for even bigger views
- In fall, the chance to see hawks and other raptors riding the thermals
If you’re scared of heights, you can still enjoy the views from the base of the tower. Bring water, good shoes, and maybe a light jacket—the ridge can be windy.
8. Summersville Lake & Gauley River – Nicholas County, WV
Often called the “Little Bahamas of the East” because of its clear blue‑green water,
Summersville Lake in Nicholas County is a summer star. Rock cliffs line parts of the shore, and the lake feels almost like a huge hidden pool in the forest.
- Distance from Lewisburg: About 1 hour 15 minutes northwest
- Why go: Swimming, boating, cliffside views, and access to Gauley River adventures
Fun ideas for your visit:
- Swim at designated spots or relax on a lakeside rock
- Rent a kayak, stand‑up paddleboard, or boat (in season)
- Drive across the Summersville Dam and check out the viewpoints
- If you’re into big thrills, explore Gauley River whitewater with a local outfitter during release season
This is a perfect day trip from Lewisburg when the weather is hot and you’re craving clear water and sun.
9. Holly River State Park – Webster County, WV
If you’re looking to really unplug, head deeper into the mountains to
Holly River State Park in Webster County. It’s quieter than some of the better‑known spots and packed with forest trails and small waterfalls.
- Distance from Lewisburg: Around 1 hour 45 minutes (a bit longer, but nice for a full‑day escape)
- Why go: Peaceful woods, waterfalls, and classic state park vibes
Things to do:
- Hike to small cascades and streams tucked into the forest
- Pack a cooler and enjoy a slow afternoon at a picnic shelter
- Look for wildlife—deer, birds, and all the small forest critters
The drive out is part of the fun: winding roads, tiny communities, and a sense that you’ve stepped far away from busy life, even though you’re still within a couple of hours of home.
10. Babcock State Park & the Famous Grist Mill – Fayette County, WV
Just a bit beyond the New River Gorge, you’ll find
Babcock State Park in Fayette County, home to one of the most photographed spots in West Virginia: the
Glade Creek Grist Mill.
If you’ve ever seen a classic fall photo of West Virginia—a wooden mill by a tumbling stream framed in red and gold leaves—there’s a good chance it was taken here.
- Distance from Lewisburg: About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Why go: Iconic photo spot, gentle hiking, and pretty streams
What to do at Babcock:
- Walk around the Grist Mill area and snap photos from different angles
- Follow short trails along the creek and through the woods
- Bring snacks or lunch and relax by the water
This is a great spot if you like photography or just want that storybook West Virginia scene for your memories.
Tips for Planning Your Lewisburg Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from Lewisburg, WV, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these are 1–1.5 hours away. Perfect for a day trip if you start in the morning.
- Watch the weather: Mountain weather can shift fast—pack layers, especially in higher elevation areas like Cass and Green Bank.
- Bring cash: Some small parking areas, local diners, and roadside stands may not take cards.
- Fuel up: Once you get into rural counties, gas stations can be spread out. Top off in Lewisburg or a bigger town on the way.
- Respect the outdoors: Stay on marked trails, pack out your trash, and be mindful of local rules around fires and camping.
Where Will You Go First?
From
New River Gorge adventures to quiet days at
Holly River or train rides at
Cass, you’ve got a full menu of
things to do near Lewisburg, WV—without ever hopping on a plane.
Which of these out‑of‑county road trips are you adding to your list?
Have you already visited any of these places?
I’d love to hear about your favorite day trips and hidden spots near Lewisburg.
Drop a comment with your stories, tips, or questions—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are planning a trip to southern West Virginia. The more ideas we trade, the better our next road trips will be.
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