10 Easy Road Trips Near Pinch, West Virginia (All Outside Kanawha County)
If you live in
Pinch, West Virginia, you know it’s a quiet spot with that cozy small-town feel. But what if you’re itching to get out for the day, hit the road, and find something fun to do that’s still close to home?
Here’s the good news: within about 30–90 minutes of Pinch, you’ve got waterfalls, state parks, lakes, quirky small towns, and classic West Virginia scenery in almost every direction. And we’re sticking to spots
outside Kanawha County, just like you asked.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Pinch, all in nearby counties like Boone, Clay, Fayette, Jackson, Lincoln, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, and Roane Counties.
1. New River Gorge National Park & Bridge – Fayette County
If you only take one road trip from Pinch, make it this one.
The
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in Fayette County is about 1 to 1.5 hours away, depending on your route, and it feels like a whole different world. Think huge views, deep canyons, and that famous
New River Gorge Bridge stretching across the sky.
Top things to do:
- Walk the Canyon Rim Boardwalk for easy, stunning overlooks.
- Drive the Fayette Station Road for river views and old bridges.
- Try whitewater rafting with a local outfitter (great for adventurous weekend trips).
- Visit downtown Fayetteville for coffee, pizza, and local shops.
If you time it right, you can come during
Bridge Day in October, when people literally BASE jump off the bridge. Even if you’re not jumping, it’s wild to see.
2. Summersville Lake & Gauley River – Nicholas County
Need a “fake beach” day without driving to the ocean? Head to
Summersville Lake in Nicholas County, about 1.5 hours from Pinch.
West Virginians call it the “Little Bahamas of the East” because of its clear blue-green water and rocky cliffs. It’s a great weekend or one-day escape.
Things you can do:
- Swim at Battle Run or Salmon Run areas when they’re open.
- Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or boat and explore the coves.
- Walk the trails around the lake and check out the overlooks.
- Visit the Gauley River National Recreation Area for big whitewater in the fall.
If you just want to relax, pack a cooler, grab some camp chairs, and find a quiet spot by the water. It’s one of the best easy lake trips near Pinch.
3. Tamarack & Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine – Raleigh County
Looking for a mix of culture, food, and history in one trip? Raleigh County has you covered, about 1.5 hours south of Pinch.
Stop 1: Tamarack
Tamarack is a big arts and crafts center right off the interstate near Beckley. It’s basically a showcase of West Virginia-made goods.
- Shop for handmade pottery, quilts, glass, and woodwork.
- Try local foods in the cafeteria-style restaurant.
- Watch artists work on-site some days.
Stop 2: Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
A short drive from Tamarack, you can
actually ride a small train down into an old coal mine.
- Take a guided underground mine tour with retired miners.
- Walk through the recreated coal camp buildings above ground.
- Learn what life was truly like in a company town.
It’s a powerful way to understand the history behind so many West Virginia communities, including those near Pinch.
4. Hawks Nest State Park & Ansted – Fayette County
Want big views without a big hike?
Hawks Nest State Park in Fayette County is another easy trip, about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes from Pinch.
From the overlook, you can see the
New River cutting through the gorge far below. On a clear day, it’s the kind of view that makes you just stand there and go, “Wow.”
What to do at Hawks Nest:
- Walk to the main overlook near the lodge.
- Ride the seasonal aerial tram (if it’s operating) down toward the river.
- Take a short hike like the Hawks Nest Rail Trail.
The nearby town of
Ansted has a quiet, small-town feel and a few interesting historic sites. It’s a laid-back kind of day trip that still feels special.
5. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park – Nicholas County
If you enjoy history along with good scenery,
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park near Summersville is a solid choice.
This Civil War battlefield sits on high ground above the
Gauley River. It’s not crowded, and it has that calm, peaceful feeling many historic parks have.
Highlights:
- Short, easy walking trails with interpretive signs.
- Scenic overlooks of the Gauley River.
- Picnic shelters and open fields for kids to run around.
You can easily combine this stop with a trip to
Summersville Lake for a full day out from Pinch.
6. Ripley & Cedar Lakes Conference Center – Jackson County
Looking for a classic small-town West Virginia road trip? Head northwest to
Ripley in Jackson County, about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes from Pinch.
In and around Ripley:
- Walk through downtown and check out local shops.
- Look for seasonal events like craft fairs and small festivals.
- Grab a casual bite at a local diner or pizza place.
Just outside town,
Cedar Lakes Conference Center offers:
- Walking paths around small lakes.
- Fishing spots (check regulations first).
- Peaceful scenery that’s great for unwinding.
This is a relaxed day trip when you don’t want crowds or long drives, but still want to leave Kanawha County behind for a while.
7. Winfield & the Kanawha River Views – Putnam County
Even though you’re following the Kanawha River, this trip keeps you in
Putnam County, not Kanawha County, and it’s an easy drive west from Pinch.
The town of
Winfield and the surrounding area have that river-town feel, with spots where you can pull off, watch boats, or just enjoy being near the water.
Ideas for this trip:
- Explore the Winfield area and nearby communities in Putnam County.
- Find a riverside pull-off or small park to watch the water and relax.
- Pair the drive with a casual meal at a local restaurant in Putnam County.
If you like low-key drives and river scenery more than packed attractions, this is the kind of road trip that fits perfectly into a free afternoon.
8. Clay & the Elk River Backroads – Clay County
Head northeast from Pinch and you’ll cross into
Clay County, home to winding roads, river views, and quiet hillsides.
The town of
Clay itself is small, but the
drive along the Elk River is the real treat here.
What makes this trip special:
- Scenic roadside pull-offs where you can watch the river.
- Curvy mountain roads that are fun to drive (just take your time).
- That “old West Virginia” feeling, where things move a little slower.
If you pack a simple picnic and stop along the river at a safe, open area, this can be a really relaxing day away from home.
9. Boone County Backroads & Coal Heritage – Boone County
To the south of Kanawha County, you can slip into
Boone County, where coal history and small mountain communities shape the landscape.
This isn’t a “big attractions” road trip. It’s more about
seeing how people live in the hills and hollows, and understanding more of the coal heritage that shaped the region.
Road trip ideas in Boone County:
- Drive through the small towns and look for roadside murals or memorials.
- Stop at local gas stations or diners and chat with people (if you’re comfortable).
- Enjoy the mountain scenery from overlook pull-offs when available.
If you like exploring off the beaten path and seeing the “real” West Virginia beyond tourist spots, this is a good one.
10. Spencer & Country Roads in Roane County
Finally, head north into
Roane County and the town of
Spencer, another nice example of a small West Virginia community that’s an easy day trip from Pinch.
The drive itself is a big part of the fun here—rolling hills, farm fields, and lots of those “just two lanes and trees” kind of roads.
When you reach Spencer and Roane County:
- Walk around town and look at the older buildings and local shops.
- Check out any small events or markets if they’re happening when you visit.
- Take a slow loop back on different backroads to see more countryside.
It’s a simple trip, but sometimes simple is exactly what you need.
Tips for Planning Road Trips from Pinch, WV
To make these
short road trips from Pinch smoother and more enjoyable, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these are between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours from Pinch, depending on your exact route.
- Watch the weather: Mountain roads can feel very different in rain, fog, or snow.
- Fill your gas tank first: Some rural stretches don’t have many stations.
- Bring snacks and water: Especially for places like lakes and state parks.
- Double-check hours: Visitor centers, tours, and trams can be seasonal or have limited hours.
If you live in Pinch, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere completely different. From
New River Gorge views to
Summersville Lake to quiet drives along the Elk River, there’s a lot waiting just outside Kanawha County.
Have You Taken Any of These Trips from Pinch?
Have you driven to any of these spots from Pinch or nearby areas?
- Which road trip was your favorite?
- Did I miss a must-see place in Boone, Clay, Fayette, Jackson, Lincoln, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, or Roane County?
I’d love to hear your ideas and stories. Share your favorite day trips, hidden gems, or photos from your adventures in the comments.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who live in or around Pinch, WV. You might just inspire someone’s next weekend escape.
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