10 Easy Road Trips From Weston, West Virginia (That Take You Out of Lewis County)
If you live in or around
Weston, West Virginia, you already know it’s a peaceful spot in the heart of the state. But sometimes, you want to hop in the car, put on a good playlist, and see what’s just beyond your own backyard.
The good news? Within about an hour’s drive, you can find lakes, rails‑to‑trails paths, small-town diners, and some downright gorgeous mountain views.
Below are
10 short out‑of‑county road trips from Weston that take you into nearby counties like
Braxton, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Upshur, and Webster. None of these stops are in Lewis County, so you truly are “getting away,” even if you’re home by dinner.
1. Burnsville Lake – Braxton County
Looking for an easy day on the water? Head about 30–40 minutes west to
Burnsville Lake in Braxton County.
This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake is a favorite with locals for:
- Boating – Bring your own boat or rent one nearby.
- Fishing – Bass, crappie, catfish… you name it.
- Swimming – Cool off on a hot July afternoon.
- Picnicking – Plenty of grassy areas and shelters.
On a calm summer morning, the lake can be as smooth as glass. It’s the kind of place where you toss a line in, kick back in a camp chair, and forget what time it is.
Road trip tip: Pack a cooler with sandwiches and cold drinks so you don’t have to leave the lakeshore once you find your perfect spot.
2. Sutton & the Elk River – Braxton County
Just a bit farther up the road from Burnsville sits the small town of
Sutton, hugging the
Elk River.
Here you can:
- Stroll through a quiet historic downtown with local shops.
- Grab a bite at a local café or diner (the kind where they know everybody’s name).
- Walk along the river and watch kayakers drift past.
I once stopped in Sutton “just for gas” and ended up spending a couple of hours popping into antique stores and chatting with the shop owners. It’s that kind of town—easy to wander, hard to leave quickly.
Road trip tip: This is a great rainy‑day option: you can still enjoy the small-town charm even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
3. North Bend Rail Trail – Doddridge County Access
If you like to walk, bike, or just explore old railroad history, the
North Bend Rail Trail is a must.
This 70‑plus‑mile rail trail runs through several counties, including
Doddridge County. From Weston, you can drive north into Doddridge and hop on the trail at one of the access points.
What you’ll find:
- Flat, easy trail that’s ideal for families and casual riders.
- Tunnels and old railroad structures that feel straight out of a history book.
- Scenic views of hills, farms, and streams along the way.
Walking through one of the old tunnels with a cool breeze coming through is like stepping into another world for a minute.
Road trip tip: Bring a small flashlight or headlamp for the tunnels, and don’t forget bug spray in summer.
4. Small‑Town Stroll in West Union – Doddridge County
While you’re in Doddridge County, swing by
West Union, the county seat.
It’s a classic West Virginia small town where you can:
- Walk the main street and check out the courthouse area.
- Stop for ice cream or a burger at a local spot.
- Enjoy the slower pace and watch the world go by for a while.
If you enjoy people‑watching and snapping photos of old brick buildings and storefronts, this is a simple, relaxing few hours.
Road trip tip: Pair West Union with your North Bend Rail Trail visit and make it a full day in Doddridge County.
5. Cedar Creek State Park – Gilmer County
Head about 30 miles southwest from Weston into
Gilmer County and you’ll find
Cedar Creek State Park, a quiet, green getaway tucked into the hills.
Things to do here include:
- Hiking easy to moderate trails through the woods.
- Fishing in small ponds that are great for kids.
- Camping if you want to turn your road trip into an overnight adventure.
- Checking out the restored one‑room schoolhouses on the grounds.
There’s something about hearing the creek run alongside the road as you pull into the park that instantly relaxes you.
Road trip tip: This is a great spot for a “digital detox” day. Cell service can be spotty, which is perfect if you really want to unplug.
6. Glenville & the Little Kanawha River – Gilmer County
Also in Gilmer County, the town of
Glenville sits along the
Little Kanawha River and has a friendly, college‑town feel thanks to Glenville State University.
Here you can:
- Walk around the campus and town streets.
- Look for spots to relax by the river.
- Grab coffee, a sandwich, or a slice of pie at a local restaurant.
Glenville is especially lively when there’s an event or game day at the college, but even on a quiet Saturday, it’s a pleasant place for a slow walk.
Road trip tip: Check local event calendars before you go—festivals and fairs can turn an ordinary visit into something special.
7. Clarksburg’s History & Food Scene – Harrison County
Drive north from Weston into
Harrison County and you’ll reach
Clarksburg, one of the larger towns in the area.
In Clarksburg, you can:
- Explore the historic downtown with its older buildings and churches.
- Sample the area’s Italian‑American food scene—pizzerias, bakeries, and more.
- Hit a few shops or antique stores and hunt for treasures.
I still remember stopping at a small Italian bakery there and walking back to the car with a box full of cookies I swore I’d “save for later.” They didn’t last 20 minutes.
Road trip tip: Come hungry. Clarksburg is one of the best nearby spots for a food‑focused day trip from Weston.
8. Bridgeport Recreation & Shopping – Harrison County
Right next to Clarksburg is
Bridgeport, another great choice for a quick road trip.
In Bridgeport you’ll find:
- Parks and fields where kids can run around.
- Shopping centers with both local and chain stores.
- Plenty of casual restaurants for a laid‑back meal.
This is a perfect “practical plus fun” trip: you can knock out errands or shopping you can’t do in Weston, then treat yourself to dinner and maybe a stop at a dessert spot.
Road trip tip: It’s easy to combine Bridgeport and Clarksburg into one loop for a full Harrison County day.
9. Buckhannon’s Riverfront & Downtown – Upshur County
Just southeast of Weston, in
Upshur County, the town of
Buckhannon feels like a postcard—tree‑lined streets, a river, and a lively little downtown.
When you visit, you can:
- Walk along the Buckhannon River and enjoy the views.
- Check out downtown shops and local art.
- Grab coffee, brunch, or dinner at one of the independent restaurants.
On warm evenings, the town often feels extra friendly, with people sitting outside chatting and kids riding bikes.
Road trip tip: Buckhannon is great if you only have half a day. It’s close to Weston but still feels like a fresh change of scenery.
10. Holly River State Park – Webster County
If you’re craving a deeper nature escape, point your car southeast toward
Webster County and head for
Holly River State Park.
This is one of West Virginia’s more rugged, less crowded parks, and it offers:
- Waterfalls you can hike to through the forest.
- Shaded trails that feel wonderfully cool in summer.
- Cabins and campgrounds if you decide to stay overnight.
- Quiet picnic spots where you’ll hear more birds than traffic.
It’s a bit farther than some of the other trips on this list, but the mix of creeks, rock formations, and tall trees makes the drive more than worth it.
Road trip tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring extra water and snacks. You’ll want to stay on the trails longer than you think.
Planning Your Weston, WV Road Trips
All of these spots—from
Braxton to
Webster County—are close enough to visit in a single day, yet far enough from Weston to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new.
To make your
Weston, WV road trip days run smoothly:
- Check drive times and directions before you go.
- Look up hours for parks, shops, and restaurants—especially in smaller towns.
- Keep a small “go bag” in the car: water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger.
Think of Weston as your home base and these nearby counties as your playground. Whether you want lakes, trails, small‑town charm, or good food, you don’t have to go far to find it.
Share Your Favorite Weston Area Day Trip
Have you taken a fun
day trip from Weston, West Virginia? Maybe you know a hidden fishing hole in Braxton County, a great diner in Upshur, or a quiet overlook in Webster.
I’d love to hear about it.
- Drop a comment with your favorite out‑of‑county road trip from Weston.
- Share this post with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Sometimes the best adventures are less than an hour down the road—you just need a little push to go find them.
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