The Ultimate WV Roadtrip Itinerary

Explore Wild and Wonderful West Virginia: The Ultimate Roadtrip Guide

800 Miles of Beauty. Mountain peaks, streams, and valleys.

Grab a Pepperoni Roll, and LET’S GO MOUNTAINEERS!


At a Glance

  • Harpers Ferry
  • Berkeley Springs
  • Romney
  • Keyser
  • Mount Storm
  • Thomas
  • Davis
  • Seneca Rocks
  • Green Bank
  • Cass
  • Lewisburg
  • Hinton
  • Fayetteville
  • Beckley
  • Charleston
  • Huntington
  • Lesage
  • Point Pleasant
  • Parkersburg
  • Weston
  • Clarksburg
  • Fairmont
  • Morgantown


The Starting Point

This Roadtrip can be started in Morgantown, WV or Harper’s Ferry, WV. Or, if you live down south: start in Beckley, WV. As-is, the itinerary is a semi-complete loop. Pick up and  leave off!

Day One

Harpers Ferry, Berkeley Springs, Romney, WV

Harpers Ferry

Start out in scenic Harpers Ferry. One of the lowest points in the state of West Virginia. Here, the Potomac meets the Shenandoah. The confluence and mountains are beautiful! But, there’s much more to do here..

Pro Tip: Get there early!

Harpers Ferry may be the busiest/most touristy place in West Virginia. Parking gets nearly impossible by 11am.

Maryland Heights loop takes about 3 to 4 hours.

So much history to enjoy here! Walk the streets of cobblestone, and browse “Olde Tyme” shoppes. Antiques, blacksmiths, and general stores. There’s several great food options, too. EBike rentals are relatively cheap here.

Unique Biking Experiences in WV

Berkeley Springs

Follow Route 9 eastward. Pass thorough Charlestown and Martinsburg. Begin climbing up the mountains.. We’re just getting started!

In the quaint small town of Berkeley Springs is America’s first spa. Even George Washington relaxed here!


America’s First Spa


Relax in the Old Roman bathhouse, salt cave, or get a massage. For $27.00 you can enjoy a half hour of warm tranquility and rejuvenation.

Be sure to check out Mythical Pizza while in the Berkeley Springs area. It’s such a quirky spot!

Romney

Romney is the oldest town in the oldest county in West Virginia. It’s a great small town to stop and rest for the next day. Or if you’re not in any hurry, you could spend a coupl’a days here!


48 Hours in Romney: A Guide to One of West Virginia’s Oldest Towns


Hampshire County is very quaint, with very little bustling things to-do. The views along the South Branch against the pastures of farm land are absolutely beautiful! The landscape along Route 50 is like, no other. And the fruit… This is the Heart of the Fruit Belt.

Spinnanight:

(on time) Koolwink Motel

(running behind) Country Inn of Berkeley Springs

(ahead of time) Keyser Inn

Day Two

Mount Storm, Davis, Thomas

From the Potomac up to the Highlands. This jaunt up Route 50 through Mineral and Grant County is quite exhilarating. Twists, turns, mostly ups and some downs.

Once you get into Tucker County, you’re up into the highest peaks of West Virginia.


The best pepperoni roll in West Virginia is in Tucker County


How can I say this? This area deserves much emphasis. I’ve been all around West Virginia: all 55 Counties. Yet, nothing compares to the Potomac Highlands.


Farms, orchards, and fields of Green
Beside me, the Grass is spread,
Ridge and Mountains, always seen,
Majesty beside me, forever ahead.

The Potomac Valley, the wide Land
Guiding me with a gentle Hand,
Up the Banks, and along River Streams.
Climb up the Mountain,
Where the Sunshine Beams.

Up in the Spruce, Trees surround
As I gaze to the Valley down below,
Pasture and Meadow, all around,
Peace be with me, wherever I go.

Through all the places I have roamed,
I’ve found no place quite beautiful as HOME.”


Hampshire, Mineral, Grant, and Tucker counties are most beautiful. IMO. Be sure to enjoy these two days. Squeeze a few more if you can.

Spinnanight:

(on time) The Billy Motel

(ahead of time) Yokums Vacationland

Day Three

Seneca Rocks, Green Bank, Lewisburg

As you head south, out of the panhandle. Those mountains! The landscape changes. In the armpit region is one of the most barren areas of West Virginia. Be sure to gas up in Davis, before heading to Lewisburg.

Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks is one of my favorite parts of the entire state. Hike up (or Horseback Ride) piece of Native American History! Nearby are caverns to explore. Be sure to visit Harper’s General Store, the oldest store in WV in operation since 1902.


The Oldest General Store In West Virginia Has A Fascinating History


Green Bank

This is the town “where phones are illegal”. Turn off your cell phone device, and explore the Green Bank Observatory. Home to the world’s largest steerable radio telescope.


Green Bank, West Virginia: The Town Where Wireless Signals are Illegal


Cass

Cass Scenic Railroad was a logging town way back when. Today visitor’s flock to this unique town for a step-back into time. It’s home to some of the oldest steam locomotives still in operation. During/or around Father’s day weekend: visitors get a treat to Cass Parade of Steam.


Cass Scenic Railroad Tickets Now on Sale –


Lewisburg

Outta the mountains and into the valley! Right along the Greenbrier River is Lewisburg. Home to WV State Fair and a slew of caves. The downtown area has many fancy restaurants. There’s a Tudors around! Outta the panhandle and into Biscuit World! A great place to rest for the night. And grab a biscuit in the morning.

Spinnanight:

(on time) The Inn at Lewisburg

(running behind) Schoolhouse Hotel

(running very behind) Cass Company House Cabins

Day Four

& Day Five

Sandstone Falls, New River Gorge Bridge, Beckley

This area is super popular among tourists. For very good reason! Beauty and history is found all around the New River. That bridge is iconic, ya know!

Pro Tip: Get to Parks early for fuss-free parking.

Route Optimization for New River Gorge
  1. Lewisburg
  2. Sandstone Falls
  3. Grandview
  4. Babcock State Park
  5. Hawks Nest State Park
  6. New River Gorge Bridge/Endless Wall Trail
  7. Thurmond Depot
  8. Beckley

There’s so so much to do here! Plan to spend more than a day here. There’s some wonderful hiking adventures here. Wild and crazy excursions. Hollerin’ fun! And a few great places to eat, too!

Sandstone Falls: West Virginia Hiking with Kids and Dogs

Spinnanight:

(on time) Hawks Nest State Park Lodge

(running behind) New River Cabins

(ahead of time) Skyline Lodge

Here’s a side trip on top of this trip. If you’d like to go deeper and explore further: Check out my Coalfields Waterfalls Loop itinerary!

WV Adventures and Roadtrips:
Coalfields Waterfalls Loop

Day Six

Beckley, Charleston, Huntington, Point Pleasant, Parkersburg

As you get out of the fun part of Fayette County, and the New River region. Next you’ll cross into Beckley. From Beckley, you’re not far from West Virginia’s Capitol; Charleston.

This day is the longest day of driving out of the entire trip. You’ll log around 250-300 miles; depending on roadside attractions and detours. But, it’s mostly easy interstate driving.

Spinnanight:

(on time) Blennerhassett Hotel

(running behind) Ravenswood Inn

(ahead of time) Inn at Plantation

Day Seven

Weston, Clarksburg, Fairmont, Morgantown

Welcome to NCWV! “North Central West Virginia”. This little slice of WV has much Italian flavor. The Pepperoni Roll was born right in Fairmont. There’s even a Pepperoni Roll trail!


Embark on the West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Trail


Weston

One of the most popular haunted attractions in the state of West Virginia is Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The historical building is a marvel. It’s the largest hand-cut stone building in the world, next to the Kremlin.

Next to the “Looney Bin” is The Museum of American Glass. Which is totally FREE and super unique.

WV Adventures & Roadtrips:
American Glass Museum, Weston, WV.

For those who enjoy haunts and Paranormal. West Virginia is filled with wonderful stories of wild encounters. Most of these tales come from the central region: Flatwoods, Grafton, Fairmont.. It’s the Cryptid corridor!

The Ultimate WV Cryptid/Paranormal/Haunted Roadtrip

Fairmont

One of my favorite cities in West Virginia! It’s a medium-sized town of about 18,000 people. So many great family-centered places. Tons of stuff to do, within budget. Marion County does so much for the community. And everyone is so friendly! Plus a few great places to eat.


Discover 11 FUN Things to do in Fairmont for Families


Depending on schedule and time of the year: Palatine Park is a great place to catch live music! Pack a cooler and enjoy the show. Or explore the McTrail Meredith Tunnel.

First Time Festival Guide:
Palatine Park, Fairmont, WV

Morgantown

Home to WVU: This college town has a few things to do. Probably best known for Football and Pizza Al’s. Yes, Al’s is seriously good pizza! This is not your average West Virginia town. Depending on who you ask, most will tell you Morgantown is different.


The Best College Town In West Virginia


Museums, Record Stores, Thrift Stores, Hiking Trails, Ice Cream Adventures, Hot Dogs, Cryptids, Petroglyphs, and other randomness

Right along the 68/79 split; You can head in any direction. Making Morgantown a great spot to start or end a trip.

Guide to Roadtrips:
151 Adventures from Morgantown

The Ending Point

Whether you do this entire trip in a week, or pick some and do a few: There’s so much to do right here in West Virginia! Our backyard is a gigantic playground.

Make memories, do cool things, grab every opportunity. Cherish and celebrate family and friends.  Say yes! Live life to the fullest and be fulfilled.

Guide to Decluttering: Mindset of Fulfilment

The Way is Made

Make the Time to Thank God

You are so loved ❤️

Enjoy the Journey

Guide to Roadtrips: 17 Travel Tips
from a Professional Roadtripper

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