West Virginia is on the smaller side, as far as states go, and based on its size you might be tempted to think that things in the Mountain State are all within easy reach of each other. Think again! You’re forgetting to factor in West Virginia’s most famous feature: country roads. Narrow, windy, circuitous, slow country roads make for a beautiful ride, but not a quick one. Unless you hop on a major state or interstate highway, that is. Then the whole state can be crossed in a matter of just a few hours. That’s how it’s possible to get from the New River Gorge Bridge in the New River Gorge National Park to Beckley, West Virginia in a mere 30 minutes, making Beckley, West Virginia the perfect day trip option for visitors to the New River Gorge National Park who are looking for things to do near the gorge to expand their experience of wild, wonderful West Virginia.

The New River Gorge Bridge might be West Virginia's most famous icon, but it's not the only one. In Beckley, just 30 minutes from the New River Gorge Bridge on State Highway 19, you can get up close and personal with something else West Virginia is famous for: coal.
travelwithserenas / Tripadvisor
Crissy K / Tripadvisor
At Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, you can tour a restored coal camp as well as board a coal car train and head deep inside an actual coal mine. There's a youth museum here at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine also, as well as a city park.
Are you a shopaholic? Don't miss Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley, the best, most unique rest stop in West Virginia (maybe even in America)!
Tamarack Marketplace / Facebook
Tamarack Marketplace / Facebook
Featuring West Virginia artisans and made-in-West Virginia products, Tamarack is bursting at the seams with beautiful, unique finds. Plus, there's a cafe, an ice cream shop, and a coffee shop all hidden away inside this circular building.

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Did the natural beauty of the New River Gorge draw you to visit the New River Gorge Bridge? Then check out Beckley's Lake Stephens. This 2300-acre county park features a 272-acre pristine mountain lake surrounded by 1900 acres of hardwood forest.
Lake Stephens - RCPRA / Facebook
Lake Stephens - RCPRA / Facebook
Lake Stephens is best visited in spring, summer, and fall, at which time you can also enjoy the lake's fun water park! There's also fishing, hiking, boating, and more.
Finish off a full day exploring the Beckley area with a meal at this city's legendary steakhouse: The Char.
The Char / Facebook
The Char / Facebook
With a varied and delicious menu, The Char is the perfect place to fuel up before you head back to the New River Gorge.

There you have it: Beckley, West Virginia, the perfect small-town destination that’s within easy reach of the New River Gorge National Park. Need a place to stay while you’re exploring? Check out these unique vacation rentals in Beckley, WV. Another small mountain town that’s even easier to reach (from the New River Gorge Bridge, at least) is Fayetteville, West Virginia:

It’s Official: West Virginia’s Very Own Fayetteville Is One Of The Country’s Best Small Towns To Visit This Year

Looking for more fascinating places to check out in WV? Take a look at this footage from the abandoned town of Thurmond:

 

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