12 Unforgettable West Virginia Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
Pull out the calendar, West Virginia! Plan your best year yet with unforgettable fun for each month of the year. Each of the best day trips in West Virginia listed below (you’ll find a link to more information for each one) promises a ton of fun – whether you’re on the lookout for a family-friendly day out or you prefer just hanging out on your own.
Note: Remember to contact the attraction featured in the day trip, before hitting the road, to check for current hours, prices (if applicable), and to ensure it is still open.
Pack your swimsuit – yes, you read right – for your day at Snowshoe Village. (Actually, you’ll have to stay overnight to use the pool, but who doesn’t need a getaway in bitter cold January?) Don’t expect to swim indoors, however, when you can admire the winter landscape all around you as you lounge in the heated outdoor pool at Split Rock Pools. If you’re really up for a winter adventure, slide down the snow-covered slide right into the warm water. This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in West Virginia. Read more about Snowshoe Village.
Overlook Village at Snowshoe, WV-66, Snowshoe, WV 26209, USA
Can you think of a better way to spend a day than on horseback, exploring the winter landscape? Autumn Breeze Stables welcomes guests to embark on an enchanting winter ride of two, three, or four hours. After your horseback riding adventure, inquire about taking a leisurely sleigh ride. Learn more about Autumn Breeze Stables.
Make the most of every moment of the cold months with a winter ziplining adventure at ACE Adventure Resort. Buckle in for a breathtaking winter adventure 100-feet above the ground. (It’ll be even prettier if it’s snowing.) Read more.
1 Concho road, Oak Hill, WV 25901
April – Covered Bridge Tour Throughout West Virginia
If you’ve been yearning to welcome spring with a leisurely day trip, we’ve got the perfect one for you. The day trip will take you to nine of West Virginia’s beautiful covered bridges – starting at Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge in Sandyville, winding all the way to Dents Run Covered Bridge in Morgantown. Click here for the entire itinerary, including a map.
If you're looking for unique things to do in West Virginia as the weather warms up, we've got you covered! Lift your glass in a toast to the lovely weather of May and the blossoming of flowers, thanks to April’s showers. The five-hour long (driving time only; you’ll have to figure in time to visit each destination) drive starts at Valley Falls State Park in Fairmont. Click here for everything you need to know, including the directions, before you hit the road.
Summer’s heat will soon be taking over, if it hasn’t already, making June the perfect time to hang out on the water. Hop aboard a tube with River Riders in Harper’s Ferry. Floats along the river typically last two hours. However, that doesn’t have to be the end of your day. Follow up with canoeing, kayaking, or river rafting. Keep reading about tubing on the Shenandoah River here.
Always searching for "day trips near me" when the weather warms up? Stay cool and have a blast at Water Ways in Julian, perhaps the state’s wackiest water park. Time will melt away at the water park that features slides, a lazy river, and a swimming pool.
Read more about Water Ways in Julian to plan your day away at the water park.
August is beach weather, so why not spend a day at the beach at Audra State Park? (Don’t expect a sandy beach, however, as the beach is made of rocks and concrete.) Spend the day splashing in the water and don’t forget to check out the pretty waterfall, too. Read more about Audra State Park.
8397 Audra Park Rd, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
September - Old McDonald's Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
If you're looking for some great family-oriented fun, head to Inwood, West Virginia for Old McDonald's Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze! The kids will love the fun maze, which only takes about a half an hour to complete. Afterward, the adults can get some great pumpkins to decorate the house in fall finery.
Climb aboard the Autumn Colors Express for a colorful journey along the New River Gorge from Huntington to Hinton and back. Previously, the fall foliage excursion has run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’ll have a few hour stopover in Hinton before returning back to Huntington. Learn more about the Autumn Colors Express.
On the cusp of winter, you'll want to be spending as much time outdoors as you can. If you're searching "getaways near me" in the late fall season, this is the place for you. Dolly Sods Forest, tucked in Monongahela National Forest, boasts an intricate network of trails, perfect for a little winter hiking. A total of 47 miles of trails crisscrosses the park, including the .7 Beaver Dam Trail. Read more about Dolly Sods Forest.
Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia 26260, USA
Dolly Sods, Monongahela National Forest, Dry Fork, WV, 26260
Celebrate the Christmas season with a visit to the annual Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay. (You can even stay overnight if you want.) Visit the animals at The Good Zoo. Drive through the light attraction, and stroll along The Garden of Lights. Read more about the Winter Festival of Lights.
465 Lodge Drive Wheeling, WV 26003
Which of these are your favorite day trips in West Virginia? Let us know in the comments! If you’re in the mood for a scenic road trip, hit the road on this Ultimate Waterfalls Road Trip.
Address: Overlook Village at Snowshoe, WV-66, Snowshoe, WV 26209, USA
Address: Autumn breeze stables, Snowshoe, WV 26209, USA
Address: 1 Concho road, Oak Hill, WV 25901
Address: 408 Alstadts Hill Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Address: 628 Waterway Rd, Julian, WV 25529
Address: 8397 Audra Park Rd, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Address: 935 7th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
Address: Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia 26260, USA
Address: Dolly Sods, Monongahela National Forest, Dry Fork, WV, 26260
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In West Virginia
April 01, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What is the most scenic town in West Virginia?
One of the most scenic towns in West Virginia is the beautiful Lewisburg. This pretty historical town was established back in the 1700s and has a strong focus on American history. If you’ve got history buffs in your group, you’ve definitely got to bring them here. Lewisburg is very well preserved and has gorgeous buildings that will transport you to another era, including the well-known Greenbrier Valley Theatre. If you’re looking to see some great shows, you should absolutely make a stop at this lovely theater. It’s a hidden gem in West Virginia and has housed many a memorable play.
How many state parks are in West Virginia?
There are 35 state parks in West Virginia, and they are all beautiful! There are also nine state forests, making this state one of the very best to visit for lovers of the outdoors. The Mountain State’s nickname is no accident, with several stunning options for those who are looking for a getaway surrounded by summits. One park that is famous for its views of the peaks is Pinnacle Rock State Park. Located in Mercer County, Pinnacle Rock has plenty of breathtaking overlooks on its many hiking trails, and is a favorite of those who love amazing photo opportunities. Be sure to take your camera on this one, because the details are not to be believed.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in West Virginia?
If you’re hoping to find some easy hikes that the whole family can enjoy together, you’re in luck! There are lots of pretty trails that you can take with everyone in your group, including the kids. One of the best choices is Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, where you can pick your distance. The entire trail is 22 miles long, so you have multiple short routes from which to decide. You can even take it really easy with the Rosendale Trestle, which is only 940 feet long. The views of the water and lush greenery are sure to stay with you long after you leave.
Address: Overlook Village at Snowshoe, WV-66, Snowshoe, WV 26209, USA
Address: Autumn breeze stables, Snowshoe, WV 26209, USA
Address: 1 Concho road, Oak Hill, WV 25901
Address: 408 Alstadts Hill Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Address: 628 Waterway Rd, Julian, WV 25529
Address: 8397 Audra Park Rd, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Address: 935 7th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
Address: Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia 26260, USA
Address: Dolly Sods, Monongahela National Forest, Dry Fork, WV, 26260
