Summertime is a great time for a road trip, and you’ll enjoy one of the best day trips in West Virginia along this drive. Get ready for some of the most beautiful locations you’ve ever experienced, incredible scenic views, and so much more. Let’s get going!
A road trip really is an American pastime. There are many reasons to take a road trip, but few are better than to see the sights waiting for you on this one.
This trip begins in the city of Elkins. It is approximately 25 miles east of Buckhannon and just 10 miles from the border of Monongahela National Forest.
You will want to find somewhere to stay...
Graceland Inn & Conference Center, 100 Campus Dr, Elkins, WV 26241, USA
Seneca Rocks is West Virginia's only true peak, and from there, you can see the rocky crags rising from the hillside (see why we say this is one of the best day trips in West Virginia?).
A hiking trail leads to the top of the mountain, where an incredible view of Pendleton County awaits you.
Spruce Knob is at an elevation of 4,862 feet, this is the highest location in the state. When you arrive, climb the observation tower to see what it's like to be on top of the world.
Then look out at the stunning view. If you wait until autumn to take the trip, you will find the most amazing color palette laid out before you.
Make sure you have packed a sandwich so you can say you had lunch on top of the world. Spruce Knob is accessible by a trail at the end of Route 104, where the road becomes a loop that connects back to the direction you came.
Your next stop will lie beneath the world, rather than on top of it.
Smoke Hole Caverns, 8290 N Fork Hwy, Cabins, WV 26855, USA
First, be sure to pay a visit to the Smoke Hole Caverns. Not only does Smoke Hole have the largest gift shop in West Virginia, but a tour of the cave underground will astonish and amaze you. You can even go gemstone mining after the tour, so you have some gems to take home with you.
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While you are in the area, be sure to stop by Seneca Caverns, too, if you are in the mood for another tour.
Seneca Caverns, 3328 Germany Valley Rd, Riverton, WV 26814, USA
The Seneca Caverns guided tour is about one hour and takes you to depths of 165 feet below the surface of the earth. It is definitely one of the most fun things to do in West Virginia!
Once you are done with the caves, it's time to move on to your next destination - Fort Mill Ridge in Romney.
The Fort Mill Ridge historical area features battle trenches originally dug by Confederate troops between 1861 and 1862. These are considered the best preserved trenches from the Civil War in America.
Now it's time to cap off the day with a stay at Cacapon Resort State Park. This beautiful park has an inn and several cabins. At this point, you might just want some dinner and a good night's sleep. But this one-day trip can actually be made into two if you want to stay at the park the next day.
Cacapon Resort State Park, 818 Cacapon Lodge Dr, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, USA
Since there is so much to do there at Cacapon Resort State Park, you might want to consider it! You'll find seven hiking trails, a lake with a beach, a golf course, and a shooting range. While there, you can go swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and geocaching.
Have you been to some or all of these locations? Which ones in this region would you recommend? Would you agree that this journey is one of the best day trips in West Virginia? What other day trips have you taken or wish to take? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion.
There are plenty of road trips to take in this beautiful state. Do you want to discover another one? Check out this awesome weekend road trip that is unforgettable.
If you’re still in the mood for more West Virginia adventures, take a look at this video about the abandoned town of Thurmond:
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More to Explore
Out and about in West Virginia
Lysa Allman-Baldwin|June 08, 2023
What are some other great day trips in West Virginia?
Hawk's Nest State Park located in Ansted is one of West Virginia's most famous and beautiful places and great for a day trip adventure.
Summersville Lake in Nicholas County is popular for swimming and sunbathing and is often referred to as the Little Bahamas of West Virginia.
The Cass Scenic Railroad located in Pocahontas County offers an 11-mile-long rail trip to see some of the most beautiful parts of the state.
Where can we find botanical gardens in West Virginia?
The Ritter Park Rose Garden in Huntington features over 3,000 roses and has been voted among the country's best rose gardens.
West Virginia’s Core Arboretum in Morgantown is set on 91 spectacular acres of old-growth forest.
Sunshine Farm and Gardens in Renick showcases more than 10,000 kinds of plants from all over the world across a 60-acre botanic garden and arboretum expanse.
Where can we find historic sites in West Virginia?
The Alexander Campbell House in Bethany is a mansion built in 1793 and named after this minister who played a large role in the Restoration Movement in the U.S. Christianity movement.
The Martinsburg Roundhouse in Martinsburg is the centerpiece of the historic district featuring the famous B&O Railroad.
Stewart's Tavern (also known as John Stewart's Tavern Inn) in Short Gap is an old two-story tavern showcasing life here toward the end of the 18th century.
