West Virginia’s famed country roads offer an open invitation. Weaving across rugged terrain and through spirited small towns to uncrowded gems and world-class outdoor adventures alike, the roads form a latticework of endless possibilities for road trip itineraries. Five customized Mountain Rides can help connect activities that range from lakeside paddling to whitewater thrills, with prime camping, biking, and fishing along the way. Start your trip-planning with route options that link the state’s best waterfall features, which are year-round fixtures on any West Virginia must-do list.
Family Friendly
Blackwater Falls is the signature attraction of its namesake park; the 57-foot-tall cascade is easily viewed from the flat, quarter-mile Gentle Trail or the steep, half-mile Blackwater Falls Trail, tracing the river named for the water darkened by tannins from the surrounding dense forest. Add on the nearby Elakala Falls, just a few hundred feet into the half-mile Elakala Trail, where photographers capture a distinct water swirl below the falls.
Road-Trip Tip > Blackwater Falls is located along the Seneca Skyway as well as the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, which highlights 43 of the best cascades in every corner of the Mountain State. (Download the digital passport to check in as you hike, run, or walk to each stop.)
Easy Access
Valley Falls is the definition of an easy-access waterfall—you can hear the roaring falls before you even get out of the car. Start by checking out the series of four substantial cascades along the wide Tygart Valley River. From there, choose your own adventure: Hike or mountain bike the park’s ten miles of trails, or fish for bass in the river.
Road-Trip Tip > Valley Falls fits well into travel itineraries as it’s located along the Birdeye Bend road trip, and it’s a marquee stop on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.
Uncrowded Option
Whether you visit Camp Creek State Park and Forest for a day trip or an overnighter, start at the tent-only Blue Jay Campground. From here, it’s a short walk to Campbell Falls, where the water in Camp Creek drops over a series of shelves to a natural pool. A great day hike leaves from the campground: Take the Blue Jay Spur to Farley Ridge to Mash Fork Falls Trail for a four-mile out-and-back with a turnaround at equally beautiful Mash Fork Falls.
Road-Trip Tip > Campbell Falls is located along two iconic West Virginia routes: the West Virginia Waterfall Trail and the Heritage Highway road trip.
+ Refuel Detour: The Purple Fiddle, known for its 300-plus days of live music per year, boasts an extensive beer and wine list, plus sandwiches stacked with homemade spreads. Check it out along the Seneca Skyway road trip. While the pepperoni roll may be West Virginia’s unofficial state food, skip the gas station carryout and head to Muriale’s Kitchen in Fairmont. Founded by the children of Italian immigrants, Muriale’s is as authentic as it gets. Stop by along the Birdeye Bend road trip.
Explore spirited small towns, undiscovered and uncrowded hidden gems, and world-class outdoor adventures in the Mountain State, where country roads lead you far away from everything—and a little closer to heaven. wvtourism.com
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