Wild West Virginia Trip at a Glance

The vibe: If you love the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah, West Virginia offers just as many stunning mountain views with fewer crowds. The vibe here is homegrown and welcoming but not sleepy — these small towns have a kick to ’em.


Best for: Adventure-oriented road trippers who love a hike or a paddle, but also enjoy artsy side quests 

 

Don't miss:

  • Thomas’ quirky gallery-lined main street
  • Golden sunsets at Blackwater State Park
  • Adrenaline-pumping rapids on the Gauley River
  • Ancient natural history at New River Gorge National Park

Best seasons: If you’re just town-hopping and hiking, visit in spring for forest blooms and fall for stunning autumn colors (the weather is balmy too). If you’re hitting the white water, summer and early fall are best.

Wild West Virginia Road Trip Playlist

Packing for West Virginia means preparing for misty mountain mornings, rushing rivers, and the raw energy of Appalachia—and your playlist should match that wild, untamed spirit. This mix blends local Appalachian folk, foot-stomping bluegrass, and modern anthems that celebrate the state’s rugged beauty and creative soul. 

Advice from a Local

Dan Carlisle is the owner of Taylor Books, an independent bookstore, coffee shop, café and art gallery in Charleston, West Virginia.


Perfect day off: Up at dawn. Fresh coffee and a cranberry scone. Work in the garden all day. Bonfire with friends and family at dusk.

 

Favorite coffee shop: Mea Cuppa is on their game and always good.
Favorite places to shop: Stray Dog Antiques downtown, Kinship Goods on the West Side, Pile Hardware on West Washington, Union Mission Thrift Store in Kanawha City, and WV State Surplus in Dunbar.

 

Best lunch spots: The meatloaf sandwich at The Smokehouse on West Washington and the banh mi at Yen’s in South Charleston.

 

Best spot for a fun night out: Bowling at Galaxy Lanes in Kanawha City followed by a nightcap at Sam’s Uptown.

 

Top 3 things every visitor should do: 1. Visit Taylor Books. 2. Walk the path along the Kanawha River (Ka-nah). 3. Got a car and a day? Drive south on Route 60 to Fayetteville.

Pro Tips for Your Wild West Virginia Adventure

From hidden waterfalls and legendary whitewater to artsy mountain towns and off-the-beaten-path trails, our local guides share their top secrets to make your West Virginia road trip unforgettable. Plus get some more tips for RV travel and future inspiration for more scenic road trips.

Let us plan your next great adventure! Hit the road with Rand McNally's Road Atlas.