Follow U.S. Route 19 for new adventures, quirky stops, and eclectic shops.

hawks nest state park — At HAWKS NEST STATE PARK, you can ride the new aerial tram down to the New River and hike to Lover’s Leap for stunning gorge views.

WRITTEN BY Nikki Bowman Mills, Pam Kasey & Devin Lacy
PHOTOGRAPHED BY Nikki Bowman Mills & Carla Witt Ford

Get ready to hit the road and experience what makes West Virginia wild and wonderful. Be prepared—this scenic journey will take you from the shores of Summersville Lake to coal country and have you on your feet more than behind the steering wheel. Along the way, you’ll cross the state’s most iconic bridge, explore charming small towns, savor local eats, and dive into the rugged beauty of the New River Gorge. Buckle up—it’s time to ramble!

Travel Times

Summersville to Richwood 40 minutes
Summersville to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve 25 minutes
Fayetteville to Oak Hill 15 minutes
Oak Hill to Thurmond 25 minutes
Oak Hill to Summit Bechtel Reserve 10 minutes
Summit Bechtel Reserve to Beckley 25 minutes

NICHOLAS COUNTY

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If you are a West Virginian who has never been to Summersville Lake, we are shaking our heads at you. Don’t just drive by Summersville Lake—there’s no fun in that! West Virginia’s largest lake and newest state park is meant for playing, and you need to enjoy it from the water. Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard, or just bring your swimsuit and lounge on Battle Run Beach. Climb to the top of the Summersville Lake Lighthouse for killer panoramic views. Mountain Lake Campground is an adventure hub with a fantastic gift shop loaded with local crafts, West Virginia–themed goodies, and gear. Explore paths like Long Point Trail for epic views of the lake. In the mood to shop? Check out local boutiques like Tennile’s Boutique and Formals and Tribal Mountain.

carnifex ferry battlefield state park — **CARNIFEX FERRY BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK**, located on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, is a significant Civil War battle site and part of the **CIVIL WAR DISCOVERY TRAIL**, which links more than 300 sites in 16 states. COURTESY OF VISIT GREATER SUMMERSVILLE

DINE & DRINK

Grab a locally roasted coffee and a breakfast burrito at Craft Kings Cafe. Enjoy a West Virginia dog at The Local 805 or mingle with the locals at Maloney’s Pub. Sample West Virginia wines and a little Appalachian moonshine at Kirkwood Winery & Isaiah Morgan Distillery or grab a beer at Gad Dam Brewing.

FAYETTE COUNTY

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Fayette County is ground zero for adventure lovers. Home to the nation’s newest national park, New River Gorge National Park, you can enjoy the New River Gorge Bridge by driving over it, walking on the catwalk under it at Bridgewalk, looking up at it as you raft the New River, or even jumping off it—if you are a BASE jumper—during Bridge Day in October. Make sure you pull off Route 19 and visit the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn about all the ways you can experience this majestic place. If you love to hike, Endless Wall Trail and Grandview Overlook need to be on your list. If you really want to get your heart pumping, the Gauley and New rivers are famous for their class III–V whitewater rapids. Book with outfitters like Adventures on the Gorge, a top adventure resort right on the rim of the New River Gorge with a large pool, ziplining, canopy tours, and rock climbing, or ACE Adventure Resort, a family-friendly resort with ziplining, a lake filled with inflatables, and campgrounds. Fayetteville is worthy of a stroll for unique shops, cafes, and historic architecture. Browse spots like Lost Appalachia Trading Co., Wisteria Gifts, New River Antique Mall, and Water Stone Outdoors.

The area is rich in history. Visit Historic Nuttallburg, an old coal mining town within the national park. Just 20 miles from the New River Gorge, Babcock State Park is home to the Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of the most photographed spots in the state. Hike the Island-in-the-Sky Trail for breathtaking views. Another spot worth the side trip is historic rail town Thurmond—a frozen-in-time treasure of 1900s buildings with a population of five.

The Summit Bechtel Reserve straddles Fayette and Raleigh counties and was created as a premier high-adventure base for the Scouts, but you don’t have to be affiliated with the Scouts to enjoy it. With the purchase of the Adventure Pass, you and your family can enjoy epic activities like ziplining, rock climbing, archery, challenge courses, mountain biking, clay shooting, and whitewater rafting.

new rivergorge bridge — **NEW RIVERGORGE BRIDGE**

DINE & DRINK

Secret Sandwich Society in Fayetteville is famous for gourmet sandwiches and burgers named after U.S. presidents. Try the Jefferson (pimento cheese, bacon, tomato) or the Roosevelt (beef brisket with chipotle BBQ). Don’t miss Cathedral Cafe, a book-filled, eclectic restaurant with great coffee and eats. Enjoy award-winning pizza at Pies & Pints, and for delicious breakfast options or fresh salads and sandwiches, eat at Wood Iron Eatery. You can’t pass through without a stop at Tudor’s Biscuit World. Tap a cold one at Bridge Brew Works, known for beers like Long Point Lager and Mothman Black IPA. Chill out at Smokey’s Steakhouse at Adventures on the Gorge.

needleseye park — **BABCOCK STATE PARK.**

RALEIGH COUNTY

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You can’t visit Beckley without a stop at the Exhibition Coal Mine & Youth Museum. Tour an underground coal mine with real retired miners as your guides. Check out the Coal Camp buildings and the museum exhibits on West Virginia mining heritage. Another must-stop is Tamarack. This unique building is filled with the products handcrafted by the best of West Virginia artisans—don’t leave without some handmade pottery, glass, or local jam. Trade your car in for an ATV and enjoy 100 miles of trails at Burning Rock Off-Road Park. If you love antiquing, then you have to visit the Beckley Antique Mall, one of the largest in the area.

Enjoy one of the rotating art shows at Beckley Art Center or a production at the Raleigh Playhouse and Theatre. Speaking of theater, if you get the opportunity and Honey in the Rock, the iconic play about the birth of West Virginia, is being performed at Cliffside Amphitheater, snag tickets. If all this driving has you screaming for a massage, book one at The Resort at Glade Springs or, if you are a golfer, bring your clubs—this resort has 54 holes to play.

Visit the new **BILL WITHERS PLAZA** in Beckley and take a selfie with his statue.

DINE & DRINK

For farm-to-table goodness, dine at The Dish Cafe—everything on the menu is fantastic. Try the local trout or fried green tomatoes at the cafe at Tamarack. It consistently offers tasty Appalachian offerings. End the day at Weathered Ground Brewery by sipping on a Cool Ridge Lager or a Bitter Fitter IPA and enjoying the laid-back vibes, and maybe catch some live music.