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.
January – Snowshoe Village in Pocahontas County
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.
February – Autumn Breeze Stables at Slaty Fork
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.
March – ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill
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.
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.
May – Wineries & Waterfalls In West Virginia
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.
June – Tubing along the Shenandoah River
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.
July – Water Ways in Julian
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 – Audra State Park in Buckhannon
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.
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.
October – Autumn Colors Express in Huntington
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.
November – Dolly Sods Forest in Dry Fork
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.
December – Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay
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.
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.
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