Virtual Road Trip: Day 3

While road tripping near central West Virginia, stop at these places, take in the incredible views and stretch your legs.

Barbour County

Philippi Covered Bridge | Philippi

The city of Philippi was the site of the first land battle of the Civil War on June 3, 1861. Built in 1852, the covered bridge was heavily utilized by both armies during the Civil War.

Randolph County

Bickle Knob Observation Tower | Elkins

At an elevation of 4,003 feet, the platform of the observation tower’s original cab has since been replaced with a wooden viewing platform for the best views of the landscape. Get to the tower from Forest Road 91, then take a short footpath.

Pocahontas County

Cass Scenic Railroad | Cass

Train rides departing from the Cass Depot are filled with rich histories of the past, unparalleled views of a vast wilderness area, and close-up encounters with the sights and sounds of original steam-driven locomotives.

Webster County

Holly River State Park | Hacker Valley

With 8,101 acres of dense forest, Holly River is West Virginia’s second largest state park. The dense forests of the state parks provides guests with a natural setting where they can find peaceful solitude.

Upshur County

West Virginia State Wildlife Center | French Creek

This modern zoological facility displays native and introduced state wildlife of West Virginia. The Wildlife Center is dedicated to presenting visitors with a realistic and factual understanding of our state’s wildlife.

Lewis County

Appalachian Glass | Weston

Appalachian Glass is keeping the tradition of handmade glass alive in West Virginia. You can even watch the entire process, as the studio open free to the public.

Braxton County

Sutton Lake | Sutton

Breathtaking views await you at Sutton Lake and so does a fun-filled day. At the marina, you can rent a variety of water toys such as jet skis, paddle boards, large floating water mats and more.

Clay County

Buffalo Creek Recreational Trail | Clay

The new Buffalo Creek Recreational Trail in Clay County is a self-guided, twenty-two-mile hiking, biking and horseback riding trail. The trail meanders along the Buffalo Creek and Elk River from Pisgah to the old mining town of Widen.

Calhoun County

Calhoun County Park | Grantsville

This tiny rural gem of a park is a “Dark Sky” destination for astronomers and stargazers. In fact, it’s darker than most popular stargazing spots, but it’s so small and tucked away that it’s not as well known— which makes it the perfect place to gaze out at the cosmos from the peaceful stillness of the countryside, uninterrupted.

Gilmer County

Cedar Creek State Park | Glenville

Cedar Creek State Park’s rolling hills and wide valleys provide an ideal backdrop for a variety of recreational activities. The park is home to three lakes, 14 miles of hiking trials, a miniature golf course, an outdoor pool and more.

Ritchie County

Silver Run Tunnel | Cairo

Located on the 72-mile-long North Bend Rail Trail, the 1,376-foot Silver Run Tunnel is rumored to be haunted. Make sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp should you choose to explore this eerie tunnel.

This post was last updated on February 28, 2022