The Ultimate 3 Day West Virginia Itinerary

Last Updated on January 2, 2025 by Sarah Puckett

Planning a trip to the Mountain State? This 3-day West Virginia itinerary highlights the best of the state’s natural beauty, small-town charm, and outdoor adventures.

Tim and I visited in fall 2024, and the trip was extra special for us because of a personal family connection. My grandma and great-grandma lived in Thurmond, West Virginia, a historic railroad town that’s now preserved as part of the National Park Service. Walking through its quiet streets and seeing the preserved structures gave me a meaningful glimpse into my family’s past.

This 3-day itinerary blends adventure, history, and scenic beauty, offering a perfect introduction to the charm of West Virginia. Whether you’re traveling for the stunning fall foliage or just looking for a unique getaway, this guide has everything you need to plan your trip!

West Virginia 3-Day Itinerary At-A-Glance

Day 0

• Arrive to Charleston, West Virginia, rent a car, and drive to Fayetteville

Day 1

• Breakfast at Tudor’s Biscuit World
• White water raft the New River with Ace Adventure Resort
• Sunset drive on Fayette Station Road in New River Gorge National Park
• Dinner at Secret Sandwich Society

Day 2

• Sunrise hike on the Endless Wall in New River Gorge National Park
• Explore the New River Bridge
• Sunset hike on the Long Point trail
• Dinner at Pies and Pints

Day 3

• Coffee and pastries at Range Finder Coffee
• Visit historic Thurmond and listen to the free NPS audio tour
• Visit the Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park
• Visit Mill Creek Falls at Hawks Nest State Park
• Stop by Cathedral Falls (spring or after rain)
• Stop by Kanawha Falls
• Late lunch at the Charleston Capitol Market

West Virginia 3-Day Itinerary

Day 0: Arrive to West Virginia

The day you arrive in West Virginia is just a travel day, so we will call it Day 0. Today you are just arriving to WV and getting settled in.

We recommend flying into Charleston and renting a car for your trip. Just make sure you pick the right Charleston since there are a few in the United States! The official name of the Charleston, WV airport is Yaeger Airport and the code is CRW.

I share more information about getting to West Virginia and where to stay later in this post under the header Planning Your Trip to West Virginia.

Day 1: White Water Rafting New River

Eat Breakfast at Tudor’s Biscuit World

Your adventure begins with a stop at Tudor’s Biscuit World, a local favorite that’s become a West Virginia icon. Although Biscuit World is a chain, you can only find them here in WV! Known for their fluffy, oversized biscuits and hearty breakfast combos, this spot is the perfect place to fuel up before a day full of activity.

Whether you go for a classic sausage biscuit or something more unique (I personally love the fried chicken biscuit!), you definitely won’t leave hungry.

White Water Raft the New River

Next, head to the New River for an unforgettable whitewater rafting experience with Ace Adventure Resort. The New River Gorge is one of the best places in the country for rafting, offering rapids for all skill levels. The mix of thrilling rapids and breathtaking canyon views makes this a bucket-list activity.

We rafted the Lower New River on the full-day tour, and it was a blast. It was the perfect mix of adrenaline-pumping rapids and more relaxed fun. Tim and I were both pretty nervous about how intense the rafting would be, and are happy to say it was the exact right balance of chill and exhilarating!

Sunset Drive on Fayette Station Road

After a day of high-energy adventure, slow things down with a scenic drive along Fayette Station Road in New River Gorge National Park.

 >>> Buy your National Parks Pass from REI here

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This winding route takes you deep into the gorge, offering incredible views of the river, historic bridges, and surrounding fall foliage. The golden hour light at sunset makes it even more magical, so have your camera ready.

Tip: Make sure you download New River Gorge National Park on the NPS app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play)! It’s completely free, and has several audio tours for parts of the park, including Fayette Station Road. The tour was timed to match our driving pace, and we got to learn so much more about the area’s natural and mining history this way!

Dinner at Secret Sandwich Society

End your first day in Fayetteville with dinner at the Secret Sandwich Society, a local favorite. This cozy spot serves up creative, flavor-packed sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients. All of the sandwiches are named after historical figures. Tim and I split the pimento cheese fries, which you MUST get! For our main meals, I ordered the roast beef Roosevelt and Tim got the pastrami Van Buren. Delicious!

Day 2: New River Gorge National Park

Today involves a lot of hiking! We always recommend using an app like AllTrails to download maps of your hikes ahead of time.

Sunrise Hike on the Endless Wall Trail

There’s no better way to kick off your second day than with a sunrise hike on the Endless Wall Trail in New River Gorge National Park.

This moderately easy trail offers stunning views of the gorge, especially as the morning sun illuminates the fall foliage. The 2.4-mile loop is a peaceful way to start the day, with overlooks that seem to float above the river below.

New River Gorge Visitor Center

After your hike, take some time to stop by the New River Gorge Visitor Center. It’s a great spot to learn more about the area’s history, geology, and ecosystem, and the views from the center’s deck are some of the best in the park. This video in the theater gives a good overview of the history of the area and the unique nature of the New River Gorge.

Explore the New River Gorge Bridge

If you’re visiting during the 3rd Saturday in October, you’ll be in for a treat—it’s Bridge Day, when BASE jumpers leap off the New River Gorge Bridge in a thrilling display of adventure, and the bridge is open to pedestrians.

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No trip to Fayetteville is complete without spending some time at the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. If it’s not Bridge Day, you can still enjoy unique ways to experience this engineering marvel. One option is the Bridge Walk, a guided tour that takes you along a narrow catwalk under the bridge, offering unparalleled views of the gorge from 876 feet above the river. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s both exhilarating and unforgettable. For those who prefer to stay above ground, you can also drive across the bridge and stop at nearby viewpoints for stunning photos.

Sunset at the Long Point Trail

In the evening, head to the Long Point trail for a sunset hike. This 3.2-mile round-trip trail offers incredible views of the New River Gorge Bridge. It’s a moderate hike, with some steady elevation gain, and the overlook at the end is one of the most picturesque spots in the park. Watching the sun dip behind the mountains is the perfect way to end your outdoor adventures for the day.

Pies & Pints

Wrap up your day with dinner at Pies and Pints, a local favorite known for its unique gourmet pizzas and extensive craft beer selection. The lively atmosphere and delicious food make it the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploration.

Day 3: Historic Thurmond and West Virginia’s Waterfalls

Range Finder Coffee

Begin your day with coffee and pastries at Range Finder Coffee. This cozy cafe is the ideal spot to ease into the morning before heading out on a day of exploring. Their pastries are fantastic, and the laid-back and inclusive atmosphere set the tone for the day.

Historic Thurmond

Visiting Thurmond was one of the most meaningful parts of my trip. Once a thriving railroad town, Thurmond is now largely abandoned, with the remaining buildings preserved by the National Park Service.

For me, this stop was deeply personal—my grandma and great-grandma once lived here, and my great-grandma’s house stood behind the post office. Walking through the quiet streets and seeing the preserved structures gave me a tangible connection to my family’s past.

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TIP: Listen to the free NPS audio tour of Thurmond on the NPS app to add depth to the experience, painting a picture of what life was like in Thurmond during its heyday. It’s fascinating to imagine this now-silent town bustling with trains, passengers, and workers just a century ago.

Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park

Next, stop at the iconic Grist Mill in Babcock State Park. This spot is one of West Virginia’s most photographed landmarks, and it’s easy to see why. It’s even got one of the state’s iconic Almost Heaven wooden swings, perfectly framing the mill!

The rustic-looking mill, which was constructed in the 1970s from remnants of three real area mills, looks like something out of a postcard. Grist Mill is also the location of the first of several waterfalls on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail that I’ve included on this itinerary.

Between the waterfall, the scenic mill, and the fun photography opportunities, this was one of my favorite stops on our West Virginia trip!

What is the West Virginia Waterfall Trail?

The West Virginia Waterfall Trail is a list of 43 waterfalls throughout the state that visitors can explore! It’s a great way to experience West Virginia’s incredible scenery while enjoying some fresh air and a little adventure.

The trail even comes with a free digital passport. You can check in at each waterfall and earn fun rewards like stickers, water bottles, t-shirts, and more. It’s a nice bonus for exploring the outdoors and checking off some bucket list-worthy spots.

Mill Creek Falls at Hawks Nest State Park

Mill Creek Falls in Hawks Nest State Park feels like a hidden gem. Tucked away down a narrow dirt road, it’s not the easiest to find, but that’s part of its charm. Surrounded by trees that were bursting with red and gold hues during our fall visit, the setting was so peaceful it felt almost magical.

The sound of rushing water made it a perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty of the season. It’s not as well-known as other waterfalls in the area, but that’s exactly why it stood out to us—it felt like we had the place all to ourselves.

Cathedral Falls

Cathedral Falls is one of West Virginia’s most iconic waterfalls, and it’s easy to see why. Located just off Route 60, it’s incredibly accessible, making it a quick and worthwhile stop.

After a good rain, a waterfall tumbles dramatically down a rocky cliff face, but it’s important to know it’s not always flowing!

If you’re short on time or want a waterfall you can enjoy without a hike, this is a must-see. Unfortunately for us, a dry fall day is not a great time to see this waterfall. We didn’t see anything but dripping moss! But if you visit in the spring or after heavy rainfall, it should be quite dramatic!

Kanawha Falls

Kanawha Falls offers a completely different vibe from the other waterfalls we visited. Located on the Kanawha River, this wide cascade spreads out over a rocky ledge, creating a broad and powerful flow. This was our least favorite of the waterfalls we visited because of its industrial feel, but it’s still worth a stop since it’s on the drive!

Charleston Capitol Market

Tim and stopped for a late lunch at Soho’s in the Charleston Capitol Market, a food hall and specialty market in the heart of West Virginia’s capital city.

After lunch, grab a coffee at Mea Cuppa Coffeebar in the Market. They have some delicious options and it was the pep I needed before flying back to Colorado!

West Virginia Capitol Building

For one more photo op before the end of your West Virginia trip, head to the front stairs of the capitol building. Here, you’ll find another Almost Heaven swing, practically begging for you to take a picture with it.

West Virginia 3 Day Itinerary Map

Planning Your Trip to West Virginia

Getting to West Virginia

We flew in and out of Charleston, West Virginia for our fall weekend trip. Charleston Yeager Airport (CRW) is technically an international airport, but it feels cozy and rural. Flying in, we were treated to views of dense forests covering the rolling mountains. Since it’s a smaller airport, navigating through it is a breeze, and you’ll be in the heart of West Virginia’s natural beauty shortly after landing.

Renting a Car

Renting a car is a must if you want to make the most of your trip. West Virginia’s most scenic spots and small towns are best accessed by car, and some of the best viewpoints and hiking spots are tucked away off gravel roads or winding highways. We recommend booking a car in advance, especially in the fall, as it can be a popular time for visitors.

Where to Stay

For a base that’s both scenic and full of charm, we recommend staying in Fayetteville, dubbed one of America’s coolest small towns. Fayetteville offers a mix of cozy accommodations and has plenty of local spots to eat and unwind. The town’s close proximity to New River Gorge National Park makes it ideal for hiking, scenic drives, and exploring West Virginia’s iconic landscapes.

Nearby Oak Hill is even smaller but has some solid options for those looking for a quieter spot that’s still close to New River Gorge. It’s a bit more low-key than Fayetteville, so if you prefer more peace and quiet, Oak Hill is worth checking out.

Adventure Resorts

For those wanting to add a little more adventure to their stay, West Virginia is home to several “adventure resorts,” where you can try everything from whitewater rafting to ziplining. We stayed at ACE Adventure Resort, which offers everything you need for an action-packed, if rustic, experience. They provide accommodations, outdoor activities, and on-site dining options, all surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

When to Visit West Virginia

We absolutely LOVED visiting West Virginia in fall. If you’re a fan of leaf-peeping and cooler weather for hiking like we are, it’s ideal. The peak foliage season usually falls between late September and mid-to-late-October, when the state’s forests explode in shades of red, orange, and yellow. If you plan to visit in the fall, we recommend going on the third weekend in October to attend the legendary Bridge Day Festival at New River Gorge National Park!

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, the opportunity to white water raft the Gauley River is another reason to time your visit for autumn. Fall is considered “Gauley Season” and the optimal time to raft this bucket list-worthy route.

Spring is also a beautiful time to visit, with blooming wildflowers and milder weather for outdoor activities. This is also the best time to see waterfalls like Cathedral Falls that flow best after rain or snowmelt.

Summers in West Virginia are hot, but that’s all the better for hiking in the mountains and splashing in the New River.

Winters are cold, wet, and snowy, making West Virginia a great destination for snowmobiling, skiing, or a cozy winter getaway.

Tips for Visiting West Virginia

• Limited Cell Service: Many areas in West Virginia, especially in and around New River Gorge National Park, have limited or no cell service. Download maps or guides in advance and bring a paper map if possible.
• Gravel Roads: West Virginia’s scenic backroads and some trailheads are often on gravel or dirt roads. While they’re usually manageable, drive carefully and ensure your rental car is equipped to handle rougher terrain. Our rental car was a little Mercedes-Benz sedan, because it happened to be all that was available. Let’s just say we can see why no one else wanted to rent it, because although it did “fine”, WV’s roads a bit too rough for it!
• Dress in Layers: The weather can change quickly, especially in fall. Mornings and evenings may be chilly, while midday can be warm, so bring layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
• Wildlife Awareness: West Virginia is home to a variety of wildlife, so remember to respect their space, especially around bison, deer, and other larger animals if you’re near any wildlife viewing spots.

Final Thoughts

West Virginia truly is “Almost Heaven.” This 3-day West Virginia itinerary showcases the best of what the state has to offer, from adrenaline-pumping adventures on the New River to peaceful hikes and stunning waterfalls.

We left feeling inspired by its rugged landscapes and small towns—and we’re sure you will too.