The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Charleston, West Virginia and Catawba, Virginia

CHARLESTON, WV - Road trips are a popular way for families and friends to spend quality time together. While there are many ways to travel, driving a car is one of the most convenient. Vacationers planning a trip from Charleston, West Virginia to Catawba, Virginia have several options for stops along the way. The drive is approximately 300 miles, and the halfway point is Princeton, WV, where travelers can stop to stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat, and take in some of the local attractions, like the Chuck Mathena Center.

Top Five Things to Do on a Road Trip from Charleston, WV to Catawba, VA

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Coal Camp

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Coal Camp is a unique attraction that provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history of coal mining in West Virginia. The tour includes a visit to an authentic coal mine, a ride on a narrow-gauge coal train, and a visit to a recreated coal camp. Guests can learn about the daily lives of miners and their families, including the challenges they faced, and the cultural traditions that they developed. The attraction is open year-round, and visitors should plan for roughly two hours to complete the tour.

Interesting Fact: The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Coal Camp was established in 1962 and is located in Phillips-Sprague Mine.

New River Gorge Bridge

The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in West Virginia. The massive steel arch bridge spans more than 1,700 feet over the New River Gorge and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can walk across the bridge on a designated pedestrian walkway or participate in a guided tour. In addition to the bridge, the New River Gorge area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and white-water rafting.

Interesting Fact: The New River Gorge Bridge is the third highest bridge in the United States, and the longest steel arch bridge in the western hemisphere.

Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park is a must-see destination for travelers passing through Virginia. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park features a 215-foot natural limestone arch that serves as the centerpiece. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park and explore the various hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The park also boasts its own hotel, a historical monument to the colonial-era Rockbridge County.

Interesting Fact: The Natural Bridge was once owned by none other than Thomas Jefferson, who purchased it in 1774.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic highway that winds through the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. The roadway spans 469 miles and offers unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a leisurely drive along the parkway while enjoying the many scenic overlooks, historic sites, and hiking trails.

Interesting Fact: The Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed during the Great Depression and was designed to provide jobs for unemployed Americans.

Virginia Safari Park

The Virginia Safari Park is a unique animal attraction that is sure to delight visitors of all ages. The park features more than 1,000 exotic animals that roam free in a natural environment. Guests can drive their cars through the park and interact with the animals through feeding stations located throughout the park. In addition to the animals, the park features a petting zoo, a gift shop, and several food stands.

Interesting Fact: The Virginia Safari Park is the only drive-thru safari park in the state of Virginia.

Conclusion

The road trip from Charleston, West Virginia to Catawba, Virginia is approximately 300 miles and offers a wide range of attractions for travelers to enjoy. The top five attractions include the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Coal Camp, the New River Gorge Bridge, Natural Bridge State Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Virginia Safari Park. Visitors can experience the history and culture of West Virginia's coal mining industry, take in breathtaking views from the New River Bridge, explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and interact with exotic animals at the Virginia Safari Park. The trip can be completed in a day or spread out over several days. Regardless of how long it takes, the journey is sure to be memorable.