Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Charleston, West Virginia and Hazard, Kentucky

West Virginia and Kentucky are known for their natural beauty, and a road trip between Charleston and Hazard can offer some of the most picturesque views of the region. The route takes approximately three hours to drive and passes through some quaint towns. The halfway point is Louisa, KY, which offers some interesting sights worth exploring. In this article, we will present the five best things to do on a road trip from Charleston, West Virginia to Hazard, Kentucky.

Explore the Greenbrier Resort

The Greenbrier Resort is situated in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and it has been a popular destination for over 200 years. The resort is famous for its natural spring water, which is believed to have healing properties. Guests can explore the resort's 11,000-acre property, which includes a championship golf course, a casino, and a spa. The resort also offers tours of its underground bunker, which was built during the Cold War to house the United States Congress in the event of a nuclear attack.

Interesting fact: During World War II, the Greenbrier was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.

Raft down the New River

The New River Gorge is a must-visit destination for any road trip through West Virginia. The New River is a popular spot for white-water rafting, and visitors can choose between guided tours or renting their rafts. The gorge also offers hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and zip-lining adventures. The New River Gorge Bridge, which spans the gorge, is the longest steel arch bridge in the western hemisphere and a popular spot for base jumping.

Interesting fact: The New River is considered to be one of the oldest rivers in the world, estimated to be around 320 million years old.

Visit the Palace of Gold

The Palace of Gold is a unique attraction in Moundsville, West Virginia. This magnificent Hindu temple was built in the 1970s by Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The temple features intricate marble carvings, hand-painted vistas, and Italian crystal chandeliers. Visitors can explore the temple, attend a traditional Vedic ceremony, and enjoy a vegetarian meal at the temple's restaurant.

Interesting fact: The Palace of Gold was a gift from Prabhupada to his spiritual master, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.

Tour the Kentucky Coal Museum

The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum in Benham, Kentucky, is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the region's industrial heritage. The museum features exhibits about the history of coal mining in Kentucky, including artifacts and tools used by miners throughout the years. Visitors can explore a replica of a coal mine, take a guided tour of the museum, and learn about the environmental impact of coal mining.

Interesting fact: Kentucky was the third-largest coal-producing state in the United States in 2020.

Hike the Red River Gorge

The Red River Gorge is located in Stanton, Kentucky, and is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The gorge offers some of the most scenic hiking trails in the region, with over 100 miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous. Visitors can explore the natural arches, waterfalls, and rock formations that make the gorge a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The gorge is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and eagles.

Interesting fact: The Red River Gorge is home to more than 500 rock climbing routes.

In conclusion, a road trip from Charleston, West Virginia to Hazard, Kentucky offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. With stops at the Greenbrier Resort, New River Gorge, Palace of Gold, Kentucky Coal Museum, and Red River Gorge, visitors can explore some of the most interesting sights in the area. The trip takes approximately three hours to drive, but visitors are encouraged to take their time and enjoy the journey.