Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Roadtrip from Charleston, WV to Morgantown, WV
If you love hitting the road and exploring new places, you'll surely love this road trip from Charleston, West Virginia to Morgantown, West Virginia. In this article, we'll highlight some of the best museums, parks, and landmarks that you can visit along the way.
Fun fact: Did you know that West Virginia is the only state in the United States that lies entirely within the Appalachian region? As you embark on this road trip, you'll be able to witness the beauty and diversity of the Appalachians.
Halfway between Charleston and Morgantown is the charming town of Flatwoods, West Virginia. Here, you can stop and enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking in the nearby state parks or exploring the local museums.
The road trip from Charleston to Morgantown is approximately 150 miles, which should take approximately 2.5 hours if driving non-stop. However, we recommend taking your time to enjoy every stop along the way.
Here are the top five places you should visit:
- Hawks Nest State Park - This beautiful state park located in Ansted, WV, is known for its stunning views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives. Don't forget to visit the Hawks Nest Lodge for a meal with a view.
Point of Interest: Stop at the New River Gorge Bridge Visitor Center to learn about the history and engineering behind the largest and longest steel-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
- Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park - Take a relaxing boat ride to Blennerhassett Island, where you can explore the beautifully restored Blennerhassett Mansion, gardens, and museum.
Point of Interest: Learn about the island's fascinating history as the site of a Burr conspiracy to create a new empire in the Southwest.
- West Virginia University Coliseum - Home to the Mountaineers basketball team, the WVU Coliseum is a must-visit for sports fans. Check out the upcoming games and score some merch.
Point of Interest: Visit the WVU Art Museum on the campus for a glimpse of the university's impressive collection of American art.
- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park - Take a trip back in time aboard a historic steam train and explore the beautiful landscapes of Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. You can even rent a traditional log cabin for a unique overnight stay!
Point of Interest: Stop at the Cass Company Store to buy souvenirs and learn about the park's former lumbering community.
- Coopers Rock State Forest - Known for its unique sandstone cliffs and panoramic views of the Cheat River Gorge, Coopers Rock State Forest is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and rock climbing.
Point of Interest: Visit the Henry Clay Iron Furnace, which produced iron for the Confederacy during the Civil War.
This road trip from Charleston to Morgantown is a great way to explore the natural beauty and history of West Virginia. We hope you've found some fantastic places to add to your itinerary. Safe travels!