11 Day West Virginia Self Drive

On arrival into Washington D.C make your way to Arlington, Virginia, located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Spend two nights in Arlington, a vibrant and historic destination offering visitors the perfect opportunity to explore both Arlington and the nation's capital. In Arlington, explore iconic landmarks such as Arlington National Cemetery, and The Pentagon the headquarters of the United States  Department of Defence.

To visit Washington, D.C. from Arlington, there are several easy transport options. The Metro system has multiple stations in Arlington that provide easy access to downtown D.C. or take the scenic route and hope on a water taxi across the river. Once in Washington, D.C., immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the United States. Explore the iconic National Mall, home to famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. And visit world-class museums such as the Smithsonian Institution, which offers a vast collection of art, history, and science exhibits.

Today journey to West Virginia, it would take five and a half hours to reach Charleston, West Virginia's capital city so stop in Morgantown for an over night stay to break up the journey. Morgantown is a city in Monongalia County, in the north of West Virginia close to the Pennsylvania state boarder. It’s home to West Virginia University, sits on the Monongahela River and offers stunning scenery from mountains and rivers to lakes and canyons. 

Journey further into West Virginia as your head for the state capital, Charleston. Enjoy two nights exploring this riverside complex, see the gold-domed State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion and the West Virginia State Museum. You can also marvel at the murals downtown and explore the shops on beautiful Capitol Street. Make time to stop by the Capitol Market, where local vendors sell everything from artisanal cheeses to blooming tulips.

Today's destination is Fayetteville. The drive is only an hour so we recommend stopping at Hawks Nest State Park. Stop off at the stunning Cathedral Falls and Kanawha Falls, which are easily accessed from the road. Stop in Ansted for a bite to eat at the charming Chimney Corner Store & Cafe, then get back on the road at Route 16 south, which will take you to Hawk's Nest State Park. This 270-acre park is best known for its scenic overlook, which provides sweeping gorge views at the end of a short paved pathway. Add an extra mode of transportation to your road trip with an adventure along the river with New River Jet Boats.

With a two night stay included in Fayetteville you can spend some time exploring the boutique shops, restaurants and cafes in the historic downtown area, before heading out to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.  This national park is a haven for white water rafters and outdoor enthusiasts. The 876-foot-high New River Gorge Bridge, opened in 1977, is one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world and definitely worth a visit.  

Head along Route 19 towards the charming and booming town of Beckley today. Beckley is surrounded by stunning rural farmland, but is also a commercial hub for shopping in southern West Virginia. The Tamarack Marketplace hosts more than 2,800 artists and artisans from around the state. For those interested in local history, check out Exhibition Coal Mine where you can take a mine cart ride through what was once an operating coal mine. Outdoor enthusiasts, will enjoy the nearby Glade Creek trail which follows an old rail line through a beautiful creek canyon, or enjoy a quick stroll at the Grandview Overlook. 

Today drive to Chapmanville as your continue your self-drive of West Virginia. On route stop in Pineville, packed with outdoor activities, nature and scenery. Go for an ATV ride on the famous Hatfield McCoy Trails’ Pinnacle Creek Trailhead, or explore the town’s hidden gem, Castle Rock— a 165-foot sandstone cliff that towers over the town. At the nearby Twin Falls Resort State Park, discover the 25 miles of hiking and biking trails in the park or enjoy the fully functional Pioneer Farm, which offers park visitors a glimpse of what life was like on the frontier. 

Today is your last full day in West Virginia and your overnight stay will be just outside Huntington. Spend the day in the second most populated city in West Virginia, Huntington, which also sits on the Ohio River at the point where West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky all meet. Choose to either explore one of the cities museums like the Museum of Radio and Technology or if your with the kids head to Camden Park an old-school style park with fair-ground rides, a log-flume and mini-golf course. In downtown Huntington you will find a great selection of shops, restaurants and bars, making this a great place to spend your last night. 

Your self-drive comes to an end today as you head back to Charleston, WV, to return your hire car and jump on a flight back to London via Atlanta, Georgia or Charlotte, North Carolina.