From shimmering lakes to roadside wonders, West Virginia’s Mountain Lakes region is a road trip dream—packed with trails, waterfalls, quirky stops, and unforgettable views worth slowing down for.
Audra State Park
Along the Middle Fork River near Buckhannon, Audra State Park blends forest trails, river fun, and a touch of history. The Alum Cave Trail leads to a wooden boardwalk that slips beneath a sandstone overhang, a shady spot that begs for photos. Summer visitors can float the river on a tube, bring your own or rent one for just $5. With 65 campsites available, it’s easy to turn a day trip into a weekend.
Lambert’s Vintage Wine
In Weston, Lambert’s Vintage Wine pairs local flavor with plenty of character. Handcrafted stone buildings, stained-glass windows, and antique touches give the winery a timeless feel, while the tasting room offers a cozy spot by oversized fireplaces. Guests can sample wines like the popular blackberry merlot, known for its rich, fruity notes. Group tours include a peek inside the small on-site chapel, complete with rustic stonework that adds to the winery’s charm.
Museum of American Glass
Just off the road in Weston, the free Museum of American Glass is a colorful surprise worth a stop. Start with a selfie beside the massive vintage glass mural outside, then head in to see more than 20,000 pieces, from Depression-era vases to a five-foot, 13-room stained-glass dollhouse. Kids can dive into hands-on activities, while collectors will appreciate iconic Fenton and Blenko works like fruit jars and glass gear shift knobs from the 1940s. Don’t skip the quirky National Marble Museum collection!
Stonewall Resort State Park
Just minutes from I-79, Stonewall Resort State Park is 1,900 acres of pure West Virginia beauty. Centered around the serene Stonewall Jackson Lake, it’s perfect for fishing, paddling, and lazy days on the water. Stay in a lakeside cottage, pitch a tent, or unwind in the Adirondack-style lodge. With trails, a marina, golf, spa, and endless outdoor adventures, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to spend the whole weekend.
Falls Mill
Driving along Route 19? Right off the highway in Braxton County, you’ll find Falls Mill, one of West Virginia’s best roadside waterfalls. Park and walk a few steps to the overlook for a wide, cascading view of the Little Kanawha River framed by thick green woods. You couldn’t ask for a more picturesque detour (and photo op).
Sutton Lake
With 40 miles of shoreline and endless views, Sutton Lake in Buffalo Creek is the place to hang out on a sunny day. Rent a boat and explore hidden coves, cast a line for bass, or simply take in the scenery as you paddle across the lake via kayak. Head to Bee Run Recreation Area for free public swimming, lakeside camping, and a shaded playground.
Rail Explorers
All aboard! At Rail Explorers, you’ll hop onto a pedal-powered railbike and cruise along historic tracks with sweeping views of the forest, cliffs, and even waterfalls. The e-assist makes it a breeze to coast through the terrain. Snap a photo at the Almost Heaven swing at the trail’s start, then sit back and enjoy the ride – this is one of the most unique ways to explore West Virginia’s natural beauty.
Pirates Cove Trail & Scenic Overlook
This two-mile out-and-back hike offers some of the prettiest views in the state within Summersville Lake State Park. Begin at the trailhead swing (a classic “Almost Heaven” photo op), then follow the trail through shaded forest to a tucked-away waterfall and the rocky Pirates Cove shoreline. Climb the metal staircase to reach the scenic lake overlook – you might just catch some climbers scaling the cliffs!
Fat Eddie’s
No summer vacation in West Virginia is complete without a stop at Fat Eddie’s, a nostalgic roadside ice cream stand with blue surfboards out front and hot dogs on the grill (they sell over 55,000 every season). Start with a bacon cheese dog or chili cheeseburger, then dive into the banana split storm – a milkshake mashup of banana, chocolate, pineapple, and strawberry. Picnic tables and cheerful vibes make it the perfect post-lake pit stop.
Babcock State Park
Arguably one of West Virginia’s most photographed spots, Babcock State Park in Clifftop is home to the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a rustic structure perched beside a cascading waterfall. Explore the trails, take the mill tour, or rent a paddleboat from Boley Lake Marina. In the summer, you can splash in the New River Gorge or spend a quiet afternoon picnicking by the stream. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped directly into Appalachian postcard perfection!
