Eat, Hike, and Chill: Discover West Virginia’s College Towns & Mountaineer Country

Jason Macumber

August 25, 2025

Two hikers with backpacks stand at a stone and wooden overlook, gazing at a lush, green valley with a winding river below and misty mountains in the distance.

Just across the Pennsylvania border, Mountaineer Country blends college town charm with wild outdoor escapes. From lakeside bites to waterfall hikes and over-the-top milkshakes, here are the best adventures near Morgantown and Fairmont!

Coopers Rock State Forest

A rocky overlook with wooden railings juts out above a lush, green valley, with two people standing near the edge. Mist rises from the trees, and a river winds through the forested hills below.

Less than 15 miles from Morgantown, Coopers Rock State Forest stretches across more than 12,700 acres of trails, cliffs, and forested ridges. The main overlook, a massive rock outcrop, serves up sweeping views of the Cheat River Gorge, while sandstone cliffs nearby attract climbers. With more than 50 miles of hiking and biking paths, trout fishing in a six-acre pond, camping, picnicking, and even a seasonal trading post, it’s an easy escape for WVU students and weekend adventurers alike.

Dockside Grille at Cheat Lake

Aerial view of a forested area surrounding a lake with a narrow bridge crossing over the water, set against rolling hills under a cloudy sky.

Enjoy a meal on the water at this popular summer dining spot, where you can literally pull your boat right up to the restaurant. Located at the Cheat Lake Marina in Morgantown, this family-owned gem serves up a seasonal menu of classic American fare. Dig into jumbo wings smothered in sweet chili sriracha. Indulge in a classic brisket cheesesteak. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, the peanut butter pie is pure heaven.

West Virginia Botanic Garden

Three adults and a dog walk along a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and green foliage. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a peaceful, natural setting.

The West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve is a nature lover’s paradise with over 80 acres featuring eight gardens, 4.5 miles of connecting trails and beautiful wetlands and meadows to explore. From the colorful Butterfly Garden that peaks in the spring to the seasonal Eclectic Garden featuring the ruins of the former caretaker’s house, each of the gardens here is a unique experience. Planning a wedding? You won’t find a more dreamy venue!

Von Blaze

A man and woman walk hand-in-hand across a crosswalk in a city downtown area, surrounded by historic brick buildings, greenery, and parked cars on a sunny day.

If you’re looking for the perfect brunch spot, Von Blaze is where it’s at. Tucked away in downtown Morgantown, this cozy and casual restaurant serves up comfort food with an elevated twist, making it a popular joint for locals and students alike. Sip a cold beer on a warm summer evening and dig into dishes like hand-cut fries smothered in short rib, lobster french toast or the blackened shrimp burger. And for all you veggie-only folks, the tempeh sloppy joe is pure vegan perfection.

Seneca Center

Get ready to shop until you drop at the Seneca Center in Morgantown. Once a glass factory that helped define Morgantown’s industrial roots, the repurposed space now houses quirky independent shops. Browse a quilt store, get your ride tuned at the bike repair shop, or enjoy a pot of loose-leaf tea at The Tea Shoppe. You’ll also find salons, artisan soaps, and a mouthwatering pizza joint.

Poky Dot

A smiling server hands a milkshake topped with whipped cream and a cookie to two customers at a counter. The customers have a large burger and fries in front of them, and the diner is decorated with heart-shaped garlands.

It’s all about the retro vibes at The Poky Dot in Fairmont, where 1950s diner charm meets outrageous desserts. The menu covers classics like burgers and fries, but the real stars are the sky-high sundaes and milkshakes piled with cookies, whipped cream, and candy. Up for a challenge? Try tackling the Humongous Banana Split, a two-person sundae with bragging rights (and a prize) if you finish it.

The Wonder Bar (Clarksburg)

A man and a woman dine outdoors at a table set with food and drinks, overlooking a scenic, sunlit landscape with rolling hills in the background. The woman is smiling and talking to the man.

Overlooking the hills of Clarksburg, The Wonder Bar offers an elevated steakhouse experience with incredible views. Opened in 1946, this slice of local history serves award-winning fine dining with a menu featuring everything from chilled seafood towers to prime rib and tender filet mignon. The lamb chops with demi glaze are grilled to perfection, and if you love Italian, you can’t go wrong with the classic lasagna.

Almost Heaven Desserts & Coffee (Bridgeport)

A person pours steamed milk into a cup of coffee, creating latte art in the shape of a leaf. The scene is viewed from above their shoulder, with the persons hands and blue wristband visible.

This cozy Bridgeport café is the perfect spot to grab scratch‑made desserts and rotating seasonal coffee creations. Sip on handcrafted lattes like white chocolate raspberry or cinnamon roll. Bite into pastries like pistachio cannolis and orange chocolate biscotti. And in the fall? This spot is the quintessential definition of “autumn vibes,” where pumpkin spice reigns supreme along with other fall flavors.

Valley Falls State Park & Almost Heaven Swing

A man, woman, and dog stand on a rocky ledge overlooking rushing waterfalls and a river, surrounded by lush green trees.

A short drive from Fairmont and Grafton, Valley Falls State Park is a hidden gem known for its rugged cascades along the Tygart Valley River. The falls tumble over rock ledges in a series of 10-foot drops, providing some visual drama. Visitors can picnic, fish, or explore 18 miles of hiking and biking trails. For the perfect photo op, follow the paved path to the Almost Heaven Swing overlooking the upper falls.

Tygart Adventure Lake

A floating inflatable water park with slides and obstacles sits on a lake, surrounded by forested hills under a partly cloudy sky. People are playing on the inflatables and along the sandy shoreline.

Get ready to make a splash at Tygart Adventure Lake, located in Tygart Lake State Park. Here, 25 inflatable lake toys create the ultimate playground for kids (and adults). Spend the day on the beach, rent kayaks or paddleboards, and grab a bite dockside at The Lodge Restaurant (the crab cake sandwich is a must).