Planning a West Virginia road trip from Michigan? This 7-day family road trip itinerary takes you through waterfalls, national parks, whitewater rafting, spooky museums, and unforgettable hikes — all on a family-friendly budget.
Below is our full West Virginia travel itinerary, with drive times, costs, and personal tips for each stop. If you’re looking for things to do in West Virginia with kids, these are all places we personally experienced as a family.
We’ll share where we stayed, what we spent, and which stops we’d absolutely do again in this detailed West Virginia travel itinerary (and which we wouldn’t).
Total Road Trip Overview
- Start/End: Michigan round-trip
- Total Miles Driven: ~2,000 miles
- Trip Length: 7 days
- Total Cost: $2,597 + 151,000 Hilton Honors Points
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas | $292 |
| Food | $500 |
| Activities (for 4) | $1,541 |
| Hotels (cash) | $264 |
| Hotels (points) | 151,000 points |
| Total Trip Cost | $2,597 + points |
West Virginia Road Trip Map
Where We Stayed (Night by Night)
| Night | Hotel | Location |
| Day 1 | Hampton Inn | Morgantown, WV |
| Day 2–3 | Tru by Hilton | Harrisonburg, WV |
| Day 4–6 | Tru by Hilton | Beckley, WV |
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Moundsville and Tour the West Virginia Penitentiary
- Drive Time:
7 hours from West Michigan to Moundsville, WV
1 hour 30 minutes from WV Penitentiary to Hampton Inn, Morgantown - Activity:
- West Virginia Penitentiary Tour — 818 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041
- Activity Summary:
A haunted but family-friendly tour of one of the most iconic prisons in the U.S. Known for its Gothic architecture, riots, and dark history — this stop was creepy, fascinating, and totally worth the visit. - Hotel:
Hampton Inn, Morgantown – 1053 Van Voorhis Rd, Morgantown, WV - Cost:
$60 for my family of 4
The West Virginia Penitentiary is creepy, historic, and worth every penny. This place has seen riots, escapes, and some seriously eerie stories. We covered the family-friendly daytime tour in our full post linked above.
Day 2: Visit Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods, and Seneca Rocks
- Drive Time:
1 hr 52 mins from Morgantown to Blackwater Falls
56 mins from Blackwater Falls to Bear Rocks Preserve
47 mins from Bear Rocks Preserve to Seneca Rocks Discovery Center - Activity:
- Blackwater Falls State Park — 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260
- Bear Rocks Preserve — Forest Rd 75, Davis, WV 26260 (use caution: rough gravel road)
- Seneca Rocks Discovery Center — 10154 US-33, Seneca Rocks, WV 26884
- Activity Summary:
Blackwater Falls State Park was an easy favorite thanks to its short waterfall trails and scenic viewpoints, but be aware — getting to the observation decks involves a lot of stairs, so it’s not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Bear Rocks had nice views, but getting there was a nightmare — a rocky road that left several cars with flat tires. Seneca Rocks was a brief but beautiful stop to take in the large fin-like rocks. - Hotel:
Tru by Hilton, Harrisonburg – 111 Pleasant Valley Rd, Harrisonburg, VA - Cost:
Free
⚠️ The road to Bear Rocks is so rough we almost turned back. We saw cars with flat tires — not joking. The views were fine, but honestly, you can find similar ones elsewhere in WV without risking your vehicle.
Day 3: Rock Climbing the NROCKS Via Ferrata in Circleville, WV
- Drive Time:
1 hr 20 mins from Harrisonburg to Circleville and then another 1 hr 20 min drive back to the hotel. - Activity:
- NROCKS Via Ferrata Climbing Tour — 141 Nelson Gap Rd, Circleville, WV 26804
- Activity Summary:
This guided climbing experience includes edge walks, suspension bridges, and beginner-friendly climbs. No experience is needed, but you should be comfortable with heights. This is a must-do if your kids are 13+ and love adventure. - Hotel:
Tru by Hilton, Harrisonburg – 111 Pleasant Valley Rd, Harrisonburg, VA - Cost: Around $150 per person + tip
This via ferrata is one of only a few in the U.S. and includes bridges, edge walks, and climbs — no experience needed. Totally guided and unforgettable.
Day 4: Explore Shenandoah National Park and Drive to Beckley
- Drive Time:
1 hour from TRU Harrisonburg to Stony Man Trail
15 min from Stony Man Trail to Dark Hollow Falls
3 hours from Dark Hollow Falls to Sandstone Visitor Center - Activity:
- Skyline Drive — Enter via Front Royal Entrance Station, 17157 Skyline Dr, Front Royal, VA 22630
- Stony Man Trail — Skyland Dr, Luray, VA 22835
- Dark Hollow Falls Trail — Milepost 50.7 on Skyline Dr, Shenandoah National Park, VA
- Sandstone Visitor Center — 330 Meadow Creek Rd, Sandstone, WV 25985
- Activity Summary: Shenandoah National Park is known for its scenic Skyline Drive, forested hikes, and waterfalls. We originally planned more hikes, but due to rain, we stuck with shorter trails like Stony Man and Dark Hollow Falls. We also stopped at Sandstone Visitor Center in New River Gorge. It offers great views, a small museum, gift shop, and bathrooms
- Hotel: Tru by Hilton, Beckley – 163 Neptune Dr, Beckley, WV
- Cost: $30 Shenandoah entrance fee (vehicle), FREE if you have the America the Beautiful Pass
We didn’t get to do as much here as we hoped due to weather, but Shenandoah is beautiful even in the rain. It’s a peaceful stop that breaks up the drive nicely.
Day 5: Go Whitewater Rafting In New River Gorge
- Drive Time: 25 minutes from our hotel in Beckley
- Activity:
- New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting — ACE Adventure Resort, 1 Concho Rd, Oak Hill, WV 25901
- Activity Summary:
We booked a full whitewater rafting tour on the Lower New River. Expect a mix of fast-moving rapids, and calm sections perfect for taking in the scenery. I highly recommend this family-friendly activity. - Hotel:
Tru by Hilton, Beckley - Cost: Around $462 total for our group of 4
Our daughter was under the weather, so she stayed behind — but the rest of us went and had an amazing time. Since the tickets were nonrefundable, we made the most of it.
Day 6: New River Gorge Bridge Walk and Endless Wall Trail Hike
- Drive Time:
28 minutes from our hotel in Beckley - Activity:
- Bridge Walk Tour — 57 Fayette Mine Rd, Lansing, WV 25862
- Endless Wall Trail Hike — Fern Creek Trailhead, Lansing-Edmond Rd, Lansing, WV 25862
- Tunney Hunsaker Bridge — Fayette Station Rd, Lansing, WV 25862
- Activity Summary:
If you’re planning a New River Gorge itinerary, this day had two highlights we’d absolutely recommend — the Bridge Walk tour and the Endless Wall Trail hike. We started the morning with a catwalk tour 876 feet in the air, fully harnessed in and surrounded by views of the gorge. Afterward, we hiked the Endless Wall Trail, a scenic route with some of the best views in New River Gorge National Park. Before heading back, we followed Fayette Station Road to the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge below for a whole new perspective of the towering bridge above us. - Hotel:
Tru by Hilton, Beckley - Cost:
Bridge Walk: Around $347 for our group of 4 / Endless Wall: Free
Fayette Station Road is narrow, twisty and one-way — drive slowly. The view from below the New River Gorge bridge was one of our favorite views.
Day 7: Explore the Mothman Museum and Head Home
- Drive Time:
2 hrs from Beckley to Point Pleasant
6.5 hrs from Point Pleasant to West Michigan - Activity:
- Mothman Museum — 400 Main St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550
- Activity Summary:
The museum is quirky and fun, filled with local legends, Mothman sightings, and memorabilia. Quick to explore and a fun way to break up the drive. - Final Stretch:
6.5 hours from Point Pleasant back to West Michigan
This museum is weird, local, and everything you’d want from a roadside legend stop. Bonus: there’s a great statue outside for photos.
Want to Save Money on This Trip?
This was a budget-friendly road trip, but West Virginia can be even more affordable if you make a few smart swaps. Below are some easy swaps and tips to help cut costs on your West Virginia road trip.
One color of the ORCA cooler we actually use is on clearance right now. I’ve seen it at this price for a couple days and kept forgetting to share it. It’s tough, holds ice like a champ, and we’ve dragged it through enough road trips (5+ years) to vouch for it. It's the 40 QT cooler on sale. We own the 58 QT one.
If you’ve been needing a good cooler for summer, this one’s a good one.
👉 Check it out here
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
| Expensive Activity | Budget Swap |
| Via Ferrata at NROCKS | Hike Seneca Rocks Trail instead |
| Whitewater Rafting | Ace Adventure Water Park |
| Bridgewalk | View bridge from below via Fayette Station Rd |
| Hotel Stays | Camp instead of staying in hotels |
Food Tips
- We packed most of our food in a cooler and used hotel microwaves
- Ate out maybe once per day (if that)
- Hotels with free breakfast saved us a ton
Travel Tips
- Use GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas on your route
- Try Upside for cash-back at select gas stations
- Bring reusable water bottles and snacks to avoid gas station runs
Should You Camp Instead?
Yes — if you’re up for it. West Virginia has amazing camping options:
- New River Gorge: multiple campgrounds near the park
- Seneca Shadows Campground: near Seneca Rocks
- Blackwater Falls State Park: cabins + campgrounds
Camping could slash your lodging costs in half (or more).
Best Time to Take a West Virginia Road Trip
West Virginia is beautiful year-round, but some seasons are better than others depending on what you’re planning.
- Spring (April–May): Great for waterfalls and wildflowers, but trails can be muddy and weather unpredictable. Pack layers and expect some rain — we got caught in a few downpours ourselves.
- Summer (June–August): Ideal for whitewater rafting, swimming, and hiking. Expect hot, humid days and more crowds in popular spots like New River Gorge and Blackwater Falls.
- Fall (September–October): This is one of the best times to visit. You’ll get cooler temps, fewer bugs, and incredible fall colors along scenic drives and hikes. Lodging can book up fast during peak foliage, though, so plan ahead.
- Winter (November–March): Some trails and roads (like Bear Rocks) may be inaccessible or unsafe due to snow and ice. Not the best time for a full road trip unless you’re focused on skiing or cabin stays.
We took our trip in early June, and while the temps were perfect, the rain caused some minor itinerary changes. Overall, it was a good balance for everything we wanted to do.
How many days do you need for a West Virginia road trip?
We spent 7 days and felt it was the perfect mix of sightseeing, adventure, and downtime. I’d recommend 7 days if you want to experience a little of everything — but you can easily shorten or stretch it depending on how much driving or hiking you want to do.
What’s the best time of year to visit West Virginia?
The best time to visit West Virginia is between May and October. Fall brings colorful foliage and cool temps, while summer is ideal for whitewater rafting and hiking.
Is West Virginia good for a family road trip?
Yes! Our teens loved the mix of hiking, climbing, rafting, and weird stops like the Penitentiary. West Virginia has plenty of budget-friendly, outdoor-based activities that work great for families.
Do I need hiking boots for West Virginia?
If you’re doing rugged trails or visiting after rain, hiking boots help. But for most of our trip, we wore regular sneakers with good tread and were fine.
Can you visit New River Gorge without hiking?
Absolutely. You can drive to scenic overlooks, walk the catwalk on the Bridge Walk tour, and visit nearby museums or shops — no hiking required.
Is the New River Gorge Bridge Walk scary?
It looks intimidating, but it felt totally secure. You’re fully harnessed, and the guides make you feel safe the entire time — even if you’re nervous about heights.
Can you do whitewater rafting in West Virginia with kids?
Yes — there are whitewater rafting trips in West Virginia for nearly all ages. Outfitters like ACE Adventure offer guided trips on calmer sections of the Upper New River for younger kids, and more adventurous runs on the Lower New River for teens and adults. Our teens loved it, but even younger families can find a route that fits their comfort level.
What should I pack for a road trip to West Virginia?
We packed quick-dry clothes, rain jackets, hiking shoes, a cooler, water shoes for rafting, and snacks for long drives.
Final Thoughts
Our West Virginia road trip from Michigan was packed with scenic drives, adventures, and family memories — all without breaking the bank. Some stops were absolutely worth it (like Whitewater rafting and NROCKS)and we’d consider them must-do’s, while others we probably wouldn’t go out of our way for again (hi, Dolly Sods).
Feel free to customize your West Virginia family vacation itinerary to make it your own — and if you have questions about any of these stops, just drop them in the comments.
About The Author
Melissa is the voice behind Hello Wanderlust Family — a Michigan-based travel blog helping families plan budget-friendly, experience-packed adventures across the U.S. She’s driven thousands of miles with her husband and teens, tracking down scenic hikes, national parks, and offbeat stops like the Mothman Museum. From firsthand road trip itineraries to honest tips on what’s worth the drive, she’s here to make your family’s next adventure easier to plan — and easier on your wallet.