West Virginia doesn’t show up on every persons travel list, but it has a quiet charm that makes for a perfect weekend getaway if you’re coming from Pennsylvania or the DMV area. Fayetteville is small and unpretentious, but has plenty for anyone looking to escape their hometown for a couple of days.

A few months ago, I met some friends in a coffee shop during trivia. On a spontaneous night out dancing recently, we decided to plan a quick trip. The four of us made the 6.5 hour drive to Fayetteville, sharing stories and cracking jokes throughout. A dinner pit stop to Ellicott City was in the cards. The EC Diner’s “extreme” milkshakes lived up to their name. Thank you Alex for the idea!

Camping at The Outpost

Alex, Megh, Shiku and I stayed at The Outpost – New River Gorge, a campground right near the edge of New River Gorge National Park. Tent sites were scattered under the trees, but there were also platform tents, RV hookups, cabins, and retro campers tucked throughout the woods. Around 3am was when our group finally arrived. I’m surprised we managed to set up our tent in the dark, it was a funny yet impressive memory I’ll always remember.

Bathrooms were clean and private, protected with keypad locks. There were hot showers, outdoor sinks, and a laundry setup, which came in handy after a hike. They also sell firewood and ice at the lodge, making setting up easier when we didn’t feel like driving out again. There is also a Walmart about 10 minutes away to grab any extras or food. Scenic paths can be seen throughout the area, including a nice wooden bridge where you are able to sit + watch the small streams below.

In front of the parking lot is the check in area selling necessities that may have been forgotten at home, merchandise, and other items such as cards. If you’re a sticker hoarder like me, you can find your waterbottles newest addition here!

The campground has cornhole boards, hammocks strung up in the trees, and shared fire pits for anyone who wants to linger after sunset. Most nights, live music plays outside on the main lawn. That night, the sky looked uncertain, so the band played inside the lodge. The volume filled the room, and you couldn’t hear much else once you walked through the door. We preferred sitting by the fire outside. The music carried from the lodge just enough to still hear it, but not to the extent where it drowned noise out. Following the music performances, we resorted to the fundamentals of humanity from the age of the cavemen: storytelling around a campfire 🙂

Cathedral Falls

In the morning our group drove to Cathedral Falls. The waterfall is gorgeous and tucked away about 20 minutes from the camp site. The location isn’t super obvious to find. I (kind of) learned to play chess digitally on Alex’s phone as we made our way to this highlight. The waterfall drops in several tiers, surrounded by thick forest and moss-covered rocks.

The trail is easy; with some rocky sections and gentle climbs. Along the way, you pass through quiet woods that are rich with the sound of birds and rustling leaves. Parking is right in front of the waterfall. No hike was required to reach the site. The falls themselves make for a cool place to rest and soak in the natural beauty of the region.

The rocks were slippery, so it’s important to wear good hiking shoes and be extra cautious where you walked. This was the best part of the trip for me! Some cute little fish and crayfish made their appearance around the various shaped rocks.

Endless Trail

Before heading back, we took a short hike on the Endless Trail, a 5.3 mile loop trail near Fayetteville that winds through forest and along creeks. The trail covers a good mix of terrain, from shaded paths to open overlooks. Parking wasn’t abundant. However, there are several lots within a half mile of the entrance.

The Endless Trail isn’t heavily trafficked, making it easy to enjoy the serenity of the woods. It wasn’t a difficult hike and had scenic views throughout. The path was well marked, and the landscape changed with every turn, rock outcroppings, wildflowers, and occasional views of the valley below.

Shiku and I ventured off near the Diamond Point overlook about halfway through the hike. We even saw some people white water rafting in the river and a deer! If you’re into rock climbing, there are also plenty of opportunities on this trail.

Breaky at Cathedral Café and Exploring Fayetteville

Fayetteville is an adorable, bookish small town. You can walk through the main street in less than ten minutes but still find plenty to see. The town isn’t built up for tourists. Instead, it has a quiet, lived-in quality that shows in its historic theater and the rows of antique shops and boutiques along the street. In a weird way, it reminded me of a much smaller and less pretentious Park City, Utah!

We started our morning at Cathedral Café, located in a building that used to be a church. The stained glass windows still fill the room with color, lighting up the wood floors and mismatched tables. I ordered an iced vanilla latte and an asiago bagel. Both were exactly what I needed after camping overnight. The architecture is so unique and I’ve never seen another coffee shop like this! (and I’ve drank A LOT of coffee in my life). Beautiful stained glass windows line the walls, as well as photographs and other knick knacks.

After breakfast, the four of us walked the main street. One shop was packed with vintage records and old glassware. Another sold local artwork and hiking gear. The historic theater stood out with its marquee and posters taped to the front window, a reminder of the town’s long history.

Though Fayetteville is small, it has a surprising amount to offer for a quick visit. The mix of shops and historic spots gives it a unique feel without any fuss.

The New River Gorge Bridge

Our trip ended with a visit to the New River Gorge Bridge. It’s one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world and a signature landmark for West Virginia. After a bit of research, I found out the bridge rises nearly 900 feet above the New River and stretches more than 3,000 feet across the gorge. It’s impressive to see in person and a reminder of the area’s industrial history and engineering feats.

It’s only about a 10 minute walk to the bridge from the Visitors Center (where parking is). Stairs around the bridge offer several viewpoints where you can look down into the canyon or get a clear shot of the bridge itself. We took a few photos and spent some time walking the trails nearby. If you’re even more adventurous than I am and don’t have a fear of heights, there is an attraction where guests are harnessed and able to walk along the bridge. As much as I would like to be, heights hold me back greatly LOL

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While West Virginia may not be on every traveler’s radar, its blend of natural beauty and small-town character makes it an easy place to visit for a weekend escape. Fayetteville and its surroundings offer a variety of things to see and do without any rush or crowds. If you’re looking for a trip that combines outdoor adventure with simple comforts, this area is worth a closer look. There is much more to WV than we got to experience, but having a little taste was a nice change of scenery 🙂