When planning a road trip, most people wouldn’t put West Virginia at the top of their list. Even if they did, they wouldn’t put a small town of a couple of thousand people on their list of stops.
Maybe Charleston or Beckley, but what about Fayetteville, WV? This town is in one of the most beautiful places in West Virginia. This is why it needs to be your next gateway. Let’s look at five ways to do Fayetteville, WV, like a local!
About Fayetteville, WV
The county seat of Fayette County, Fayetteville, WV, is home to less than 3,000 residents. Even though it might be small, Budget Travel magazine listed it as one of the “Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America” and “Best River Town 2013” in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.
Its namesake is the Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, the famous French officer who commanded American troops against the British.
Most of Fayetteville’s economy relies on the tourism industry. The New River Gorge area brings in visitors every year to explore the beauty of West Virginia. Travelers also love to take in the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest arch bridge in the western hemisphere.
How to Get There
Located to the northwest of Babcock State Park and the New River Gorge National Park, Fayetteville is in a beautiful scenic area of West Virginia.
It’s a straight shot north on Highway 19 from Beckley. From Charleston, it’s a little over an hour’s drive southeast. It’s about a 90-minute drive from the Virginia border. Fayetteville, WV, is easily accessible from Highway 19 or Highway 60 and Interstate 64.
Traveler’s Tip: Plan a road trip through West Virginia and make your next stop Elkview, a little over an hour’s drive north of Fayetteville.
5 Ways to Experience Fayetteville, WV, Like a Local
Now that you know Fayetteville, WV, is in a prime location to enjoy the state’s natural beauty, let’s look at a handful of things you need to do when you visit. From flying in a WWII-era plane to walking under a 19th Century coal tipple to putting down a few beers, you’ll love visiting Fayetteville, WV.
1. Book a Flight Over New River Gorge
Address: 282 Hinkle Rd, Fayetteville, WV 25840
About: Want to take a ride in a World War II Stearman biplane? If so, you can book a flight at Wild Blue Adventure Company.
These tours are for one person at a time, so if you’re traveling with others, you’ll want to book individual flights. Since the plane is a fully restored, museum-quality training airplane, it’s for an instructor and one student.
You have the option to include aerobatics in your flight. You can also purchase a video of your flight. A 20-minute flight over the New River Gorge costs $175. Other packages are available for longer flights. So make sure to book a flight with pilot Bill Chouinard when you visit Fayetteville, WV!
2. Enjoy a Picnic At Fayette County Park
Address: 1268 Fayette County Park Rd, Fayetteville, WV 25840
About: Take a ten-minute drive to Fayette County Park for a picnic lunch. After eating, hike along the trail, play a basketball game or take a swim in the pool.
There are also cabins to rent if you want to spend a few days exploring the park and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re parents with children or a solo traveler looking for a pleasant outdoor afternoon, stop by Fayette County Park.
3. Learn About the History Of a Coal Town At Nuttallburg
Address: End of County Rte 85/2, Fayetteville, WV 25840
About: West Virginia was once the king of coal mining. One of the most well-preserved coal mining towns is Nuttallburg. In 1873, John Nuttall opened the Nuttallburg mine. After his death, it passed on to his heirs, who then leased it to Henry Ford.
After Ford’s death, several others owned the mine before ceasing production in 1958. Learn more about this coal mine through interpretive exhibits, and take a hike along the trail to experience this scenic location.
One Google reviewer shares, “This place is fantastic…There is so much history here with plenty of informative signs. You can park close to the tipple and walk directly under it, walk by the old coke ovens, and even into the old mine store!
The drive was extremely scenic, with waterfalls and towering rock walls. There was also an abandoned railroad bridge that made for an awesome side adventure.”
Don’t miss your chance to explore the Nuttallburg coal tipple.
4. Hike the Long Point Trail
Address: Trailhead Parking lot, County Rte 9-8 Fayetteville, WV 25840
About: This three-mile trail is popular for hiking and mountain biking. On the last 0.2 miles of Long Point Trail, you can’t bring bikes. When you get to the end of the course, you’ll have stunning views of the gorge and river and the New River Gorge Bridge.
One hiker writes, “Rhododendron thicket was breathtaking. Absolutely adore this hike. View of the bridge is incomparable to anything else I’ve seen.” This hike is a must-do when visiting Fayetteville, WV.
5. Grab a Pizza and Beer At Pies & Pints
Address: 219 West Maple Ave, Fayetteville, WV 25840
About: When you’ve flown over the area, learned about its history, and explored the outdoors, take a break and grab a pizza and beer at Pies & Pints, a local favorite.
One Google reviewer writes, “Loved this restaurant! The wings were some of the best wings I’ve ever had! And the pizza was delicious. I got the street corn pizza and added cuban pork and it was awesome!
Also, there is a kid playground that makes this place incredibly family friendly. Wished they had one where we live!”
Get there before 6 p.m. to take part in Happy Hour Monday-Friday afternoons. You’ll receive $1 off select pints and house wines and $2 off appetizers.
Order the steak and mushroom pie, the mozzarella Caprese pie, or the chipotle chicken pie. Wash it down with a Bold Rock Cider IPA, a Clown Shoes Haze Cake, or a Weathered Ground Take Me Home. There are so many pizza and beer options that you may have to try more than one!
Make Fayetteville, WV, Your Next Getaway
Whether you’re looking to explore as a solo traveler or take the family to have a good time, Fayetteville, WV, is an excellent location for your next getaway.
Can you imagine taking a flight over the New River while doing barrel rolls in the sky? Or picture the beauty of the New River Gorge at the end of Long Point Trail?
It’s all waiting for you in Fayetteville, WV. When will you visit?
