Best Things to Do in Fayetteville, West Virginia

Completed in 1977, this functional art form is one of the most photographed locations in the state. An engineering marvel, it’s the longest steel span bridge in the Western hemisphere and the third highest in the U.S. And while the views crossing the bridge are breathtaking, there are many other vantage points that allow for a more scenic view of this masterpiece and one of the world’s oldest rivers almost 900 feet below.

Pro tip: Be here for Bridge Day. Each year, on the third Saturday of October, the bridge is closed to traffic and thousands of pedestrians flock to the state’s largest one-day festival. The highlight: hundreds of BASE jumpers flock to the area for their opportunity to jump, or be catapulted, from this iconic bridge while being cheered on by thousands of spectators

Twenty-five feet beneath the bridge is a catwalk that was built as a way to inspect the bridge after its completion. Today, guests can traverse the more-than-3,000-foot length of the bridge, safely tethered of course, and more than 800 feet above the river near the middle. If you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll spot a peregrine falcon, witness the train rolling up or down the river, and during the rafting season, you can watch as rafters disembark after a day of running the Lower New River. The Bridge Walk is a unique experience that isn’t available anywhere else in the U.S. What’s more, you get to experience a bird’s-eye view of the New River Gorge all while cars pass overhead. And this is the only way (outside of Bridge Day) to walk across the bridge (albeit from underneath).  

With more than 60 miles of shoreline, West Virginia’s largest lake is a retreat for boating, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), fishing, scuba diving and just escaping the summer heat. This man-made lake also creates the flow that perpetuates Gauley Season each fall. Mountain Lake Campground is located right on the shores of this scenic lake and offers RV hookups, cabins and yurts and tent campsites. If you’re looking to rent a boat for your stay, head to Summersville Lake Marina and tour the lake and its unique sandstone cliffs from the deck of your pontoon boat. 

This is an excellent option that will provide a professional experience down this ancient river.

Another great option with expert guides.

Long Point Trail is great for beginners and affords you views of the imposing New River Gorge Bridge and the river below from a rocky vista. This is a popular trail and can often be crowded on the weekends. 

Another option in the area is that skirts along the cliff’s edge and provides spectacular views of the gorge. 

If you are an experienced climber and looking to add “The New” to your climbing resume, consider stopping by Water Stone Outdoors for the most up-to-date climbing information from local climbers. And while climbing can (and does) take place year round in the Gorge, perhaps the ideal times each year are late April to mid-June and mid-September to late October. As many of the routes are located within the national park, it’s a good idea to check regulations prior to arriving. 

Adventures on the Gorge also offers guided half- and full-day outings.

Located on the rim of the New River Gorge and just a few minutes from downtown Fayetteville, this all-inclusive adventure resort is an ideal location for individuals and families. In addition to their adventure offerings (whitewater rafting, ziplines and more), their array of lodgings include campsites, RV camp sites, rustic cabins, deluxe cabins and glamping tents. There’s something for every price point, from tent sites to luxury cabins. The AOTG campus is a one-stop shop for adventure, lodging, dining and reconnecting with nature. The resort features multiple restaurants, coffee shop, gift shop, wedding venue, large pool and a hub for all things adventure in the New River Gorge.

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Fayetteville, Country Road Cabins was founded by Paul and Jennifer Breuer. Paul was one of the pioneers of the rafting industry on the New and Gauley rivers. After selling his company to Adventures on the Gorge, the Breuers built more than 20 luxurious cabins along with a couple of unique treehouses on the property. And new to 2021, luxury glamping tents have been added. 

Located in historic downtown Fayetteville, this former church turned cafe is an eclectic spot that offers savory fare. Expect whole-grain pancakes, frittatas, croissants and the not-to-be-missed pecan-smoked bacon, along with paninis (we highly recommend the ultimate grilled cheese with three kinds of cheese), quesadillas, specialty sandwiches and more. 

This is the original flagship location of an expanding franchise which offers specialty pies and local brews. A large specialty pizza ranges from $22-26 and can be washed down with one a dozen on-tap microbrews or three-dozen bottled or canned options. If you’re looking for a suggestion, try the Bridge Brew Works Long Point Lager. Yes, it does get its name from the trail and has a fragrance of fresh-baked bread and honey.

Located on the campus of Adventures on the Gorge, Smokey’s skirts the rim of the New River Gorge and offers guests a casual dining experience with a breathtaking view. The restaurant gets its name from one of the gorge’s most notable characters, a bus driver named Dana “Smokey” Morton who shuttled adventure seekers to and from the river. 

Enjoy their signature breakfast Friday-Sunday mornings from 7-9 and experience an evening dining experience (Tuesday-Sunday from 4-9pm) with perhaps the best setting in the area. Start off with fried green tomatoes or smoked oysters before diving into West Virginia farmed rainbow trout, Scottish salmon or the signature Tomahawk (Frenched bone-in ribeye; $69), and they boast having the best barbeque in the state. Prices for entrees start at $22.

Founded more than a decade ago, this local microbrewery creates (in their own words) beer that they want to drink. Look for their brews in local eateries or visit their taproom on-site with their brewery for a full array of their craft beers sold by the pint, bottle or growler. The taproom is open Wednesday-Sunday from 1-10 p.m. While some of their brews are available year-round, others are seasonal brews and subject to change. With more than a dozen brews in their quiver, including stouts, lagers, IPAs and pale ales, there’s something for everybody. And with names like Humulus Lupulus, Mountain Momma Pale Ale, Crux Kolsch (for you climbers) and the Peregrine Porter, you are guaranteed to be leaving with a growler or three.