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West Virginia: the New River Gorge: 3-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 3-day version for October: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 2-day plan · 3-day plan · 4-day plan · best time to go.

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3
days
135 km
distance
5.7 h
driving
17
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Lewisburg → Charleston

5 curated stops
Transit
2h27
Finish
~17:45
Temperature
7.5°C–19.9°C
Rainy days
~13
Daylight
11.0h
09:00
Lost World Caverns lostworldcaverns.com read more map ↗
Trek through massive caverns and explore underground wonders.
50 min · Lewisburg
10:05
Carnegie Hall carnegiehallwv.org read more map ↗
Explore three art galleries and enjoy live music and dance performances.
50 min · Lewisburg
open: Galleries and Box office: M-F 10AM-4PM
11:30
Organ Cave read more map ↗
Walk through one of the largest commercial caves in the eastern U.S.
50 min · Lewisburg
12:20
Blackwell's Catering blackwellscatering.com
Dine on fresh fish, seafood, steaks, and vegan dishes in a scenic golf setting.
60 min · Lewisburg
open: M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-4PM
15:55
West Virginia State Capitol read more map ↗
Admire the golden dome and historic statues on the grounds.
50 min · Charleston
open: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su noon-7PM. Guided tours available M-F 9AM-3:30PM
16:55
Craik-Patton House craikpattonhouse.org read more map ↗
You will see preserved Greek Revival architecture and period furnishings in this historic home.
50 min · Charleston · Free
Overnight: Charleston
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 2 Around Charleston

6 curated stops
Transit
2h11
Finish
~17:40
Temperature
7.5°C–19.9°C
Rainy days
~13
Daylight
11.0h
09:00
Kanawha State Forest kanawhastateforest.com read more map ↗
Stroll along trails and enjoy the forest's peaceful surroundings.
90 min · Charleston
10:55
West Virginia State Museum wvculture.org map ↗
Discover the state's history across three floors of exhibits.
50 min · Charleston · Free
open: M-Th 9AM-8PM, F Sa 9AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM
11:55
The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences theclaycenter.org read more map ↗
Explore interactive exhibits and watch films in the domed theater.
50 min · Charleston · Museum $9, add Planetarium Show $4
open: W-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM
13:15
Magic Island search map ↗
Run, play volleyball, or relax along the riverfront park.
90 min · Charleston
15:45
J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works search map ↗
Taste world-famous salt and learn its local production story.
50 min · Charleston
16:50
Criel Mound read more
Stand atop a grand burial mound with city and river views.
50 min · Charleston
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 3 Around Charleston

4 curated stops
Transit
1h06
Finish
~17:10
Temperature
7.5°C–19.9°C
Rainy days
~13
Daylight
11.0h
09:00
Coonskin Park search map ↗
Enjoy a walk, game of frisbee, or volleyball by the rivers.
90 min · Charleston
10:50
Cato Park search map ↗
Jog, toss a frisbee, or play volleyball in this riverside spot.
90 min · Charleston
12:35
Carriage Trail search map ↗
Walk a historic trail to a hilltop mansion and old burial ground.
90 min · Charleston
14:40
Wine Cellar Park search map ↗
Relax on the walking track or play a game near the rivers.
90 min · Charleston
16:10
Katherine's Cafe search map ↗
Famous old-school burgers in a neighborhood favorite.
60 min · Charleston

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🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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