Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
Ride an authentic mantrip underground with a former miner, then tour the coal camp.
Raleigh County · New River Gorge Country
Things to Do in Beckley WV
Known as the gateway to the New River Gorge, Beckley blends coal-country history with mountain adventure, Appalachian craft and easy access to Grandview, the gorge bridge and Winterplace. Here is your guide to the best of it.
Quick Info
- County
- Raleigh County
- Best For
- Gorge scenery, coal history, craft shopping, skiing
- Best Time to Visit
- Spring through fall; winter for skiing
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Getting There
- At the crossroads of I-64 and I-77, about 1 hour from Charleston and 20 minutes from the gorge bridge.
Gateway to the Gorge
Beckley sits on a high plateau in southern West Virginia, where the interstate meets the road to one of America’s newest national parks. It is a practical base for exploring the New River Gorge while offering plenty of its own attractions.
Coal built this town, and the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine invites visitors underground to experience that history firsthand. Above ground, Tamarack showcases the work of West Virginia artisans, and the nearby Grandview section of the gorge serves up sweeping river views.
With winter skiing at Winterplace and year-round hiking, Beckley works for every season.
Best Things to Do
Top Beckley Experiences
Tamarack Marketplace
A showcase of West Virginia crafts, art and food with a cafe serving regional dishes.
Grandview
Part of the New River Gorge, with the Main Overlook and the Turkey Spur stairs.
Beckley Art Center
Local and regional art exhibitions, classes and events in a welcoming downtown space.
Winterplace Ski Resort
Southern West Virginia’s family ski hill, 15 minutes away with night skiing and tubing.
Little Beaver State Park
An 18-acre lake with fishing, paddling, trails and picnic areas close to town.
Youth Museum of Southern WV
Hands-on exhibits and a mountain-homestead village that kids love.
Downtown Beckley
Historic streets, the Raleigh County Courthouse and a growing cluster of local shops.
Top Attractions
- Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine — an underground look at the industry that shaped the region.
- Tamarack Marketplace — the state’s flagship artisan center.
- Grandview — New River Gorge overlooks and trails.
- New River Gorge Bridge — about 20 minutes away at Fayetteville.
- Beckley Art Center — rotating exhibitions of regional work.
- Winterplace Ski Resort — winter fun for all ability levels.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Grandview’s trails and the gorge’s rim paths range from gentle to steep.
Whitewater Rafting
The New and Gauley rivers offer world-class rafting within an hour of Beckley.
Fishing & Boating
Little Beaver Lake and nearby rivers are great for bass, trout and paddling.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Winterplace delivers 27 slopes, terrain parks and night skiing in season.
Mountain Biking
Growing trail networks and the nearby gorge draw riders of all levels.
Ziplining
Canopy tours near the gorge add a thrill for adventure seekers.
Historic Attractions
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is the region’s definitive history experience, pairing an underground ride with a restored coal camp, schoolhouse and the Youth Museum.
Downtown, the Raleigh County Courthouse and surrounding blocks hold early-20th-century architecture from the boom years, while the Wildwood House Museum preserves a pioneer-era home.
At Tamarack, living-history demonstrations and craft traditions keep Appalachian heritage in view year-round.
Restaurants
King Tut Drive-In
A Beckley legend since the 1940s, famous for homemade pies and classic diner fare.
Calacino’s Pizzeria
Handmade pizza and Italian plates, a longtime local favorite.
The Dish Cafe
Creative sandwiches, salads and daily specials in a casual setting.
Tamara’s Cafe at Tamarack
Regional dishes and baked goods inside the artisan marketplace.
Pasquale’s
Italian comfort food and pizza in a family-friendly room.
Downtown Coffee Shops
Local cafes for breakfast and a pick-me-up before a gorge drive.
Places to Stay
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson — convenient I-77 access in Beckley.
- Hampton Inn Beckley — dependable and close to dining.
- Courtyard by Marriott — modern rooms near the interstate.
- Cabins at Little Beaver State Park — lakeside lodging 15 minutes from town.
- New River Gorge cabin rentals — a gateway base toward Fayetteville.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Grandview — about 10 minutes.
- New River Gorge Bridge — about 20 minutes.
- Fayetteville — about 20 minutes.
- Winterplace Ski Resort — about 15 minutes.
- Charleston WV — about 1 hour north.
- Bluestone Lake — about 1 hour south.
Best Time to Visit
Spring brings wildflowers and flowing water in the gorge. Summer is best for rafting, lake days and Tamarack browsing, while fall delivers some of the state’s finest foliage at Grandview.
Winter turns the area into a ski destination, with Winterplace as the anchor.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: descend into the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and tour the coal camp.
- Late morning: browse Tamarack’s artisan galleries and grab lunch.
- Afternoon: drive to Grandview for the Main Overlook and the Turkey Spur stairs.
- Late afternoon: continue to the New River Gorge Bridge and Fayetteville.
- Evening: return to Beckley for dinner at a local favorite.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: coal mine and Tamarack in the morning, Grandview and the gorge bridge in the afternoon, dinner downtown.
Day 2: hike or raft in the New River Gorge, visit Little Beaver State Park, and in winter spend the day skiing at Winterplace.
Beckley on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beckley WV known for?
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Tamarack artisan marketplace and its role as gateway to the New River Gorge.
Is Beckley close to the New River Gorge?
Yes. Grandview is about 10 minutes away and the New River Gorge Bridge is about 20 minutes.
Can you ski near Beckley?
Yes — Winterplace Ski Resort is roughly 15 minutes away and offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
How many days do you need in Beckley?
One day covers the town; two days let you add the gorge and a seasonal activity like skiing or rafting.
What is the best time to visit Beckley WV?
Early October for fall color at Grandview, or summer for rafting and lake recreation.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia’s destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Beckley guide is built to help you plan a smarter southern West Virginia trip.
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