Winterplace Ski Resort
One of the most accessible ski areas in the Southeast, Winterplace sits right off I-77 and offers 27 trails, night skiing, tubing and a terrain park, with rental packages that make it easy for first-timers.
Southern West Virginia
Raleigh County WV Travel Guide
Coal history, craft culture and gorge country meet in Beckley, the gateway to the southern New River Gorge. Here is how to plan a trip around the county's best attractions.
Quick Info
- County Seat
- Beckley, WV
- Best For
- History, family fun, gorge access
- Best Time
- Spring–fall; winter for skiing
- Time Needed
- 2–3 days
Gateway to the Gorge
Raleigh County sits in the heart of southern West Virginia's coal country, but its identity today is much broader. Beckley, the county seat, is a lively small city that serves as the southern gateway to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
The county pairs serious outdoor access with some of the state's best heritage attractions. You can descend into a real coal mine in the morning, browse Appalachian craft at Tamarack in the afternoon and watch the sunset from a gorge overlook by evening.
With Interstate 77 and I-64 crossing here, Raleigh County is also one of the easiest parts of southern West Virginia to reach, making it a natural base for exploring the region.
Heritage
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is the county's signature heritage attraction. Retired miners guide visitors on a mantrip train deep into a preserved underground mine, sharing firsthand stories of what life and work underground were really like.
Above ground, the site includes a reconstructed coal camp, a company store and the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, making it an easy half-day for families and history buffs alike.
It is a moving and honest look at the industry that shaped this region, told by people who lived it.
Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia
Tamarack is a one-of-a-kind destination just off I-77 near Beckley: a rotating showcase of West Virginia art, craft and food. The distinctive building houses galleries, working artisan studios, a theater and a food court that features regional specialties.
Everything sold here is made in West Virginia, from hand-blown glass and pottery to quilts, furniture and specialty foods. It is the best single place in the state to shop for authentic Appalachian goods and to understand the depth of the region's creative talent.
Stop on your way into or out of the gorge; it makes an ideal rainy-day or road-trip break for the whole family.
Grandview & the Southern Gorge
Raleigh County shares the New River Gorge with its neighbors, and some of the park's best-known viewpoints sit within its borders. The Grandview area, just outside Beckley, offers the Main Overlook and Turkey Spur, with sweeping views of the river's horseshoe bend.
From Grandview you can pick up several trails, including the short Tunnel Trail and the more demanding Grandview Rim and Castle Rock trails. It is an excellent introduction to the gorge without the crowds of the northern end.
Continue south along the rim to reach Sandstone Falls and the historic town of Hinton, or head north to the New River Gorge Bridge and Fayetteville for a full gorge loop.
Winterplace, Lake Stephens & More
Lake Stephens
This county park centers on a 300-acre lake with swimming, boating, fishing and a sandy beach. Campgrounds, cabins, a zipline and miles of trails make it a year-round family draw.
Beckley & Beyond
Downtown Beckley has its own growing scene, and the surrounding county holds the Beckley Art Center, historic districts and a surprising range of restaurants and shops along the I-77 corridor.
Getting to Raleigh County
Beckley sits at the crossing of I-77 and I-64, roughly an hour from Charleston and about 20 minutes from the Grandview section of the New River Gorge. The county's central location makes it an ideal road-trip base.
Related Guides
Heritage
Exhibition Coal Mine
Go underground with a retired miner.
Hub
New River Gorge
The complete gorge destination guide.
Winter
Winterplace Ski Resort
Easy-access skiing off I-77.
City
Beckley
Dining, lodging and local culture.
Camp
Camping
Lake Stephens and gorge campgrounds.
Drive
WV Road Trips
Loop southern WV from Beckley.
Raleigh County FAQ
Is the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine worth it?
Yes, especially for families and history fans. The underground tour is led by former miners, and the reconstructed coal camp and museum add context you cannot get from a book.
What is there to do in Beckley?
The Exhibition Coal Mine, Tamarack, the Beckley Art Center, nearby Grandview overlooks, Winterplace in winter and Lake Stephens for swimming and camping.
How far is Beckley from the New River Gorge Bridge?
About 30 to 35 minutes by car. Grandview, the closest gorge section, is only around 20 minutes from downtown Beckley.
Where should I stay in Raleigh County?
Beckley has the widest range of hotels and restaurants. For a more outdoorsy stay, the campgrounds and cabins at Lake Stephens or the gorge's primitive sites are close by.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication devoted to the Mountain State. We visit each county in person and write guides that reflect what travelers actually need to know. Read our story →