Nearby Guide
Beckley is the hub of southern West Virginia's coal country, perfectly placed between the New River Gorge, the state parks and the ski slopes of Winterplace.
Beckley sits at the junction of I-64, I-77 and US-19, which makes it one of the easiest places in the state to base a trip. From here you can be at a national park overlook, a historic coal mine tour or a ski slope in well under an hour.
The city itself offers the best concentration of hotels and restaurants in the region, plus a compact downtown and the Beckley Convention Center. Drive times below are approximate from the city center.
On site · New River Park
Ride a mantrip underground with a former miner as your guide, then tour the recreated coal camp and the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia. It's the area's signature attraction and a vivid look at Appalachian history.
About 5 minutes · I-77 Exit 45
A striking red-roofed marketplace showcasing juried West Virginia crafts, art, food and live demonstrations. It's the best single stop for locally made gifts and a taste of the state under one roof.
About 20 minutes north, the Grandview section of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers one of the finest views in the state — a horseshoe bend of the New River seen from the Main Overlook. Short trails lead to Turkey Spur and Castle Rock.
Continue about 30 minutes to the New River Gorge Bridge and the town of Fayetteville for the full national park experience, including rafting, the Bridge Walk and the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.
About 25 minutes south near Flat Top, Winterplace Ski Resort is one of the most accessible ski areas in the Southeast, with 27 trails, snow tubing and night skiing right off I-77.
It's an easy day trip from Beckley and pairs well with a winter weekend that also includes the indoor attractions downtown.
About 40 minutes south, Pipestem Resort State Park offers an aerial tram into the Bluestone Gorge, golf, hiking and a full-service lodge. Babcock State Park and the Glade Creek Grist Mill are about 40 minutes northeast.
To the south, Sandstone Falls near Hinton is roughly 35 minutes away and one of the most accessible big waterfalls on the New River. The historic railroad town of Hinton itself makes a charming half-day stop.
Coal mine, Tamarack and dining.
On site
Horseshoe bend overlook.
20 min
National park and bridge.
30 min
Skiing and snow tubing.
25 min
Gorge tram, golf and lodging.
40 min
Rail town and wide waterfall.
35 min
Mines, museums and heritage.
Varies
Rim views around the gorge.
Varies
Beckley is best known for the Exhibition Coal Mine, the Tamarack artisan marketplace and its location as the southern gateway to New River Gorge National Park.
About 30 minutes north via US-19. The Grandview section is only about 20 minutes away.
Yes. The mine is cool and low but the mantrip ride and miner stories are popular with children, and the adjoining Youth Museum adds hands-on exhibits.
Excellent. Beckley has the largest selection of hotels and restaurants in southern West Virginia, plus direct interstate access in four directions.
Discover WV Today is a homegrown guide to West Virginia's mountain towns, national park, state parks and scenic drives. We help travelers plan trips across the Mountain State. Learn more about us.
