West Virginia Adventure

Drive in from Greenwood with a waterfall break at Cathedral Falls, pause for an easy overlook at Hawks Nest State Park, then stretch your legs in Fayetteville Historic District before a relaxed dinner nearby.

Fayetteville is the best base for this short trip because it minimizes unpacking and keeps the scenic drives manageable, with easy access to Cathedral Falls, Hawks Nest State Park, and the New River Gorge area.

Start at Grandview for sunrise, spend time at New River Gorge Bridge, hike Long Point Trail for big family-friendly views, break for lunch in Fayetteville Historic District, then keep the gorge rolling with Canyon Rim Visitor Center before sunset views.

Expect extra July 4 weekend crowds, start early for parking, and keep the hikes easy-to-moderate around Grandview, New River Gorge Bridge, Long Point Trail, Fayetteville Historic District, and Canyon Rim Visitor Center; reserve any guided bridge walk or rafting option early if the family wants one.

Start early for easier parking and keep the walking easy-to-moderate as you explore Babcock State Park and Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls, then head to Summersville Lake for scenic viewpoints and optional swim or beach time before ending with Hawks Nest State Park at sunset and returning to Fayetteville.

Travel-heavy checkout day: grab breakfast in Fayetteville, leave early to beat post-holiday traffic, make Cathedral Falls the final scenic break for photos and a short leg-stretch, then continue the long drive home to Greenwood, Indiana.