Maple & Main Travel Guide | Airbnb

Maple & Main — Guest Guidebook | New River Gorge
Maple and Main living room with gas fireplace and oversized sectional

Fayetteville, West Virginia

Maple & Main

New River Gorge  ·  Sleeps 12  ·  Walk to Downtown

Your Stay Starts Here

The annual trip you’ve been talking about for two years

Maple & Main sits in a walkable Fayetteville neighborhood, four minutes from New River Gorge National Park. The setup was built for exactly this kind of trip: real beds for everyone, a kitchen that handles a full group breakfast, a gas fireplace flanked by a green accent wall and cognac leather chairs, and a backyard fire pit with string lights where nobody wants to be the first to say goodnight.

You’ll spend your days hiking, rafting, and climbing. Then walk home through quiet streets — Pies & Pints is 0.4 miles, Cathedral Café 0.6. No designated drivers. No coordinating cars.

This is what the annual trip was always supposed to feel like.

12
Guests
3
Bedrooms
2
Bathrooms
4min
To Gorge

Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth Morton, host of Stay Delightful WV

I’ve called Fayetteville home since 2013 — seven years before New River Gorge became a national park. I designed Maple & Main myself, and I’ve been hosting here since 2018. I know which trails catch the best morning light, where locals actually eat, and what a guest needs before they think to ask.

I’m a Fayetteville local, an Airbnb Superhost, and available before and during your stay. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Elizabeth Morton · Stay Delightful WV

Everything you need to know

🔑
Enter through the back door using the smart lock. Your access code will be in your booking confirmation — it activates automatically once ID verification and the rental agreement are complete.
🕒
Check-in after 4:00 PM. Check-out by 11:00 AM. If you arrive staggered, no problem — the smart lock means late arrivals never need to wake the group.
📍
Address: 500 West Maple Avenue, Fayetteville, WV 25840. From US-19, turn onto N Court Street heading south. Turn right onto W Maple Avenue. Continue 0.6 miles — the house is on your right just past Fayetteville Presbyterian Church.

To unlock: enter your code, then turn the thumb turn. To lock: press the lock logo on the keypad or turn the thumb turn from inside.

🚗
Driveway only. The driveway fits up to 4 vehicles. Please do not park on the lawn — this damages the landscaping and underground utilities.

For groups arriving in more than 4 cars, street parking is available on Windsor Lane. Downtown Fayetteville is 0.4–0.6 miles on foot so you won’t need your car once you’re settled in.

🚭
No smoking or vaping anywhere on the property
🎉
No parties or events
🌙
Quiet hours outside begin at 10:00 PM
🐾
No pets allowed on the property
👥
Maximum occupancy is 12 registered guests
📹
Exterior security cameras: Ring at front door; Ring flood light at back covering deck, back door, and driveway. No interior cameras.
🪜
Bunk beds and ladders: guests use at their own risk. Children should be supervised around bunks at all times.

The basement is not part of the guest space and remains locked during your stay.

Fast WiFi is included. Tap below to see your network and password.

🍕
Pies & Pints — 0.4 mi walk (219 W Maple Ave)
Cathedral Café — 0.6 mi walk (134 S Court St)
Rangefinder Coffee — 0.6 mi walk (104 S Court St)
🛒
Walmart Supercenter — 3 min drive (204 Town Center Rd)
💊
CVS Pharmacy — 72 Whitewater Ave, (304) 574-2071
Gas stations within 5 minutes on US-19
🚨
Emergency: 911
👮
Fayetteville Police: (304) 574-0255
🔥
Fire Department: (304) 574-0712
🏥
Plateau Medical Center (Oak Hill): (304) 469-8600
💊
CVS Pharmacy: 72 Whitewater Ave, (304) 574-2071
📞
Host (Elizabeth): 304-731-3597
✈️
From Charleston Airport (CRW): Approximately 1 hour. Take I-64 W toward Charleston, then US-60 E toward Fayetteville. Follow signs to US-19 N into Fayetteville. Turn onto N Court Street heading south, then right onto W Maple Avenue. Continue 0.6 miles to 500 W Maple Ave.
🚂
From Thurmond Amtrak Station: Approximately 25 minutes by car. Head north on WV-25, follow signs to Fayetteville via US-19. Rideshare services are limited in the area — we recommend renting a car or pre-arranging transport if arriving by train.
📱
Pro tip: Download Google Maps for offline use before leaving cell coverage. Signal in the gorge is unpredictable — have your route loaded before you head down.

Check-out is by 11:00 AM. Please take a moment to:

🗑️
Collect all trash and place in the outdoor bins
🛁
Place used towels in a pile on the bathroom floor
🍽️
Wash or load dirty dishes in the dishwasher
🔒
Lock the back door when you leave — it locks automatically when you turn the thumb turn
💬
Send us a quick message when you head out — we appreciate knowing you’re on your way

Please report any damage or accidents before leaving — we always appreciate honesty and handle these things graciously.

Your cancellation policy is outlined in your Airbnb booking confirmation. Please refer to your Airbnb reservation page for full details.

We recommend purchasing trip insurance — it typically costs less than 10% of your trip and covers weather, illness, and other unexpected events.

Your home base

Living room with gas fireplace

The living room is the heart of the house. An oversized sectional faces a gas fireplace flanked by a rich green accent wall, with cognac leather chairs and warm lighting built for post-hike evenings. This is where the midnight conversation still going strong at 1 AM happens. Gas fireplace operates via wall switch — no fuss, instant warmth.

Kitchen with stainless range and open shelving

Stainless appliances, a full electric range and oven, open shelving, and enough counter space for multiple people to be useful at once. Stocked with pots, pans, cooking basics, dishes, silverware, wine glasses, and a full suite of small appliances: drip coffee maker, Keurig, French press, blender, toaster, kettle. Dining table seats eight.

Backyard with fire pit, string lights and outdoor dining

Large backyard with a fire pit, outdoor sectional seating, dining table for six, and string lights overhead. This is the main event after dark. The backyard is covered by an exterior Ring security camera (flood light) — the camera covers the back deck, back door, and driveway only. No interior coverage.

Exterior with propane grill and outdoor dining

Private propane BBQ grill available for your use. Barbecue utensils are provided. Propane tank is included — no need to bring your own. Grill is located on the back deck near the outdoor dining area.

Primary bathroom walk-in shower with marble tile and brass fixtures

The primary bathroom features a large walk-in shower with marble tile and brass fixtures — exactly what you want after a full day on the river or trail. Shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and shower gel are provided. Hair dryer available. Plush towels and bed linens included.

Primary Bedroom: King bed, Smart TV, boutique-style layered bedding and soft lighting. Private feel, designed for the couple who earned a quiet room.

Second Bedroom: Queen bed with ensuite bathroom. Comfortable and private — ideal for couples or two travelers who want their own space.

Base Camp Bunk Room: Two queen-over-queen bunk beds sleeping up to 8. Warm lighting, adventure-themed art. No pullout couches. No air mattresses. Real beds for the whole group.

Compact washer/dryer combo unit located in the hall closet just outside the primary bathroom (entrance hall). Best suited for smaller loads — ideal for a mid-trip refresh of workout clothes or hiking gear. For larger loads, a laundromat is nearby in Fayetteville.

Smart TVs in the living room and primary bedroom. Log in with your own streaming accounts — Netflix, HBO, etc. Fast WiFi throughout the house. Board games and books available for slower evenings. Dedicated workspace with good lighting if someone needs to sneak in a few work hours.

Fayetteville & the Gorge

Everything worth doing, eating, and drinking within reach of the front door — curated with the specificity of someone who actually lives here.

Pies and Pints Pizzeria Fayetteville
Pies & Pints Pizzeria
$$
🚶 1 min walk

The post-adventure staple. Craft pizzas with genuinely creative toppings alongside rotating craft beer on an outdoor patio playground-ready for groups of all sizes. Order the Heirloom Tomato Pie in late summer — locally sourced and only around for a few weeks. Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3–6pm, $1 off pints.

Pro Tip
The tap list rotates constantly — check beermenus.com before you go to see what’s on draft and plan your pint accordingly.
Cathedral Cafe Fayetteville exterior
Cathedral Café
$
🚶 2 min walk

A century-old converted church with stained glass and serious coffee. Artsy, unhurried, the exact energy you want before a trail day. The fluffy pancakes — blueberry, banana-nut, cinnamon roll — have achieved legendary status. The Vegetarian Panini and homemade carrot cake are the lunch move.

Pro Tip
This spot fills up fast on weekend mornings — arrive before 9 AM or expect a wait. Worth every minute.
Secret Sandwich Society interior
Secret Sandwich Society
$$
🚗 3 min (0.5 mi)

Named one of the best restaurants in West Virginia by Southern Living, Washington Post, and USA Today. Bold, creative sandwiches with premium sourced meats in a rustic tavern buzzing with outdoor enthusiasts. Craft cocktails, curated beer, and live music on weekends.

Pro Tip
During Lent, the Friday fish sandwich is a local event — even non-religious regulars show up for it. If your visit falls in spring, don’t skip it.
Wood Iron Eatery Fayetteville
Wood Iron Eatery
$
🚶 2 min (0.4 mi)

Inside a beautifully restored historic home on Court Street, sun-drenched windows and local art on every wall. Scratch-made in small batches — the AM Handheld with housemade sausage and pepper jam, and the homemade granola are the moves. House-roasted espresso makes this the ideal morning launch pad.

Pro Tip
Closed Tuesdays. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Wood Iron opens for dinner with a rotating specials menu most visitors miss entirely.
The Gaines Estate Fayetteville exterior
The Gaines Estate
$$$
🚶 1 min walk

Fayetteville’s most upscale dining, inside a beautifully restored 1920s mansion steps from the property. The prohibition-era cocktail lounge opens at 4 PM for pre-dinner drinks and charcuterie. Al fresco decks, covered porch, landscaped grounds. The Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi is the local favorite. Sunday Brunch is an event.

Pro Tip
The restaurant closes for private events with no notice online — always call ahead at (304) 382-7509 to confirm before making it the night’s plan.
The Take Out rice bowls Fayetteville WV
The Take Out
$-$$
🚗 2 min (0.4 mi walk)

A health-conscious spot tucked into the same building as The Stache, serving customizable rice bowls, the signature Sushi Bowl, fresh salads, and sandwiches made for hungry hikers. The menu leans clean — protein-forward bowls with fresh vegetables and bold sauces, plus grab-and-go energy bites. Currently operating on a limited schedule (primarily Saturdays), so check @thetakeoutwv on Instagram before heading over.

Pro Tip
The Sushi Bowl is their signature and sells out on busy weekends — order it early if it is on the menu.
The Stache ice cream Fayetteville WV
The Stache
$
🚗 2 min (0.4 mi walk)

Fayetteville’s beloved post-hike ice cream stop, serving Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream in 15+ rotating flavors — Blue Panda, Dark Chocolate Raspberry, classic Moose Tracks — along with waffle cones, sundaes, and sorbet freezes. The shop doubles as a candy and toy store. Pup cups available for dogs. Open Wednesday through Sunday.

Pro Tip
Come mid-week to beat the weekend crowds — lines stretch out the door on summer Saturdays.
Rangefinder Coffee Fayetteville
Rangefinder Coffee
$
🚶 2 min walk

Fayetteville’s favorite indie coffee shop on South Court Street. Bright, art-filled interior with $3 vinyl CDs for sale alongside your latte. The Maple Latte and Dirty Chai have earned it a 4.7-star Yelp rating. Free WiFi, great for remote workers and post-rafting debriefers alike.

Pro Tip
The Maple Latte is a local obsession — order it iced in summer. Hours 7 AM–4 PM daily, perfect as a pre-adventure fuel stop.
Cathedral Cafe exterior
Cathedral Café
$$
🚶 2 min walk

A beloved Fayetteville institution since 2000. Serving Equal Exchange fair-trade coffee alongside a menu built on fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. The Ultimate Carrot Cake and homemade bread pudding made from day-old muffins are the dessert moves. Open Mon, Tue, Thu–Fri 8:30 AM–3 PM; Sat 8 AM–3 PM; closed Wednesday.

Pro Tip
Come for the homemade desserts — the carrot cake sells out. Closed Wednesdays.
Wood Iron Eatery coffee
Wood Iron Eatery
$$
🚶 2 min walk

A near-perfect 4.9-star Yelp rating earned through consistently excellent coffee and fresh upbeat American diner fare. Great coffee, heavenly pound cake, genuinely friendly staff. Open every day except Tuesday 8:30 AM–2:30 PM. The strong espresso drinks pair beautifully with their savory breakfast plates.

Pro Tip
Arrive by 9 AM on weekends to beat the post-church and post-climb rush — this place fills up fast and is closed Tuesdays.
Pistos Coffee Oak Hill
Pistos Coffee
$
🚗 15 min

A quietly extraordinary community-driven coffee shop in Oak Hill, staffed largely by volunteers and delivering high-quality espresso at accessible prices. Spacious, relaxing atmosphere with free WiFi and charging outlets. Specialty drinks lean on Latin American beans — house blends like the Fog Chaser and Bridge Blend are worth the detour.

Pro Tip
Try the Fog Chaser — a house specialty. Open Tue–Sat 7 AM–4 PM; closed Sunday and Monday.
Gran Robbies cafe Ansted
Gran Robbie’s
$$
🚗 20 min

Perched along the Midland Trail in Ansted, Gran Robbie’s uses Coal River Coffee espresso beans roasted in West Virginia. Creative menu: savory toasts, Cincinnati-style chili, double-chocolate zucchini muffins. Consistently called an “amazing find” near Adventures on the Gorge. Outdoor pet-friendly seating. They sell their house coffee blend to take home.

Pro Tip
Pick up a bag of their Coal River Coffee house blend — it makes a great edible souvenir. Open Tue–Sat 8 AM–4 PM.
Water Stone Outdoors gear shop and cafe Fayetteville WV
Water Stone Outdoors
$
🚗 2 min (walkable)

Fayetteville’s go-to outdoor gear shop since 1994, with a cozy cafe in the back serving locally sourced coffee, beer, and weekend burritos with free WiFi. The staff are climbers and paddlers who know every access point in the gorge — this is as much an information hub as a coffee stop. A natural pre-hike launch pad with a back patio and the kind of unhurried vibe that makes you linger longer than planned.

Pro Tip
Stop in for coffee and trail beta before heading out — the staff can point you to current conditions and approaches most visitors never find on their own.
Walmart Supercenter Fayetteville
Walmart Supercenter
$
🚗 3 min

The most convenient one-stop shop in Fayetteville. Full grocery department — produce, deli, fresh meats, pantry staples, beer, household supplies — alongside pharmacy and electronics. Open until 11 PM daily. Ample parking and curbside grocery pickup available. Best for stocking up on arrival day.

Pro Tip
Use the Walmart app to place a curbside pickup order and skip the lines — same-day slots often available even on busy weekends.
Piggly Wiggly Victor WV
Piggly Wiggly
$$
🚗 10 min

A beloved regional supermarket on Midland Trail with a solid selection of fresh meats, produce, dairy, and local West Virginia products you won’t find at big-box chains. Community-feel store, well-stocked for a full week of supplies. Open daily 7 AM–10 PM.

Pro Tip
Check the weekly ad on their website before you go — Piggly Wiggly frequently runs excellent meat specials that beat big-box pricing.
Kroger Oak Hill WV
Kroger
$$
🚗 15 min

Full-service Kroger in Oak Hill with wide deli, bakery, seafood counter, and pharmacy. Inside Fayette Square shopping center so you can knock out multiple errands in one trip. Kroger’s digital app integrates fuel points and weekly digital coupons. Online grocery pickup with same-day slots available.

Pro Tip
Download the Kroger app and load digital coupons before your trip — the app also lets you place a click-list pickup order, ready in as little as 4 hours.
Swiftwater General Store New River
Swiftwater General Store
$$
🚗 12 min

A New River Gorge institution 1.5 miles north of the bridge on Ames Heights Road. Fresh produce, grab-and-go backpack meals, beer, wine, ice, and camping supplies alongside hot breakfast and lunch. The most adventure-convenient grocery stop in the area. Friendly staff who know the gorge well.

Pro Tip
Order a hot breakfast or lunch while you’re grabbing supplies — their house-cooked food is made fresh and worth the few minutes of wait.
New Roots Community Farm Market Fayetteville
New Roots Community Farm Market
$$
🚗 8 min

A nonprofit farm market on 82 acres in Fayetteville — the most direct-from-farm grocery experience in the region. Ultra-fresh produce harvested steps from the market, plus meats, dairy, flowers, and artisan pantry items from other local Appalachian farms. Open Thu–Fri 1–6:30 PM, Sat 11 AM–5 PM (Sundays May–December).

Pro Tip
Go on a Thursday or Friday afternoon for the best produce selection — Saturday tends to sell out early, especially during peak summer season.
Long Point Trail overlook with New River Gorge Bridge
Long Point Trail
$
🚗 10 min  ·  3.1 mi out-and-back  ·  Easy

The classic. Rhododendron tunnels lead to a narrow sandstone overlook with the New River Gorge Bridge framing perfectly ahead — 876 feet below. Arrive before 8 AM on weekends: the parking lot fills fast and the early light is better anyway. Only 320 feet of elevation gain, family-friendly for most fitness levels.

Pro Tip
Mountain bikes are allowed up until the final 0.2 miles to the overlook — leave the bikes at the barrier and walk to the view.
Diamond Point view from Endless Wall Trail
Endless Wall Trail to Diamond Point
$
🚗 12 min  ·  2.4 mi out-and-back  ·  Easy–Moderate

Threading through rhododendron tunnels along the edge of sheer sandstone cliffs nearly 1,000 feet above the New River. Some of the park’s most jaw-dropping views. You’ll often spot world-class rock climbers on the walls far below. Best April through November when rhododendrons are in bloom.

Pro Tip
The Fern Creek parking lot fills by 9 AM on weekends. An overflow lot with 70 spaces is 0.5 miles further at the Nuttall Trailhead — walk from there and enjoy the trail from a different direction.
New River Gorge Bridge from Canyon Rim Boardwalk
Canyon Rim Boardwalk
$
🚗 8 min  ·  0.4 mi  ·  Easy / All Ages

A short but unforgettable stroll packing in dramatic bridge views without a strenuous hike. Accessible paved ramp to first overlook; 178 steps to a lower platform with a face-on bridge view. Takes about 15 minutes, perfect for all ages. Stop inside the Visitor Center for ranger talks and trail condition updates.

Pro Tip
Visit at golden hour — one hour before sunset. The lower overlook platform faces west for the best light on the bridge and gorge.
Catawba rhododendrons at Turkey Spur Grandview
Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur
$
🚗 30 min  ·  3.2 mi round-trip  ·  Moderate

At 1,400 feet above the river, Grandview sits at the deepest point of the gorge. The Rim Trail delivers a 360-degree panorama from a sandstone promontory at Turkey Spur — views of three dramatic bends in the river. Catawba rhododendrons bloom brilliantly in late May and early June. Free admission and ample parking.

Pro Tip
The ~150 stairs at Turkey Spur’s final approach are worth every step. Check conditions after heavy rain — sections can be muddy. Late May for peak rhododendron bloom.
Brooklyn Mine Trail historic ruins
Brooklyn Mine Trail
$
🚗 20 min  ·  5.4 mi out-and-back  ·  Moderate

A quiet favorite for history lovers — follows an old mining road through cathedral-like forest to the ruins of a late 1800s coal operation above the New River. Mine tracks, crumbling stone foundations, and a cave-like mine entrance all slowly being reclaimed by the forest. Relatively uncrowded. Best in fall when leaf drop reveals river views.

Pro Tip
Open to horses and much less crowded than Long Point or Endless Wall — if you want a quiet weekday adventure without hunting for parking, this is your trail.
Bridge Brew Works Fayetteville
Bridge Brew Works
$$
🚗 5 min

A beloved Fayetteville institution along the Nick Rahall Greenway, crafting quality small-batch beer since 2010. Flagship brews like Long Point Lager and Mountain Momma Pale Ale alongside rotating seasonals — all available by pint or growler. No kitchen, but food trucks roll up most weekends. Open seasonally April through early December.

Pro Tip
Check their Facebook page before heading over — they post food truck schedules and special release nights there first.
Freefolk Brewery Hico WV
The Freefolk Brewery
$$
🚗 15 min (Hico)

Sprawling converted building along the Midland Trail — the production hub and main hangout for New River Gorge craft beer fans. Rotating lineup of Appalachian-inspired ales, IPAs, kettle sours on tap plus a full food menu. Indoor game room, fire pits, live music, pet-friendly outdoor seating. The natural post-adventure destination.

Pro Tip
Their THC-infused beverages are a local novelty — available alongside the craft beer lineup for those looking for something different after a day on the river.
Weathered Ground Brewery Cool Ridge WV
Weathered Ground Brewery
$$
🚗 35 min

A destination unto itself — a stunning taproom restaurant on 30 wooded acres where deer and wild turkey wander into view. The beer program leans into local Appalachian ingredients: farmhouse ales, hop-forward IPAs, barrel-aged specialties. Original local artwork fills the modern-rustic interior. Full food menu and regular live music.

Pro Tip
Grab a seat on the patio facing the meadow in the late afternoon — the wildlife sightings (deer, wild turkey) are surprisingly common and make for a memorable pint.
Kirkwood Winery Summersville WV
Kirkwood Winery & Isaiah Morgan Distillery
$$
🚗 45 min

The first vineyard established in Nicholas County, producing a range of estate wines alongside spirits from the on-site Isaiah Morgan Distillery. Tasting room open daily (except Sundays in winter). Dry, semi-dry, and sweet wines made from locally grown grapes. Relaxed, scenic stop with beautiful mountain views and working family farm charm.

Pro Tip
Pair your wine tasting with a bottle of Isaiah Morgan moonshine or whiskey from the distillery — it’s the same visit and a great WV souvenir combo.
Daniel Vineyards tree deck and vineyard rows
Daniel Vineyards
$$
🚗 45 min

West Virginia’s highest-elevation winery at over 2,500 feet — 20 acres of vines across the former Twin Oaks Golf Course, with two ponds, a tree deck, and an octagonal gazebo overlooking the hillside. National and international award-winning 15 varietals. Unhurried tastings in a genuinely beautiful mountain setting. On-site blueberry picking in summer.

Pro Tip
Call ahead at (304) 252-9750 to confirm hours — closed Sundays and Mondays, and hours vary seasonally.
New River Gorge Bridge from Fayette Station Road overlook
Fayette Station Road
$
🚗 ~10 min from property  ·  8 mi one-way

One of the most dramatic short drives in the eastern United States. Descends 600 feet from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center into the gorge, passing beneath the massive New River Gorge Bridge three times along its winding cliff-hugging route. Plan on 45–60 minutes so you can pull off at the overlooks and river access points. Not suitable for RVs or trailers.

Pro Tip
Start at the Canyon Rim overlook boardwalk first — the view of the bridge from above sets the stage. Then descend Fayette Station Road for the reverse perspective from below.
New River Canyon from Hawks Nest State Park overlook
Hawks Nest State Park Drive
$
🚗 ~20 min from property

Along US Route 60 (the Midland Trail) to Hawks Nest State Park — a clifftop perch 750 feet above one of the oldest rivers on the continent. Sweeping bird’s-eye panorama with layers of forested ridges receding into the haze. An aerial tramway descends to the riverbank for jet boat rides in season. Stop at Cathedral Falls on the way.

Pro Tip
Stop at Cathedral Falls (less than a mile from the US-19/US-60 junction near Gauley Bridge) before continuing to Hawks Nest — the 60-foot cascade is free and just roadside. Foliage peaks mid-October.
Midland Trail scenic byway near New River Gorge Bridge
Midland Trail Scenic Byway
$
🚗 5 min to start  ·  55 mi to Lewisburg

West Virginia’s oldest and most storied scenic highway — 180 miles across the state through 41 towns. The 55-mile eastern segment from Fayetteville to Lewisburg climbs out of the gorge, winds through farm hollows and elevated plateau country, and arrives in Lewisburg with its Victorian architecture and mountain meadows. Peak fall color typically arrives the second and third week of October.

Pro Tip
Download the free driving tour map at midlandtrail.com before you go — 50+ historic and scenic stops with mile markers. Drive east toward Lewisburg in the afternoon to put the sun at your back.
Summersville Lake turquoise blue water and sandstone cliffs
Summersville Lake Scenic Loop
$
🚗 ~25 min from property  ·  12 mi loop

West Virginia’s largest lake ringed by 60- to 80-foot sandstone cliffs glowing turquoise-blue against the emerald forest — more reminiscent of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast than Appalachia. The scenic loop follows US-19 North to WV-129 past the massive Summersville Dam and clifftop overlooks above the clearest swimming coves in the region.

Pro Tip
At the Battle Run Campground entrance, park and walk right for a clifftop overlook — no fee, no hiking required. Water clarity and cliff color are best late July through September.
Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park in autumn
Babcock State Park & Glade Creek Grist Mill
$
🚗 ~30 min from property

The 30-minute drive winds through Fayette County’s most pastoral countryside into the densely forested gorge of Glade Creek, where the iconic 1976 replica grist mill — one of the most photographed landmarks in West Virginia — sits beside a roaring waterfall. Cathedral stands of hemlock and white oak with Glade Creek cascading alongside. Mill operates seasonally May–October, free to visit.

Pro Tip
Arrive before 10 AM on fall weekends to beat the photographers. Best angle: from the footbridge downstream — morning light hits the waterfall and wheel side-on for a perfect exposure.
Adventures on the Gorge zip line canopy tour
Adventures on the Gorge
$$$
🚗 8 min

West Virginia’s premier outdoor adventure resort. Everything from whitewater rafting and zip-line canopy tours to climbing inside New River Gorge National Park. Families with kids as young as 6 can ride the calm Upper New River Float Trip; older kids and teens can tackle Class III–V rapids with expert guides. Gear and wetsuits provided. Reservations strongly recommended on summer weekends.

Pro Tip
Book the Zip Line Canopy Tour and pair it with a float trip on the same day — Adventures on the Gorge packages them together and it saves both time and money.
Canyon Rim Visitor Center New River Gorge
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
$
🚗 10 min

The perfect first stop for families. Free interactive exhibits, a bookstore with junior ranger activity books, and rangers who can tailor recommendations to your group’s ages. Kids earn an official NPS Junior Ranger badge — a keepsake they’ll wear all week. The outdoor overlook deck delivers a jaw-dropping bridge-and-gorge view that thrills every age. Open year-round; parking free.

Pro Tip
Pick up the Junior Ranger booklet as soon as you arrive — kids can complete activities throughout the day at different park sites and get their badge sworn in before you leave.
Grandview Overlook panorama New River Gorge
Grandview Overlook
$
🚗 25 min

The most scenic and family-accessible section of New River Gorge National Park, 1,400 feet above the river on a wide paved path even strollers can navigate. The Main Overlook delivers an unforgettable panorama; Turkey Spur has equally dramatic views with fewer crowds. Easy boardwalk trails through rhododendrons and autumn foliage. Ranger-led nature walks on summer weekends.

Pro Tip
Visit on a weekday morning to have the Main Overlook nearly to yourself — the lighting is best before noon and the rhododendron trail is magical in late May and early June.
New River Bridge Walk view from catwalk
New River Bridge Walk
$$$
🚗 5 min

Walk 851 feet above the New River on a guided catwalk tour beneath one of the world’s most iconic arch bridges. Certified guides share the bridge’s construction history while pointing out wildlife in the gorge below. Kids ages 8 and up welcome. Appropriate for families comfortable with heights — no climbing or extreme fitness required. All safety harnesses provided; book in advance.

Pro Tip
Book the morning tour — the lighting over the gorge is spectacular and you’ll finish in time to grab lunch in downtown Fayetteville before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Summersville Lake State Park turquoise cove swimming
Summersville Lake State Park
$
🚗 35 min

West Virginia’s largest lake — one of the clearest in the eastern US, nicknamed “The Turquoise Caribbean of the Appalachians.” Family-friendly swimming, picnicking, fishing, and boat and kayak rentals. Refreshing summer water temperatures, gentle sandy beach areas for young children. Admission and parking free; rental equipment available seasonally.

Pro Tip
Bring water shoes — the rocky shoreline in the cove areas is stunning but slippery, and kids will want to wade in everywhere. Pack snacks; the nearest grocery store is in Summersville.
Escape-A-Torium escape room Fayetteville WV
Escape-A-Torium
$$
🚗 2 min (walkable)

An indoor escape room venue in the heart of downtown Fayetteville featuring WV-themed rooms — The Feud (Hatfield-McCoy), ScareBnB, Lost in Fayetteville — plus VR experiences. The perfect rainy-day or evening option for groups. Nobody is actually locked in and exits are always available. Open daily 1-9 PM.

Pro Tip
Book the WV-themed rooms for the most locally immersive experience — the Appalachian history references make it especially memorable for gorge visitors.
Paddleboarding Summersville Lake WV
Mountain Surf Paddle Sports
$$
🚗 2 min to pickup, 20 min to lake

Fayetteville’s dedicated paddleboard and kayak outfitter, with gear pickup in town and tours launching on Summersville Lake — WV’s largest lake with remarkably clear turquoise water often compared to Caribbean blue. Rentals, guided tours, and instruction for all skill levels. An ideal half-day trip combined with a gorge trail day.

Pro Tip
Go early on weekdays for the clearest water and fewest crowds — Summersville is stunning before 10 AM.
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine underground tour WV
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
$$
🚗 40 min (37 miles south)

An underground guided tour of a real historic coal mine led by veteran miners, through 1,500 feet of restored passageways that stay a constant 58 degrees year-round. A fascinating window into WV’s coal heritage and a natural hit with kids and adults alike. Full visit including the Coal Camp and Youth Museum takes about 2.5 hours. Open late March through early November.

Pro Tip
Bring a jacket — it is always 58 degrees inside regardless of outside temperature, which catches summer visitors completely off guard.
ACE Adventure Resort waterpark New River Gorge WV
ACE Adventure Resort — Rafting + Waterpark
$$-$$$
🚗 15 min (10 miles via US-19)

A 1,500-acre adventure resort offering whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers, zip lines, rock climbing, and the Wonderland Waterpark — a spring-fed lake with giant inflatables, double waterslides, a Blob launcher, and a zipline over the water. One of the best all-day options for groups who want everything in one place. Waterpark day passes from $10; rafting varies by class.

Pro Tip
Combine morning rafting with afternoon waterpark on the same visit — ACE runs both on-property and the combo makes for a genuinely full adventure day.
Arrowhead Bike Farm mountain biking New River Gorge WV
Arrowhead Bike Farm
$$
🚗 7 min (3 miles via Gatewood Rd)

A full-service mountain bike destination at the gateway to New River Gorge singletrack, with rental bikes, expert repairs, and trails connecting directly to the NRG trail network. Suitable for all abilities from beginner flow trails to technical gorge-edge descents. The Handle Bar + Kitchen on site serves craft beer and food post-ride.

Pro Tip
Grab a post-ride beer and meal at The Handle Bar on site — great shaded deck, trail-town vibe, no need to drive back into Fayetteville.

500 West Maple Avenue

Fayetteville, WV 25840  ·  4 minutes to New River Gorge  ·  0.4 mi to downtown

Our other homes

Traveling with a different group next time, or know someone looking for a place near New River Gorge? We have three other homes on Airbnb — all designed by Elizabeth, all in the gorge.

We’re here if you need us

Questions before arrival, during your stay, or anything urgent — reach out directly. Messages after 7 PM may be answered the next morning unless it’s an emergency.

Stay Delightful WV  ·  Hosted by Elizabeth