How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days in Summersville, West Virginia
- Logan & Audri
- Oct 30
- 8 min read
There are places that surprise you the moment you arrive, the kind that instantly make you feel like you’ve discovered something special and make you wonder why more people don’t know about them. For us, Summersville, West Virginia was one of those places.
Tucked in the heart of the Mountain State, the Greater Summersville Area feels like a hidden gem that still hasn’t lost its small-town charm. You’ll find clear blue water, scenic hikes, and locals who’ll make you feel like you’ve been coming here for years. We spent three days exploring it all, from getting amazing views of Summersville Lake to discovering local coffee shops and wineries, and by the end, we understood exactly why West Virginia is known as Almost Heaven.
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or looking for an underrated fall destination, this 3-day Summersville itinerary has everything you need to experience the best of this beautiful little corner of West Virginia.
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Where to Stay in Summersville
We stayed at Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse, in the Keeper’s Quarters cabin, and it couldn’t have been a better home base. The cabin has a cozy, welcoming feel, perfect for couples or small families looking for a comfortable stay close to all the main attractions.
Inside, it’s spacious yet homey, with everything you need for a relaxing getaway. But the best part is out back, a private deck facing the woods, complete with a hot tub that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
The property also has RV sites and additional cabin options, making it a great spot whether you’re road-tripping through West Virginia or planning a longer stay by the lake. You’ll also find West Virginia’s only working lighthouse here, visible right from the front of the cabin. It’s less than a five-minute drive from Summersville Lake, which makes it incredibly convenient if you’re planning to spend time on the water or visit nearby trails.
If you’re looking for somewhere that has comfort, convenience, and a touch of West Virginia charm, Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse is an easy choice.
The Perfect 3-Day Summersville Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic Views, Local Coffee, and Lake Views
Your first day in Summersville is all about getting a feel for the area, starting with great coffee, exploring some of West Virginia’s most scenic overlooks, and ending the evening with lake views and good food.
Appalachian Coffee House
We started our morning at Appalachian Coffee House, and honestly, we wish we had one like it back home. We were there during their seasonal fall menu and tried the Mostly Ghostly and
Salted Caramel Pumpkin Macchiato; both were incredible. Everyone we met was so kind and welcoming, and it instantly gave us that small-town warmth Summersville is known for. If you’re looking for a great coffee stop before a day of exploring, this is the place to go.
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
Next, we headed to Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, one of the oldest state parks in the United States and one of the most significant Civil War sites in West Virginia. The park sits on a ridge above the Gauley River, where Union and Confederate forces fought in 1861 during the Battle of Carnifex Ferry. Today, it’s a peaceful spot with forest trails, scenic overlooks, and plenty of history to take in.
We walked a few of the short trails that loop through the woods and stopped at Pierson Hollow Overlook, which has an incredible view of the Gauley River below. It’s an easy walk with a huge payoff, especially if you visit in the fall when the colors start to change.
Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s still worth the visit for the views alone. The park is quiet, rarely crowded, and gives you a completely different side of Summersville.
The Outskirts Mt. Nebo
For lunch, The Outskirts Mt. Nebo is a must-try. We ordered the Big Back Mac N Cheese Pizza, along with their pepperoni rolls and wings, and everything was so good. It’s a casual place with great food and even better service, it’s an amazing local spot to go before exploring more of the outdoors!
Summersville Lake State Park
After lunch, spend the afternoon at Summersville Lake State Park, West Virginia’s newest state park and one of the most scenic places in the region. The lake is known for its clear turquoise water and dramatic sandstone cliffs, which give it the nickname “The Little Bahamas of the East.”
You can easily spend a few hours here. There are plenty of trails and lookout points with beautiful views of the lake. You’ll also find the #AlmostHeaven swing, a fun photo spot that’s become a favorite for everyone who visits West Virginia. The cliffs surrounding the lake also offer some of the best rock climbing in the eastern U.S., with Pirate’s Cove being one of the park’s most popular climbing areas. Even if you’re not climbing, the views alone are worth the visit.
Maloney’s Pub
End your first day with dinner at Maloney’s Pub, a local sports bar that’s popular with both visitors and locals. The menu has all the classics, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, wings, and more, and everything we tried was great. It’s a fun, casual spot to grab a bite, catch a game, and relax after a full day of exploring the Greater Summersville Area.
Day 2: Hiking, Wineries & Sunset at the Lighthouse
Day 2 in Summersville is a mix of adventure and relaxation, starting with good coffee, a scenic hike, and ending with local wine and a sunset at the lighthouse.
Gad Dam Brewing
Start your morning at Gad Dam Brewing, a quiet spot that’s great for coffee and pastries before heading out for the day. It’s a simple, laid-back place with amazing drinks, they even use coffee ice cubes, which we thought was such a nice touch. It’s the perfect stop to ease into the morning before taking on one of Summersville’s best hikes.
Long Point Trail
Next up is Long Point Trail, one of Summersville’s most popular hikes, and for good reason. It’s about 3.9 miles round trip, with a well-marked trail that winds through the Appalachian forest. The path is shaded most of the way, especially in summer, which makes it a really enjoyable hike even on warmer days.
The trail ends with one of the best views in the area, a wide sandstone cliff overlooking Summersville Lake. There’s no railing, so be careful as you step out to take in the view, but it’s absolutely worth it.
If you’re visiting in summer, you might see boats out on the water, but in late fall, the water levels drop and reveal more of the rocky shoreline, giving the view a totally different look. Either way, it’s a must-do hike while you’re here in Summersville.
Sweet Escape
For lunch, stop by Sweet Escape, one of the newer spots in Summersville that’s quickly become a favorite with both locals and visitors. It’s a casual place with all the comfort food you could want, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and plenty of ice cream to cool off with after a hike.
It’s also a great spot to hang out for a bit, especially if you’re visiting with family. There’s an outdoor area with ping pong tables, a giant checkers board, Connect 4, and plenty of seating. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or just stopping for dessert, it’s the kind of laid-back place that fits perfectly into an afternoon in Summersville.
Kirkwood Winery & Isaiah Morgan Distillery
In the afternoon, stop by Kirkwood Winery and Isaiah Morgan Distillery; they’re right across the street from each other and owned by the same family, so it’s definitely worth visiting both while you’re in the area.
Kirkwood Winery has some of the most unique wine flavors we’ve ever tried, ranging from classic reds and whites to more creative fruit blends. Everything is made locally, and you can really tell how much care goes into it. We loved it so much we ended up buying a bottle of their Black Satin Blackberry wine to bring back to our cabin.
Across the street, Isaiah Morgan Distillery is home to West Virginia’s first-produced bourbon. It’s small, family-run, and full of character, the kind of place that feels rooted in local tradition. Even if you’re not a big bourbon drinker, it’s worth stopping by just to experience a piece of West Virginia history.
El Bandido
For dinner, head to El Bandido Mexican Restaurant, a spot that completely surprised us. We live in South Florida and honestly didn’t know what to expect from a Mexican restaurant in West Virginia, but it ended up being one of our favorites ever.
The birria tacos are a must-order, and the Burrito Bandido was just as good; big portions, great flavor, and super fast service. If you’re craving something flavorful after a full day of exploring, this is the perfect place to end the evening before catching the sunset.
Sunset Lighthouse Tour
End your evening with a sunset lighthouse tour at the Summersville Lake Lighthouse, which is actually right at Summersville Lake Retreat, you can walk there straight from your cabin or RV. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the day without ever getting back in the car.
The lighthouse has a pretty unique story. It was originally a section of a wind turbine that fell off the back of a truck. Since damaged turbines can’t be reused, someone who was staying at the retreat suggested turning it into a lighthouse instead. Getting it there wasn’t easy; it was too heavy to cross the New River Gorge Bridge, so they had to haul it in on one-lane backroads.
Today, it stands as West Virginia’s only working lighthouse, and climbing to the top gives you incredible views of Summersville Lake and the surrounding mountains. The sunset from up there is unbelievable, a picture-perfect way to end your second day in Summersville.
Day 3: Exploring New River Gorge National Park
For your final day, take a short drive out of the Greater Summersville Area to New River Gorge National Park, only 15-20 minutes away. It’s not technically part of Summersville, but it’s close enough that it’s absolutely worth adding to your trip. The drive itself is scenic, and once you arrive, you’ll see why it’s one of West Virginia’s most famous spots, there’s dramatic cliffs, forested trails, and some of the best views in the state.
Ending the trip here felt like the perfect full-circle moment, from Summersville’s small-town charm to the unreal views of New River Gorge. By the end of the day, we guarantee you’ll be planning your next trip back to this beautiful part of West Virginia.
Summersville, West Virginia FAQ
What is the closest airport to Summersville, WV?
The closest major airport to Summersville is Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, West Virginia, about an hour and 15 minutes away by car. It’s the easiest option if you’re flying in from out of state. Other nearby options include Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB), roughly 1.5 hours away, and Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW), around 2.5 hours away. If you’re renting a car, the drive to Summersville is scenic and simple, passing through rolling hills and small mountain towns.
Is Summersville family-friendly?
Yes, Summersville is incredibly family-friendly. From easy hikes and lake viewpoints to fun local spots like Sweet Escape, there’s something for every age. Families love visiting Summersville Lake State Park for picnics and exploring the shoreline, and Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park has short, well-marked trails perfect for kids. Whether you’re traveling with little ones or teens, the area’s laid-back vibe and friendly locals make it a comfortable place for families to visit.
How many days do you need in Summersville?
You’ll want at least two to three days to experience the best of Summersville.
Is Summersville Lake open year-round?
Yes, Summersville Lake is open year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. From May to September, the lake is at its fullest and best for boating, kayaking, and swimming. In fall and winter, the water level is lowered, revealing unique rock formations and more of the rugged shoreline, making it a great time for photography and hiking. Even when it’s too cold for the water, the lake area is still worth visiting for the views alone.
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