Fayetteville, WV, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the New River Gorge. This charming town offers an array of free activities that highlight its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant community. Whether you’re a local looking for something new to explore or a visitor eager to experience the best of Fayetteville without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered. Here are some fantastic free things to do in Fayetteville and the New River Gorge area.
1. Explore Historic Downtown Fayetteville
Stroll through the historic downtown district of Fayetteville and soak in the small-town charm. The quaint streets are lined with unique shops, cozy cafes, and beautifully preserved buildings that tell the story of the town’s rich past.
2. Join the Sock Monkey Scavenger Hunt at Water Stone Outdoors
One of the most whimsical activities in Fayetteville is the Sock Monkey Scavenger Hunt at Water Stone Outdoors. This fun, family-friendly adventure takes you on a journey through the shop in search of hidden sock monkeys. Grab a checklist and embark on the hunt to find them all. Check our events page for weekly events Water Stone offers.
3. Enjoy the Fayetteville Town Park
Fayetteville Town Park is a hub of activity and a favorite spot for families. The park features a free splash pad, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days, a pump track for bike enthusiasts, a skatepark for those who love to skate or watch impressive tricks, and a playground where kids can let their imaginations run wild. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors.
4. Bike and Hike at Arrowhead Bike Farm
Arrowhead Bike Farm offers a fantastic network of trails with a rolling loop trail system suitable for biking and hiking. You can bring your own bike and explore the scenic routes at no cost. The farm is also a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.Make sure to visit the bike farms’ resident goats.
5. Visit the Love Hope Center for the Arts
Art lovers will appreciate a visit to the Love Hope Center for the Arts. This community art center showcases local talent and offers a variety of free exhibits and events. It’s a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the creative spirit of Fayetteville.
6. Discover the New River Gorge at Canyon Rim Visitor Center
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center is your gateway to the New River Gorge National Park. Here, you can learn about the park’s history, geology, and ecology through informative displays and ranger programs. The visitor center also offers breathtaking views of the gorge and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. The New River Gorge National park spans 3 counties so take time to explore the southern end of the park by venturing to the Sandstone Visitors center, Sandstone falls, the Trump- Lilly Farm, and the town of Hinton. Explore the trails and overlooks at Grandview
8. Hike the Trails in and Around Fayetteville
Fayetteville and the New River Gorge National Park boast hundreds of hiking trails catering to all skill levels.
- Burnwood Loop Trail: Explore old-growth forests on this serene trail that offers a peaceful retreat into nature.
- Long Point Trail: Enjoy breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Bridge from one of the park’s most popular trails.
- Kaymoor Miners Trail: For those who enjoy a challenging hike, this strenuous trail features steep switchbacks leading to the old Kaymoor coal mine site and 821 wooden steps descending into the gorge to the remains of an old coal processing plant.
9. Discover Waterfalls on the WV Waterfall Trail
Enjoy the beauty of waterfalls along the WV Waterfall Trail. The Mill Creek Waterfalls on the Hawks Nest Rail Trail are a local favorite, offering stunning views and a refreshing experience in nature.
10. Visit Nearby State Parks
Venture to neighboring state parks for more free activities:
- Babcock State Park: Home to the iconic gristmill, this park offers picturesque scenery where visitors can immerse themselves in nature and get a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Babcock is a 25-minute drive from Fayetteville.
- Hawks Nest State Park: Take in the spectacular views overlooking the New River Gorge and enjoy the park’s serene environment. We love the Hawks Nest Rail trail for waterfall viewing. Hawks Nest State Park is 20 minutes from Fayetteville and about 10 miles to Babcock making it easy to link both parks together.
- Pipestem State Park: Pipestem is a little over an hour drive from Fayetteville overlooking the Bluestone River Gorge. Check out their nature center, scenic overlooks and hike to Bolar Lookout Tower.
- Bluestone State Park: Bluestone State Park features Bluestone Lake and is known for fishing and hiking. It is an hour drive from Fayetteville and about 20 minutes from Pipestem State Park.
Find the WV Swings at Babcock State Park, Pipestem State Park, Blue Stone State Park and Summersville Lake State Park. Summersville Lake State Park is currently under construction, but you can visit the swing.
11. Take Scenic Drives in the National Park
The New River Gorge National Park offers several scenic drives that provide breathtaking views and historical insights:
- Fayette Station Road: This drive offers stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge and the river below, check out the National Park audio tour while you explore.
- New River Gorge Scenic Drive: This extensive tour will take you to the see the highlights around the national park where you can explore across 3 counties with stops at places like the historic town of Thurmond, Sandstone Falls and Grandview. While exploring Thurmond take the walking tour and visit the train depot.
- African American Heritage Auto Tour: This self-guided auto tour takes you to seventeen historic sites in Summers, Raleigh, Fayette and Nicholas counties to learn about the history and experiences of the regions African Americans.
12. Check Out Free Events and Live Music
Fayetteville is known for its vibrant community events and live music scene. Check our event page for updates on free events downtown and live music performances around town. Whether it’s a local festival, a farmers market, or a street performance, there’s always something happening in Fayetteville.
Fayetteville and the New River Gorge are brimming with opportunities for free fun and adventure. Whether you’re exploring historic downtown, embarking on a scavenger hunt, hiking scenic trails, or taking in the stunning natural scenery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover all that this incredible area has to offer!
Affordable Lodging Options
In Fayetteville, WV, some of the most affordable lodging options include:
- Quality Inn New River Gorge – A reliable and affordable hotel choice, providing comfortable rooms and basic amenities with a continental breakfast and convenient location.
- Rifrafters Campground – Offering budget-friendly camping options, this campground is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors and want to stay close to nature. They also offer affordable rustic cabin rentals.
- Bear Mountain Campground– Bear mountain campground offers affordable camping options along with Amish style rustic cabin rentals onsite.
- The Outpost New River Gorge– The Outpost offers a variety of camping options from field tent camping, to covered tent platforms, vintage RV and rustic cabin rentals for a variety of price points.
- Vacation Rentals – Fayetteville has a variety of budget-friendly vacation rental options, ranging from private rooms to entire homes, often at lower rates than traditional hotels, explore to find the loding that fits your budget.
- Smith House– The Smith House is conveniently located where it is walkable to downtown. Individual rooms can be rented to make it an affordable option for your adventure homebase in Fayetteville.
- Welcome Home- Unwind in this remodeled 1930’s era coal-community home that is within walking distance to downtown Fayetteville with two bedrooms.
These options provide a range of affordable accommodations, allowing visitors to enjoy Fayetteville without overspending.