Upshur’s Big Little Getaway: Eat, Hike and Explore

Aug 13

4 min read

In Upshur County, West Virginia, a weekend getaway does not require a packed itinerary. From trails and rivers to locally owned restaurants and a walkable downtown, Buckhannon offers a small-town escape with plenty of ways to get outside and slow down.

BY Jennifer Rutton, July 12, 2026

WEEKEND GETAWAY

For travelers looking for a mountain getaway without the crowds, Upshur County offers a compelling combination: outdoor adventure, local food and small-town charm, all within a relatively compact corner of north-central West Virginia.

At the center of it is Buckhannon, a walkable community where a morning can begin with coffee downtown, continue along a riverside trail and end with a locally prepared meal. Just outside town, forests, rivers and parks open the door to a more rugged side of the region. It is the kind of destination where visitors can build a full weekend around a few simple priorities: eat well, hike somewhere new and explore at their own pace.

Start downtown

Buckhannon's historic downtown provides an easy starting point for exploring the county. Locally owned restaurants, specialty shops, boutiques and public art give Main Street a distinctly community-oriented feel. Some describe Buckhannon as a "small-town getaway with big-time charm," a description reflected in the concentration of attractions within and around downtown.

Food is an important part of the experience.Visitors can find everything from classic comfort food to farm-to-table options. Stone Tower Brews, for example, is known for using ingredients from local growers, while C.J. Maggie's serves dishes including wood-fired pizza, homemade sausage and chicken and biscuits. For a more casual stop, longtime local favorites such as T&L Hotdogs offer an unmistakably American roadside-style experience. The variety makes it easy to turn meals into part of the adventure rather than simply a break between activities.

Follow the river

One of the easiest ways to get outside without leaving town is the Riverwalk Trail.

The paved trail follows the Buckhannon River and provides a relatively gentle route for walking and biking. The trail includes river access, a boat launch, sports facilities and the Buckhannon Dog Park, making it an option for visitors traveling with family or four-legged companions.

In January 2026, the community also added a second Mountaineer Mile destination along the Buckhannon River Walk, expanding the trail's role as a place for accessible outdoor recreation and wellness.

For travelers who want to explore without committing to a strenuous hike, the Riverwalk provides a chance to stretch the legs, watch the river and experience the community at a slower pace.

Head for the hills

Those looking for more adventure do not have to travel far. Upshur County Trails has grown into a destination for hiking, trail running and mountain biking. The volunteer-supported system at the Upshur County Recreation Park now includes more than 8 miles of trails, with additional development planned.

The trails move through wooded terrain and offer a different experience from the flatter Riverwalk. Mountain bikers can find sections designed for riding, while hikers and runners can explore the system on foot.

Another option is the Old Oak Trail at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek. The trail takes visitors beyond the more familiar wildlife exhibits and into the surrounding forest, looping around a small pond.

The Wildlife Center itself adds another layer to the stop, allowing visitors to see native West Virginia animals while learning more about the state's wildlife.

Make time for Audra

For a classic West Virginia outdoor experience, Audra State Park is worth adding to the itinerary. Located along the Middle Fork River on the Upshur-Barbour county line, the park is known for its wooded setting, rocky river landscape and opportunities for hiking, swimming and fishing.

Alum Cave Loop Trail in Audra State Park

Its Alum Cave Trail is a 2.7-mile loop that leads hikers to one of the park's signature features, a rock overhang overlooking the Middle Fork River. The trail is relatively level and accessible to beginning hikers and families.

The Rock Cliff Trail offers another option, with a shorter loop through the forest and along a cliffside. For visitors who want to turn a day trip into a longer outdoor escape, Audra also offers camping, giving travelers the opportunity to stay close to the river and trails.

More than a weekend

Upshur County's appeal is that visitors do not have to choose between an outdoor vacation and a small-town getaway. The area offers hiking and mountain biking, river recreation, fishing, historic sites, public art, shopping and locally owned dining.

The Buckhannon and Tygart Valley River Water Trail also provides a 45-mile route through north-central West Virginia, connecting communities and offering opportunities for paddling and wildlife viewing.

That combination is what makes Upshur a "big little getaway." It does not rely on one major attraction. Instead, the experience comes from putting several smaller ones together. Spend the morning on a trail. Walk downtown in the afternoon. Grab dinner from a local restaurant. Follow the river as the day winds down.