3 Unforgettable Road Trips You Can Take From Summersville, WV

November 12, 2021 · 3 min read

Located just a couple of miles north of the Gauley River, Summersville, WV is a perfect base from where you can go on fun road trips to some of the most beautiful nature reserves in the region. Whether you are into hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking, or any other outdoor activity, these are some fantastic destinations where you can have a memorable adventure with your family or favorite group of friends.

1. Monongahela National Forest

Spanning a territory of a little over 900,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountain Range, Monongahela National Forest was established in 1920 and features some of the highest mountain peaks in West Virginia. This sprawling nature reserve is a perfect destination for a road trip, with stunning landscapes, fantastic views of the area, and recreational spots that welcome thousands of visitors each year. Located 90 miles from Summersville, this place can be reached in about two hours by car.

Although exploring all the wonderful sites that Monongahela National Forest has to offer would take entire weeks, there are a few spots you should not miss during your visit. Among the most popular ones, The Roaring Plains West Wilderness is particularly beautiful, offering plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. Other popular attractions include Spruce Knob Lake, Seneca Rocks, Back Allegheny Mountain, Canaan Valley, and Cranberry Glades Botanical Area.

2. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Located about 40 miles south of Summersville, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great destination for a short road trip through the beautiful scenery of the Appalachian Mountains. This nature reserve was established in 1978 by the National Park Service and welcomes over a million visitors each year from all over the country. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its stunning geologic features, which include house-sized boulders, creeks, and sandstone formations.

Home to several endangered mammals, birds, and amphibians, as well as hundreds of different species of the local flora, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts. Along with hiking, biking, and picnicking, this place is a popular spot for wildlife watching and photography. The waters of the New River are also perfect for advanced whitewater rafting, with strong currents and rapids passing by boulders and other natural obstacles.

3. George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

Covering over 1.8 million acres of territory in the Appalachian Mountains, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests feature some of the longest hiking trails in the entire region, the highest point in the state of Virginia, the ghost town of Lignite, and some of the most scenic viewpoints in the region. These national forests are located about 100 miles southeast of Summersville, making it possible to reach them in about two and a half hours by car.

Are you ready for a memorable road trip to one of these destinations? Before you set off, stop by Mid-State Ford and take a look at the new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles we have available for you.

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Jun 15, 2026 in Ford Dealership Summersville

Don’t Wait Until July to Find Your Next Ford

Summer schedules fill up fast. Between vacations, ball games, outdoor projects, weekend trips, and daily errands, your vehicle gets put to work quickly this time of year. If your current ride is starting to feel outdated, unreliable, or too small for your lifestyle, now may be the right time to explore your options at Mid-State Ford in Summersville. Shopping before the busiest part of summer can give you more time to compare vehicles, review current offers, and find the right fit before your calendar gets packed. Ford is currently promoting offers on eligible new vehicles, including programs such as Employee Pricing for All on select models. Availability, eligibility, and offer details can vary, so checking with your local dealership is the best way to see what applies to you. For drivers who need strength and capability, the Ford F-150 remains a popular choice for towing, hauling, work, and weekend plans. If you need something family-friendly, SUVs like the Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, and Ford Bronco Sport offer comfort, space, technology, and confidence for summer driving. This is also a smart time to think about your trade-in. If your current vehicle still has value, applying it toward your next Ford could help lower your overall cost or monthly payment. Instead of waiting until a repair bill or busy travel schedule forces your hand, take a proactive look at what’s available now. Visit Mid-State Ford in Summersville to browse inventory, explore current offers, and find a Ford that is ready for the road ahead.

Jun 19, 2026 in Ford Dealership Summersville

Top Day Trips from Summersville in a Ford SUV

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, scenic mountain views, or a relaxing weekend getaway, Summersville is the perfect starting point for exploring some of West Virginia's most beautiful destinations. With comfortable seating, advanced technology, available all-wheel drive, and plenty of cargo space, a Ford SUV from Mid-State Ford makes every road trip more enjoyable. If you're planning your next adventure, here are some of the best day trips from Summersville that are just a short drive away. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Located less than an hour from Summersville, the New River Gorge is one of West Virginia's most popular destinations. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, scenic overlooks, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and breathtaking views of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. A Ford Explorer or Ford Bronco is perfect for the trip, offering room for passengers, hiking gear, coolers, and outdoor equipment. Popular Activities: Long Point Trail Endless Wall Trail Bridge Walk Whitewater Rafting Scenic Overlooks Summersville Lake Sometimes the best adventure is right in your backyard. Summersville Lake is known for its crystal-clear water, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, swimming, and camping opportunities. The Ford Expedition provides plenty of space for family, friends, and lake gear, while the Ford Bronco Sport is ideal for active outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the area's trails and recreation areas. Popular Activities: Boating Kayaking Fishing Scuba Diving Beach Relaxation Hawks Nest State Park Just a short drive from Summersville, Hawks Nest State Park offers some of the most spectacular views in West Virginia. The overlook provides stunning views of the New River and surrounding mountains. Families often enjoy the aerial tram ride down to the marina and jet boat excursions on the river. Popular Activities: Scenic Overlooks Jet Boat Tours Hiking Trails Photography Picnicking Babcock State Park One of the most photographed locations in West Virginia, Babcock State Park is famous for the historic Glade Creek Grist Mill. The winding mountain roads leading to the park are perfect for enjoying the comfort and capability of a Ford SUV. Whether you're driving a Ford Escape, Explorer, or Bronco Sport, you'll appreciate the smooth ride and scenic views along the way. Popular Activities: Hiking Photography Fishing Cabin Rentals Wildlife Viewing Greenbrier Resort For those looking for a more relaxing getaway, The Greenbrier offers luxury dining, shopping, golf, spa treatments, and historic tours. Located in White Sulphur Springs, it's an easy day trip from Summersville. The Ford Edge and Ford Explorer provide the perfect combination of comfort and refinement for a scenic drive through the mountains. Popular Activities: Fine Dining Golf Shopping Spa Treatments Historic Tours Seneca Rocks Outdoor enthusiasts love visiting Seneca Rocks for some of the most dramatic scenery in the Appalachian Mountains. The drive itself is worth the trip, especially during the fall foliage season. The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport are excellent companions for exploring mountain roads and outdoor destinations throughout West Virginia. Popular Activities: Hiking Rock Climbing Scenic Drives Photography Camping Why Choose a Ford SUV for Your West Virginia Adventures? Ford SUVs are built for the unique driving conditions found throughout West Virginia. Whether you're navigating winding mountain roads, heading to the lake, or taking a family road trip, Ford offers an SUV designed for your lifestyle. Popular Ford SUVs include: Ford Bronco Ford Bronco Sport Ford Escape Ford Explorer Ford Expedition With available four-wheel drive, advanced safety features, spacious interiors, and impressive fuel efficiency, Ford SUVs are ready for wherever the road takes you. Find Your Next Adventure Vehicle at Mid-State Ford If you're searching for a Ford SUV in Summersville, WV, visit Mid-State Ford, Home of the Big Jon Deals. Our team proudly serves drivers from Summersville, Beckley, Oak Hill, Fayetteville, Richwood, Lewisburg, and throughout Southern West Virginia. Browse our selection of new Ford SUVs and discover why so many local families trust Mid-State Ford for all their vehicle needs. Whether you're planning a trip to Summersville Lake, the New River Gorge, or anywhere in the Mountain State, we'll help you find the perfect vehicle for your next adventure.

Jun 01, 2026 in Ford Dealership Summersville

Start Summer in a New Ford with Current Offers

Summer is almost here, and that means more road trips, weekend plans, work projects, family outings, and everyday driving. If your current vehicle is starting to feel less reliable or no longer fits your lifestyle, this may be the right time to see what’s available at Mid-State Ford in Summersville. Right now, Ford shoppers may be able to take advantage of current offers on eligible new Ford vehicles, including national promotions like Employee Pricing for All on select 2025 and 2026 models. Offers can vary by vehicle, location, and eligibility, so visiting your local Ford dealership is the best way to see what applies to you. This kind of timing can make a big difference. Heading into summer, many drivers want a vehicle with more space, better comfort, updated safety features, and the confidence to handle longer drives. Whether you’re interested in a Ford F-150 for capability, a Ford Explorer for family travel, or a Ford Escape for everyday convenience, current offers may help make upgrading more affordable. It’s also a smart time to consider your trade-in. Your current vehicle may have value that can be applied toward your next purchase, helping reduce your overall cost or monthly payment. Instead of waiting until your vehicle becomes a bigger problem, summer is a great season to make a practical move. A newer Ford can help you enjoy the months ahead with more confidence, comfort, and peace of mind. Visit Mid-State Ford in Summersville today to explore current offers, browse available inventory, and find the Ford that fits your summer plans.

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