Summersville sits at the edge of the New River Gorge — one of the newest national parks and one of the best climbing and whitewater destinations in the country. The lake is five minutes away. The gorge, fifteen. Whether you're here to climb, paddle, raft, or just float, it's all close.
Rafting, zip lining, ropes courses and more. If you’re looking for a day of curated adventure, this is a good place to start. Located just off the gorge you’ll find easy access to much of what the New offers through their grounds.
Babcock State Park has 4,127 acres of stunning scenery. Located 20 miles southeast of the New River Gorge Bridge, the park is known for the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper’s Mill that once stood on the grounds. Other attractions include recreational activities like hiking, fishing, mountain biking and whitewater rafting in the nearby New River Gorge.
5 minutes down the road you’ll find Summersville Lake. Here you can hike, boat, climb, fish, mountain bike, picnic, and much more. As West Virginia’s newest state park, a substantial amount of work has been done to improve access. We strongly recommend a visit. It’s a short drive to a great spot.
A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities - hiking, climbing, white water rafting and kayaking, boating and much more.
Summersville - The Walmart. It’s exactly what it is everywhere else. They have groceries, clothing, outdoor gear, and almost everything else.
Summersville - Your standard issue grocery store. If you’re looking for groceries, this is the closest run-of-the-mill grocery store you’ll find.
Summersville - A discount grocery store just down the hill with all the basics. If you need groceries they have you covered.
Fayetteville - The Brew Garden is an extension of Water Stone (outdoor gear shop in Fayetteville) - Cherry River Coffee Roasters have partnered with the shop to provide quality coffee and espresso drinks. A great option if you also need to get some gear shopping done.
Fayetteville - The Brew Garden is an extension of Water Stone (outdoor gear shop in Fayetteville) - stop by after sunset for a cold beer - there’s a deck behind the store for kicking back and complementary Wi-Fi.
Summersville - A small local grocer specializing in organic, gluten-free, and all additional things healthy living. They carry essential oils, CBD oils, vitamins, and more.
Summersville - Fresh cuts of meat, a large selection of specialty cheeses, alongside a decent selection of additional grocery items - eggs, dairy, produce, and a good bit of candy. Located in Summersville.
Summersville - Our favorite local spot for provisions. All locally sourced and fresh. They have produce, meat, eggs, cheese, honey, teas and a good bit more. All of it is seasonal, so stock will change with the seasons. If you want to whip up some stellar bacon and eggs, this is a good spot to source your ingredients. A strong recommend.
Summersville - A cute shop in downtown Summersville (walkable) with specialty coffees and unique donuts made daily. If you don’t want to brew your own coffee and are up for a morning walk, this is almost straight down the hill.
Mt. Nebo - Fun seasonal drinks, friendly staff, and a solid cup of coffee. It’s a short 10 minute drive and on the way to many an adventure south of your stay. An easy stop if you didn’t have time to grab coffee at the cabin.
Fayetteville - If you want good coffee this is the place to come - located in downtown Fayetteville and across the street in both directions from good food (Wood Iron and Cathedral Cafe). Rotating pour-over, great espresso drinks, and friendly staff. There isn’t much by way of food beyond a small pastry box, but you come here for good coffee. They also sell beans if you’re interested in taking some home.
Fayetteville - American fare with some twists - thai noodle salad and poutine -with a large selection of craft beers located in the middle of town.
Summersville - A laid back operation with laid back service, a small but solid menu if looking for hot dogs and the like, and very good craft beer. A deck and yard are available in addition to the indoor seating where you’ll find board games, a fire pit, and a generally good time. If you’re up for a walk, it’s walkable.
Fayetteville - Good vibes, a large fire pit, lots of outdoor seating and a cathedral-esque indoor/outdoor room. Lots of beers to choose from all brewed by three guys who care a lot about making good beers. Check it out.
Beer List
Located in Hico — a short drive between Steepwood and Fayetteville — Freefolk is a craft beer outpost with a free-spirited ethos, good food, ping pong, games, a large outdoor seating area and more. Worth timing a stop on your way into or out of the Gorge. This is one of our favorite spots.
No list would be complete without Tudor’s Biscuit World. You can’t miss it on the way into town (just off the 19) and it’s a perfectly fine option if you want to load up on calories and/or get a quick bite.
The closest thing to fine dining in the area (that we’ve found). We haven’t been, so can’t testify to the food, but reports on Google suggest it’s decent and the grounds as well as the building are a fun diversion if looking for something out of the ordinary.
Family-friendly spot for Puerto Rican and Venezuelan fare, plus outdoor dining, games, and a bar.
Great breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and pepperoni rolls alongside a lot more. A local spot beloved by the locals and those visiting.
Something of an establishment in Fayetteville and the first Pies & Pints in WV- wood fired pizzas, a rotating list of craft beers, and a good experience on all fronts.
Rustic-style tavern featuring creative sandwiches, plus soup, salad, beer, cider & live music. Another good option if you’re looking to get something for a day of adventuring. Pro-tip: order ahead as waits can get lengthy.
American fare with some twists - thai noodle salad and poutine -with a large selection of craft beers located in the middle of town.
An old standby - it was our go-to 15 years ago on our first visit to the area and remains a staple. Former church converted into an artsy, relaxed hangout for coffee & eclectic American fare.
A great spot in downtown Fayetteville. Expect a line weekend mornings. The upstairs is ideal for kiddos - there’s a large play area with climbing wall, books, and games. Food and drink are both solid - the “AM Handheld” is a favorite.
Ansted - As good as views get while eating. Perched above the Gorge, this restaurant is part of the Hawk’s Nest State Park building. The food is decent, the surroundings are incredible.
Hico - This is at the top of our list. Great beer, very good food that varies from pizza to gyros, ping pong, darts, a large outdoor area with corn hole, plenty of seating and fire pits. We strongly recommend. 18 minute drive.
Mt. Lookout - One of our go-to’s. They have a section of pre-portioned ready-to-go food, so ideal for a day of adventure. A rotating list of beers is available and a cozy outdoor space with fire pits awaits post-adventure.
A laid back operation with laid back service, a small but solid menu if looking for hot dogs and the like, and very good craft beer. A deck and yard are available in addition to the indoor seating where you’ll find board games, a fire pit, and a generally good time.
American food and drink ranging from burgers to hot dogs alongside a few vegetarian options, plus beer, wine and cocktails.
Decent food, large portions, fair pricing, and family friendly. Can’t go wrong if you’re looking for any of the above.
Two Youtube Chef’s collaborate for a memorable experience. Hibachi, Sushi, and Japanese Steak are all served up with zest.
A bar-and-grill menu with everything you’d expect. Burgers, wings, nachos, fried pickles, potato skins, quesadillas, alongside some more specialty dishes. Try the Ribeye! Though it appears a hole-in-the-wall from the street it opens up inside and has a spacious rear deck.
No frills diner food. Gets the job done and is walkable if you’re up for a jaunt down the hill.
A good hamburger and solid diner-esque go-to’s. Family friendly. Ice cream parlor is part of the restaurant and is a good get post Bandido’s.
Very good Mexican food. Large beers. Fast service. A surprising find in downtown Summersville and a short 5 minute drive from the property.
Water Stone Outdoors has been selling outdoor gear and apparel in Fayetteville, WV since 1994. Climbing gear, hiking gear, gear gear and much more. If you need something to get outdoors, odds are that they’ll have it.
We carry a full range of outdoor gear and apparel. While our specialty has always been whitewater paddling we also offer a wide selection of outdoor and camping gear, trail running and hiking footwear, climbing gear and casual outdoor and leisure apparel.