If you’re driving I-64 between Huntington and Charleston, you might think of Putnam County only as a place with a rest stop to pull over and stretch your legs, or an exit with easy drive-thrus to grab a bite to eat.
After spending a weekend exploring the area, I can confidently say it deserves much more than a 10-minute stop.
Between miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, paddling on the Kanawha River, some of West Virginia’s top-rated disc golf, locally owned restaurants, and welcoming small businesses, Putnam County is a destination where just another weekend turns into an unexpected adventure.
We see Putnam County as the perfect destination for an active escape, a couples’ getaway, or a quick change of scenery for a weekend.
Here’s why Putnam County warrants a spot on your West Virginia travel list.
Explore More Than 30 Miles of Trails at Meeks Mountain
One of the highlights of your time outdoors should be exploring the Meeks Mountain Trails.
Over 34 miles of trails have been built and maintained entirely by volunteers since 2018 (tens of thousands of hours!). This trail system offers both short routes and trails that you can combine into longer hikes (even overnights!) or mountain biking adventures.
We explored portions of the red- and white-blazed trail. One of my favorite surprises was the placement of colorful murals along the trails throughout the woods, each painted by local artists. They added an unexpected colorful and creative touch to the hike.
The trails are extremely well maintained, a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers. Whether you hike or mountain bike, Meeks Mountain should be your first stop in the area.
Experience the Kanawha River from the Water
After spending the morning on the trails, head to Winfield to get out on the water. If you don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard, head out with Mountaineer Paddle Company.
Even though the weather looked questionable earlier in the day, rain held off long enough for us to enjoy a peaceful paddle on the Kanawha River. In fact, we only saw one other boat during the couple of hours we spent on the water.
Whether you choose a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak, the river is so flat and wide that it feels more like a lake.
Beginners will feel right at home thanks to the friendly instruction from Carter and his family, while more experienced paddlers can simply enjoy the calm water and being surrounded by the beautiful green hillsides.
If you’re able to plan your visit to finish around sunset, even better. Heading back towards the bridge, the sky often turns beautiful colors as the sun goes down.
Play One of West Virginia’s Top Disc Golf Courses
If you’re a disc golfer, Valley Park deserves a place at the top of your itinerary.
Widely considered one of the top courses in West Virginia, the holes include a fun mix of wooded and open fairways that challenge experienced players while remaining enjoyable for novice players, too.
Even if you’ve never thrown a disc before, Valley Park is worth visiting. It’s a beautiful community park that provides another opportunity to spend time outdoors, with gravel walking trails, fishing, playgrounds, and more.
It’s also home to Putnam County’s Almost Heaven swing.
Refuel at Locally Owned Restaurants
One of the biggest surprises of the weekend wasn’t just the outdoor recreation. It was how many great local restaurants and businesses we discovered between adventures.
We started our Saturday morning at Putnam Provisions with an incredible banana bread tea, which was absolutely full of flavor just like a slice of bread fresh from the oven, before browsing the farmers market next door. Breakfast at Bridge Café & Bistro gave us plenty of energy for a morning on the trails, and Jo’s Belknap was the perfect place to relax with a delicious pizza after a full day outdoors.
Later that evening, we sampled unique WV and regional craft beers at The Pallet Bar, and before heading home on Sunday, we wrapped up the trip with lunch at Whiskey Taco.
We also saw a few other restaurants along our way that seemed to have full parking lots each time we drove by. You won’t go hungry during your visit; we can assure you.
Browse Local Shops
Between outdoor adventures, we made some time to explore a few locally owned businesses.
From handcrafted woodwork at Bear Wood Company to unique finds at the Habitat ReStore Boutique and a stop at the local disc golf shop, these businesses added a little extra personality to the trip and made it easy to break up the outdoor activities.
A Weekend That Feels Unhurried
One of the things I appreciated most about Putnam County was how close everything was.
Rather than spending hours driving from one location to the next, we were able to move easily between hiking trails, restaurants, shops, parks, and the river. That meant more time enjoying each stop and less time sitting behind the wheel.
It also made the weekend feel balanced. We really didn’t spend more than 20 minutes or so at a time in the car, and everything was so easily accessible.
Don’t Drive Past Putnam County
It’s easy to overlook Putnam County when you’re traveling between Huntington and Charleston. I might have if I hadn’t known any better.
But after spending a weekend here, we discovered a destination that offers far more than a quick stop along the interstate. From volunteer-built hiking trails and peaceful paddling to excellent local restaurants, welcoming small businesses, and outdoor recreation for every skill level, Putnam County has everything you need for a memorable weekend getaway.
So the next time you’re planning a West Virginia road trip, make Putnam County a destination. You may be surprised, just like I was, by how much there is to explore.