Eight Attractions in Fayetteville, WV: Making Your Next Trip with Your Loved One Truly Memorable

Fayetteville, West Virginia

Whether you and your loved one are familiar with the whole state of West Virginia or this is your first trip to exploring the New River Gorge region, there is something for everyone who loves the outdoors. Fayetteville is known for its vast outdoor recreation opportunities, including whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, and a variety of exciting annual festivals. It is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is one of the world’s longest single-span arch bridges.

Before you set out to enjoy some of the attractions that Fayetteville has to offer, take some time to consider the following tips:

1. Do your research. Traveling with a senior citizen or a person with a disability can be a lot of fun as you both explore the world at a slower pace. It also comes with its challenges because you may both require more breaks and stops to rest and regroup. By coming up with a specific itinerary ahead of time and researching each stop, it will save you from any headaches or frustrations along the way.
2. Use available assistance. As popular destinations increasingly understand the importance to comply with ADA regulations, don’t be shy about looking into any complimentary services that may be offered. The comfort and safety of your loved one comes first!
3. Have fun together. As you set out together to explore the Wild and Wonderful State of West Virginia, keep the expectation in your mind that you are going to enjoy your time, learn some new things about the town, and even meet some amazing new people!

Eight Popular Attractions

Since we at Harmar understand the value of your time, we are offering you a head-start on your research by suggesting several locations to visit.

1. Downtown Fayetteville: https://visitfayettevillewv.com. The tiny town of Fayetteville is jam-packed with things to do if you just stop and give yourself some time to take it all in. From quaint little shops to tasty food options, the downtown area includes a mix of both the historic and the modern to give you and your loved one an enjoyable place to explore.
2. New River Gorge Bridge: https://www.nps.gov/places/new-river-gorge-bridge.htm. This bridge is located in the northern section of the 53-mile-long New River in the heart of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. A true engineering marvel, the bridge is over 3000 feet long and immediately opened up a host of industrial and touristry possibilities following its dedication in 1977. For more mobile individuals, this is another great option for walking, hiking, or biking, and guided tours are also available on certain days.
3. Bridge Walk: https://bridgewalk.com/. This guided tour takes you across the New River Gorge Bridge to view the splendor of the whole area. While it is labeled as a strenuous adventure, the website includes information on how people of all capabilities can enjoy the trail, including guests in wheelchairs, using canes, wearing prosthetics, and more. Their specific guidelines state that individuals with reasonable levels of fitness and strength, full body control, hand-eye-foot coordination, and the ability to stand independently are more than welcome to participate.
4. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit. Since its redesignation in 2020, this area has been a booming hotspot for people who love the outdoors. While there are many hiking trails and recreational spots for the more active, don’t let that deter you and your loved one from visiting. All four park visitor centers are wheelchair-accessible and quite a number of the trails include sections that are accessible as well. There are also a variety of film and video exhibits with open captions and assisted listening devices for the hearing-impaired.
5. Canyon Rim Visitor Center: https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/crvc.htm. As an example of one of the centers and what it offers, this location includes a short, easy, wheelchair-friendly boardwalk access to the first viewing spot where you can overlook the beautiful scenic views of the New River Gorge and the popular Bridge. While other connected locations require strenuous stairclimbing for the more active individual, the accessible part includes an audio exhibit with helpful information about the overlook.
6. Sandstone Falls Boardwalk: https://www.nps.gov/places/sandstone-falls-boardwalk.htm. Another example of a great outdoors spot to visit, this location features a quarter-mile handicapped-accessible boardwalk that crosses two bridges and leads to several islands surrounded by the falls. The observation decks overlook the beautiful Sandstone Falls that vary in height from 10 feet to 25 feet and offer some great fishing opportunities as well.
7. Fayette Station Road: https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/fayette-station-road.htm. For the true adventurer who enjoys being out and about in the comfort of your own vehicle, this road trip allows you to travel back in time to life before the Bridge was built in 1977. Besides the gorgeous natural views of the forest, you will see old ghost towns and railroads as a reminder of how the whole area used to be a busy coal country. The website includes helpful directions, an audio file and accompanying transcript for the tour, and alerts about the road conditions.
8. Fayette Theater: https://www.fayettetheater.com. Back downtown in the historic district, this theater has been operational since 1938 when it first opened as a state-of-the-art movie theater and performing arts venue. After changing hands several times, it was purchased in 2011 and renovated to be what it is today. It offers a broad range of theatrical performances and is run by dozens of volunteers who love and appreciate the arts. For visitors who face any disabilities, the theater welcomes email contact ahead of your visit so that they can accommodate you exactly how you need it so that you have the most enjoyable time possible.

Harmar is Here to Help!

As you continue to put together your plans to visit all that is Wild and Wonderful in Fayetteville, remember that we at Harmar are dedicated to helping you as a caregiver and your loved one with every challenge that both of you may face along the way. Whether you are considering a new mobility aid, an upgrade for your vehicle, or resources to make traveling easier, your local Harmar dealer is ready to discuss the possibilities: https://www.harmar.com/dealer-locator/. Contact us today!