How to spend a summer weekend in Mercer County

Last updated: May 31, 2023

The sun is out — and so is school — which means it’s finally time to start planning your summer getaway to Mercer County. A weekend trip to our charming towns filled with outdoor activities, delicious treats and comfortable stays, will be sure to lure you back time and time again. 

Get Outside

Warm weather calls for outdoor adventures, and Mercer County has plenty of them to choose from! 

Hit The Trails

The Hatfield-McCoy Trails, open year-round, twist through deep, rhododendron-packed ravines, traveling past historic homes and old coal mining towns. Hop on the Pocahontas Trail in Bramwell and spend a full weekend at our ATV-friendly communities. The Pocahontas Trail system links up to three other Hatfield-McCoy Trails — Indian Ridge, Pinnacle Creek and Warrior — creating the most continuous miles of trails east of the Mississippi. With dozens of lodging options and tasty restaurants near the trail, it’s easy to kick back and relax after a day in the woods.

Pick A Park

Pack a picnic and head to a park to enjoy the pleasant seasonal weather. With miles of scenic hiking trails and an impressive 3,100-foot sandstone rock formation, Pinnacle Rock State Park offers unique mountaintop views of the county. Spend a weekend exploring the park — hike to the top of the rock, enjoy lunch at a picnic area and cast a line in the park’s trout-stocked lake. Or sleep under the stars at Camp Creek State Park. With two mesmerizing waterfalls, a central campground and a vast network of hiking trails — this state park is a favorite among residents and visitors alike. Seeking an adrenaline rush this summer? Visit Pipestem Resort State Park for a thrilling zipline tour across the Bluestone Gorge! 

But the outdoor activities don’t end there.  From kayaking along peaceful waterways to mountain biking on our forested trails, there’s an adventure for every person here. 

American Classics

Nothing says summertime quite like baseball and drive-ins. Start your nostalgic American summer in Mercer County by attending an Appalachian League baseball game. Our area is home to two local teams — the Bluefield Ridge Runners and the Princeton WhistlePigs. Watch both teams play against each other on June 30 and July 1 in Princeton! 

End your weekend at the Pipestem Drive-In! Pull out the lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for one of your favorite films. The drive-in is open May through September on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Sweet Treats

There is no better way to cool off in the summer months than with a sweet treat! Ice cream is a must, and luckily for you, here in Mercer County, we have some delicious options. From indulgent milkshakes from The RailYard to triple scoop cones from the Bramwell Corner Shop, finish your trip to Mercer County in the sweetest way! For a caffeinated version, stop by The Blue Spoon Cafe for a seasonal-flavored frappuccino or Wild Roots Coffee House for a summertime frappe. 

A Summer Stay

Your trip is never complete without a place to stay. Make it a family vacation to remember with a night in a rustic treehouse, or find total relaxation in a charming cabin in the woods. Connect with nature at a scenic campsite, or enjoy all the accommodations at a local hotel. Find the perfect lodging option for your summer getaway to Mercer County. 

Start planning your ultimate getaway with the help of our free Visitors Guide!