15 Best Things to Do in Oak Hill, WV

The charming city of Oak Hill is one of the four cities of Fayette County, West Virginia, part of the larger Beckley metropolitan area.

It is the largest city in the county, with a total area of 668 square miles.

Oak Hill was established as a city in the late 19th century, owing its growth to the coal mining industry in the area.

Coal mining became one of the residents' main employment options.

Oak Hill is known for its different parks, adventure resorts, and rafting companies, offering visitors a unique experience in Fayette County.

Here are the best things to do in Oak Hill, West Virginia.

Learn the History of Locomotives at the Oak Hill Railroad Depot

The Oak Hill Railroad Depot is a historic train station in Oak Hill.

It was built in 1905 by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company and served as a hub for transportation and commerce in the New River Gorge region for many years.

Today, the depot has been beautifully restored.

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a museum and community center.

It sometimes hosts events throughout the year, such as educational programs celebrating the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

The depot is a classic example of early 20th-century railroad architecture, featuring a striking brick exterior, a hipped roof with projecting eaves, and a prominent clock tower.

The depot's interior is also beautifully restored, with original fixtures and finishes.

Whether you’re a train enthusiast or want to know more about the area, the Oak Hill Railroad Depot at 108 Virginia Street is a must-visit.

Grab Amazing Burgers at Cafe One Ten

Enjoy a mouth-watering meal at Cafe One Ten at 110 Main Street, a cozy spot known for its fresh and inventive food combinations.

Their Mushroom Bacon Swiss Monster Combo is a must-try for any burger lover.

It is topped with rich and savory mushroom gravy, crispy bacon, melted Swiss cheese, and a side of fries smothered in gravy.

Likewise, Cafe One Ten uses high-quality, grass-fed beef to ensure each bite is flavorful.

This joint is the perfect spot to enjoy a satisfying meal with friends or family.

Stop by the cafe at Oak Hill for a fantastic burger experience.

Catch a Show at the Lively Family Amphitheater

The Lively Family Amphitheater is an outdoor destination at 44 Kelly Avenue in Oak Hill.

Built in 2014 and named after the Lively family, the amphitheater is part of the Summit Bechtel Reserve.

It is a 10,600-acre Boy Scouts of America outdoor recreation facility that hosts various events yearly.

The Lively Family Amphitheater offers a unique experience combining outdoor entertainment with the surrounding area's natural beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy live performances while taking in stunning views.

The amphitheater features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems for every event, such as concerts, festivals, and theatrical performances.

The venue attracts well-known artists and performers such as Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, and Imagine Dragons, making it a must-visit destination for music and entertainment lovers.

Don’t miss out on fantastic performances by world-class performers at the Lively Family Amphitheater.

Conquer the Whitewater Rapids at the ACE Adventure Resort

If you’re looking for a thrilling experience outdoors, the ACE Adventure Resort is a must-visit at Oak Hill.

The resort is a popular outdoor adventure destination located at 1 Concho Road in Oak Hill, on over 1,500 acres of wilderness adjacent to the New River Gorge National Park.

They feature many outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, zip-lining, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more.

The resort also offers various accommodation options, including camping and RV sites, cozy cabins and luxury vacation homes, and on-site dining options, including a full-service restaurant and bar.

One of the main draws here at the ACE Adventure Resort is its location on the New River Gorge, allowing for a unique experience on the challenging whitewater rapids.

With its beautiful natural setting and wide range of outdoor activities, ACE Adventure Resort is a popular destination for adventure seekers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

Hike along the Historic White Oak Rail-Trail

The White Oak Rail Trail is a scenic 7.9-mile trail in Oak Hill.

The paved trail is situated on the former White Oak Railway's abandoned rail bed and passes through various landscapes, including wooded areas, open fields, and wetlands.

You can enjoy picturesque views of the New River Gorge and its surrounding hills along the trail.

See remnants of the trail's railroad past, including a historic train trestle and a former railroad depot.

The trail also passes through the White Oak Wetlands, a designated Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, and the Oak Hill Railroad Depot.

In addition, the trail is also part of a larger trail network in the area, including the Fayetteville Trail System and the New River Gorge Trail.

You will get even more opportunities to explore the beauty of southern West Virginia.

If you want to cross the trail for yourself, it’s located at 101 Virginia Street here in Oak Hill.

Swim in the Public Pool at Oak Hill City Park

Oak Hill City Park is a public park at Virginia Street in Oak Hill.

The park spans over 50 acres and features many attractions, including a large swimming pool, four adjacent baseball fields, and basketball courts.

The pool is open during the summer months.

It offers a fun way to cool off on hot sunny days.

At the same time, the baseball fields and basketball courts are popular with locals and visitors and provide a great way to stay active and socialize via team sports.

The park also caters to those who prefer a more leisurely pace.

It has several spacious picnic areas and playgrounds where families can relax and enjoy a meal together as the children play in safe zones.

You can also use a walking trail that winds through the park and provides beautiful views of the surrounding area.

If you're looking for a great place for simple outdoor fun and relaxation, visit Oak Hill City Park.

Sample World-Class Beers at the Bears and Brews

Bears and Brews is an annual celebration in Oak Hill.

This festival celebrates the outdoor culture of the Appalachian Mountains and features craft beer and live music performances from niche and popular bands alike.

The festival is held at the Lively Family Amphitheater at 44 Kelly Avenue.

Visitors can observe the natural beauty of the surrounding New River Gorge and the Appalachian Mountains in the background while enjoying the event.

Alongside the craft beer available for tasting, the festival also includes a variety of food vendors and arts and crafts vendors for those who want to experience the culture of the area without wanting to get drunk.

Catch the Bears and Brews on your next visit.

Experience a unique and exciting event showcasing the Appalachian Mountains' beauty and the thriving craft beer scene in West Virginia.

Take Your Pup to the Doc Hamilton Dog Park and K9 Memorial

The Doc Hamilton Dog Park and K9 Memorial is a charming dog park at 235 Central Avenue in Oak Hill.

The park is dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Donald "Doc" Hamilton, a local veterinarian known for his love and compassion for animals.

The park is a popular destination for dog owners and furry friends, featuring several acres of fenced-in play areas for dogs to run, play, and socialize off-leash.

In addition to the dog park, there is a K9 Memorial section which serves to honor the service and sacrifice of police and military dogs.

In this memorial section, there is a mausoleum for the remembrance of local K-9 officers that have passed away.

It includes a bronze statue of a German Shepherd and plaques recognizing the contributions of these brave and loyal animals.

The Doc Hamilton Dog Park and K9 Memorial is a fantastic place to have outdoor fun with your pup while paying homage to the furry heroes that passed away while serving the country.

Enjoy a Fun Family Picnic at Russell E. Matthew Park

Russell E. Matthew Park is a small community park in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Oak Hill.

The park is named after Russell E. Matthew, a coal miner who became the first Black person to serve on the Oak Hill city council.

The park covers an area of approximately three acres and features a playground, picnic area, basketball court, a walking trail, and a small pavilion.

The playground and basketball court allow kids to play and stay active while parents can relax in the picnic area or walk the park's trail.

The covered pavilion also provides excellent shade during sunny days and has plenty of tables perfect for a family event or a simple picnic.

If you're looking for a small and quiet area to take your kids out on a fun afternoon, Russell E. Matthew Park is an excellent place to visit.

Play Golf at the Collins Park Disc Golf and Obstacle Course

Collins Park Disc Golf and Obstacle Course is a charming park at 100 Kelly Avenue in Oak Hill.

The park features a variety of recreational amenities, but the main attractions are the obstacle course and its disc golf course.

The disc golf course at Collins Park is a challenging nine-hole course that goes through the park's wooded areas and open fields.

Players must navigate trees, hills, and streams to get their discs into the metal baskets.

In addition to the disc golf course, the obstacle course provides a fun and challenging workout for park visitors.

It has various obstacles, such as the box jump, wall climb, tire flip, logs carry, crawl under, tire agility run, balance beam, bucket carry, and over-under.

Overall, Collins Park is an excellent destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and have fun with friends and family.

Whether you're a disc golf enthusiast or a fitness buff, Collins Park Disc Golf and Obstacle Course have something to offer.

See the Unique Rock Formations at Needleseye Park

Needleseye Park is a small, picturesque park on Needleseye Road, Oak Hill, named after the "Needles Eye."

It is a unique rock formation that resembles the eye of a needle.

The park is also packed with other natural rock features, such as a two-mile-long rock wall, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals who enjoy the stunning views of the New River Gorge.

The park is surrounded by lush trees and bustling nature, featuring the centerpiece of the park, the "Needles Eye'' itself.

It is accessible by a short hike on a well-maintained trail.

Visitors who follow the trail and reach the higher spots of the park are rewarded with breathtaking views of the New River Gorge as well as the vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Needleseye Park is a beautiful and unique destination worth visiting at Oak Hill.

Try Beginner Kayaking with River Expeditions

River Expeditions is a renowned rafting/kayaking center that offers thrilling and memorable rafting adventures on the New River, Gauley River, and other nearby waterways.

The company has been operating since 1972 and has grown to become one of the country's largest and most reputable rafting outfitters.

They provide a range of rafting and kayaking trips to suit different skill levels and preferences.

The New River is perfect for families and beginners, while the Gauley River is known for its challenging rapids and attracts more experienced rafters.

In addition to rafting and kayaking, the center offers other adventure activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

The center boasts a range of accommodation options, including camping, cabins, luxury vacation homes, and other amenities.

They have a restaurant, swimming pool, hot tubs, and a game room to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

If you want a unique and exciting outdoor experience, visit River Expeditions at 900 Broadway Avenue in Oak Hill.

Join the Community Ride at the White Oak Rail Trail Expo

The White Oak Rail Trail Expo is an annual event in Oak Hill that celebrates the White Oak Rail Trail, a 7.9-mile trail that runs along the former White Oak Railway.

The event is held at 101 Virginia Street.

It typically includes live music, food vendors, educational exhibits, fundraisers, concessions, flea markets, yard sales, and outdoor recreation and conservation demonstrations.

The event ensures that the games, live music, and vendors' products are family-friendly.

You'll explore the trail at the expo and learn about its history, local flora, and fauna.

You can also join guided hikes and bike rides through the trail, getting some exercise while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the White Oak Rail Trail.

If you want to experience the warm and inviting community and culture of Oak Hill, join the White Oak Rail Trail Expo on your next trip.

Explore the Vibrant Oak Leaf Festival in Oak Hill

The Oak Leaf Festival is an annual celebration on the main streets of Oak Hill.

The festival is held every year on Labor Day weekend, celebrating the start of the fall season, and it is named after the oak trees that are abundant in the area.

The festival features a variety of events and activities for all ages, including a parade, live music, craft vendors, food vendors, trucks, a side-by-side show, and a gallery showing and contest.

The festival also features a car show, a jeep show, and a classic car cruise-in that'll interest car enthusiasts.

The kids will love participating in games, face painting, and other activities.

The Oak Leaf Festival has been a tradition in Oak Hill for over 21 years.

It is a great way to experience the local culture and community, be sure to come by this time of year.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go on an Adventure at the New River Gorge National Park and Reserve

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a national park of the United States National Park Service.

It is a scenic and recreational area at 162 Visitor Center Road in Lansing, West Virginia.

The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River and is officially the newest national park in the United States.

Here you can enjoy various outdoor recreational activities the park offers, including hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, primitive camping, and whitewater rafting.

The New River Gorge also boasts stunning natural beauty with its winding river, cliffs, and dense forests, allowing for scenic drives, hiking trails, and overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the area.

The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and bald eagles.

If you want an experience closest to nature, visit the New River Gorge National Park and Reserve in Lansing, West Virginia, 12 minutes from Oak Hill.

Final Thoughts

Oak Hill is a fantastic city in its ability to cater to different types of people.

The area's natural wonders also provide much to be enjoyed, showing customers a good time.

Discover the best things to do in Oak Hill, West Virginia!