Things To Do
in Clarksburg
Clarksburg, West Virginia is a small historic city in the state's north-central region with a revitalized downtown, brick storefronts, and roots in coal and glass manufacturing. The city balances preserved 19th- and early-20th-century architecture with community festivals, local museums, and civic parks. Clarksburg is a gateway to nearby hills and trails, offering easy access to outdoor recreation while retaining small-town dining and shopping.
Visitors will find a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and a mix of family-owned businesses and regional services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic downtown area, where you can stroll along charming streets lined with beautiful buildings. Stop by local cafes for a hearty breakfast that showcases regional specialties. Don't forget to snap a few photos of the vibrant murals depicting Clarksburg's rich history.
After lunch, head to the Clarksburg History Museum to delve deeper into the area's past through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Spend some time in the surrounding parks, enjoying the refreshing outdoors and perhaps a picnic by the water. As the sun begins to set, visit local shops to pick up unique souvenirs.
Conclude your day with a hearty dinner at one of Clarksburg's family-owned restaurants, where you can enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality. Afterward, catch a live music performance at a nearby venue, immersing yourself in the local arts scene. Sip on a craft beer or cocktail at a rooftop bar while taking in the town’s scenic views.
Kick off your day with a refreshing hike at the nearby West Fork River Trail. This scenic trail offers stunning views and is perfect for birdwatching along your route. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy at one of the lookout points, soaking in the tranquility of nature.
Post-hike, visit the local farmers market where you can sample fresh produce and homemade crafts. Have lunch at a food truck or one of the vibrant bistros that focus on seasonal ingredients. Spend your afternoon kayaking on the river for an exhilarating experience in the beautiful surroundings.
Wrap up your day with a sunset picnic along the riverbank, enjoying the natural beauty as the sky transforms into vibrant colors. Take a leisurely stroll on the riverside promenade, chatting with locals and soaking in the evening atmosphere. Wind down at a cozy café, sipping on hot cocoa or trying some local desserts.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or cafe beverage | $2.50-5 |
| 🛏️Night in a mid-range hotel | $70-120 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi or rideshare | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Small-town charm and friendly locals
- Easy access to nearby outdoor recreation and scenic drives
- Lower costs compared with larger urban centers
- Historic architecture and local cultural events
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options than larger cities
- Fewer public transit options — a car is useful
- Seasonal weather can limit outdoor plans in winter
- Specialty services and international cuisine may require travel to larger towns
Places to Visit in Clarksburg
Visit one of these nice places.
Brick storefronts, vintage signage, and period architecture provide classic small-town photo subjects, especially in soft morning or golden-hour light.
A leafy park with mature trees, walking paths, and seasonal flower displays—good for portraits, nature shots, and relaxed outdoor scenes.
Framing shots of the town’s industrial heritage—tracks, bridges, and older industrial buildings make moody subject matter, particularly under overcast skies.
Short drives to nearby hills and ridgelines yield panoramic landscape photos of the valley, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Clarksburg
Clarksburg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A West Virginia classic — a soft roll filled with pepperoni (sometimes with cheese); find them at local bakeries, deli counters, and convenience stores throughout town.
Must-Try!
Hearty breakfasts with eggs, bacon or sausage, and southern-style biscuits with sausage gravy — widely available at diners and cafe-style restaurants.
Comfort-food plates featuring fried or baked meats with mashed potatoes, green beans, and seasonal sides at family-run restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal market where local farmers and vendors sell produce, baked goods, preserves, and sometimes prepared foods—good for sampling local flavors and snacks.
Small bakeries and weekend food stalls often sell pepperoni rolls, pies, and cookies — ideal for a quick, portable snack while exploring.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally friendly and polite; casual greetings and small talk are common. A pleasant greeting and thank-you go a long way.
Maintain normal personal space and avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public areas; locals appreciate respectful conduct in churches, cemeteries, and historic sites.
Community and church events play an important social role—observe dress codes or customs at services and be courteous when attending public events.
Safety
Tipping in Clarksburg
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is expected in restaurants: typically 15–20% for full-service dining, $1–2 per drink at a bar, and $2–5 for taxi or rideshare drivers for short rides. Tip hotel staff and tour guides as appropriate for personal service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in town, though some small vendors and farmers market stalls prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly used; ATMs are available but carry typical bank fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees make spring a pleasant time to visit; some trails can be muddy after rains, and seasonal farmers markets start up.
Warm to hot with occasional humidity; ideal for outdoor festivals, evening concerts, and hiking in higher elevations to escape the heat. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make this an attractive season for scenic drives and hiking. Fall festivals and local fairs are common—book accommodations early during peak leaf-peeping weekends.
Cold temperatures with periodic snow and ice; winter offers quieter tourism and opportunities for snow-related recreation nearby, but be prepared for occasional travel disruptions and bundled clothing.
Clarksburg at Night
Hiking in Clarksburg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Several county parks within a short drive offer loop trails, picnic areas, and easy hikes suitable for families and nature walks.
Wildlife management areas and state tracts near Clarksburg provide trails, birdwatching, and more rugged terrain for moderate hikes and outdoor exploration.
Short drives to local ridges and overlooks yield trailheads and vantage points for panoramic photos and short nature walks, especially scenic in autumn.
Airports
How to reach Clarksburg by plane.
Approximately a 20–30 minute drive from Clarksburg (in Bridgeport); regional flights and convenient for connecting to larger hubs.
About 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic; large hub with many domestic and international connections—useful for arrivals and departures with more flight options.
Around 40–60 minutes away; smaller regional airport servicing nearby towns and alternative commercial flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents have deep family ties to the area, with multi-generational households and a strong sense of local history.
Workers in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and service industries make up a sizable portion of the local population.
The region has a relatively larger older-adult population compared with some urban centers, reflected in community services and healthcare demand.
There are families and students drawn to nearby colleges or working in regional industries; community events and schools anchor much local social life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Friday-night high school football is a big community event in the fall, drawing local crowds and community pride.
West Virginia University (in Morgantown) influences regional sports interest — college football and basketball have large followings among locals.
Hunting, fishing, hiking, and trail running are popular recreational activities tied to the surrounding landscape.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Clarksburg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with urban centers. Look for salads, grilled vegetables, eggs, and cheese-based dishes at diners and cafes; calling ahead to ask for vegetarian preparations helps.
Vegan and gluten-free choices exist but are more limited; bakeries and older restaurants may not have extensive options. Bring essentials or research ahead for specialty grocery stores or cafes that can accommodate requests.
Small kitchens may handle multiple items in the same equipment. Inform staff of serious allergies and prefer restaurants with clear ingredient knowledge or chain locations with standard allergen policies.