Why Ripley, West Virginia, Belongs on Your Travel List
Ripley, West Virginia, sits just off I77 and offers easy access to lodging, fuel, and great food, making it a natural stop for travelers. But it’s also a destination all its own. With scenic parks, local flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere, Ripley invites you to slow down and stay a while.
Family Fun and Outdoor Activities on a Ripley Vacation
Cool off in the Olympic-sized pool, or let the kids splash around the nearby pad. Playgrounds, picnic shelters, and shady trees create a laid-back atmosphere for families. Test your tennis skills, shoot hoops on the new court, or race remote-controlled cars on the town’s new course.
Whiting Park adds more to explore with youth soccer fields, baseball diamonds, covered batting cages, and a paved trail for an early morning walk.
Lakes and Trails to Explore on Your Ripley WV Road Trip
Nature calls just beyond the town limits. Within 20 miles of Ripley, you’ll find ten peaceful fishing lakes, including Elk Fork, Frozen Camp, Rollins, and Woodrum. Cedar Lakes Conference Center and Parchment Valley Campground also offer great shoreline spots.
If paddling is your style, the 22-mile Mill Creek Water Trail flows from Cedar Lakes to the Ohio River. Launch at Ripley, Evans, Cottageville, or Millwood and enjoy a scenic float through wooded hills and quiet farmland.
Fishing is just the beginning. Jackson County is also a top destination for hunters, with strong deer and turkey numbers and access to Frozen Camp and Woodrum Lake Wildlife Management Areas.
Festivals and Events That Make Your Ripley West Virginia Getaway Unforgettable
Make your summer visit extra special by coming during a hometown event. Ripley throws the USA’s Largest small-town Independence Day Celebration, and the Mountain State Art & Craft Fair brings the region’s best handmade works to town.
Where History Meets Hometown Pride
Founded in 1832, Ripley was named after Harry Ripley, a young minister whose untimely death became part of local legend. Today, this small town mixes history, community, and fun into every corner.
A Ripley, West Virginia summer getaway delivers lakeside views, lively parks, and one-of-a-kind events—making it the kind of place you’ll want to return to year after year. Start planning your trip by visiting the Ripley Convention and Visitors Bureau.
