Just two hours from Washington, D.C., we packed up the car. We set off on a fun, family-friendly road trip through one of the most underrated regions in the Mid-Atlantic—West Virginia’s Capon Springs to Berkeley Springs corridor. Over 48 hours, my kids and I explored three different counties, each offering its unique charm—from natural mineral springs and scenic train rides to scenic mountain drives and cozy small towns.
I had a very specific bucket list, and this quick getaway checked every box. If your family craves a weekend packed with outdoor adventure, rich local culture, or simply a slower pace, this itinerary delivers the perfect escape, without straying far from the city. We made the most of it, and here’s exactly how!
Related post: 200 + Free Things To Do In Washington, DC
Trip Overview
The Upper Potomac Branches Region is in West Virginia. It stretches through Hampshire, Morgan, and Hardy counties. The cool South Branch of the Potomac River runs alongside quiet towns and forested hills. In the 1800s, people came here to “take the waters.” That tradition still lives on. Capon Springs pours 65°F alkaline water into spa tubs. At Berkeley Springs State Park, you can sip or soak in George Washington’s favorite spring.
Today, there’s even more to do. Go horseback riding on peaceful trails. Take a scenic train ride. Enjoy mountain views and watch eagles soar overhead. Visit historic forts. Stop by indie cafés and browse local farm markets. The area is calm, charming, and affordable—perfect for a weekend escape.
Over three budget-friendly days, you will:
- Soak up Capon Springs & Farms, an all-inclusive resort in West Virginia
- Catch a golden-hour dinner ride on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad.
- Swing over three states from Cacapon Mountain Overlook.
- Horse-ride, sip 74 °F mineral water, and chase sunset vistas around Berkeley Springs.
- Close with colonial stories at Ashby’s Fort, mini-golf fun, and so much more.
About Your Trip
- Destination: Upper Potomac Branches Region, WV
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Best Time: April–June & September–early November for mild weather and foliage
- Who Can Go: All ages; most stops are kid-friendly and ADA-conscious
- Nearby Packages: WV Tourism often bundles Capon Springs soaks with Potomac Eagle tickets
- Suggested Bases: Basswood (Capon Bridge) or Seventh Heaven Cabin (Berkeley Springs area)
Getting There
- By Car: Capon Springs sits ~97 mi (1 h 50 m) from Washington, D.C. via I-66 and US-50.
- Nearest Airports: Dulles (IAD, 72 mi)
- Public Transit: None once you leave Winchester, VA—renting a car is essential.
Parking & Driving Tips
Country lots are free and plentiful, but mobile signal fades in hollows—download offline maps before you leave Capon Bridge.
Practical Notes
- Driving Distances: All stops lie within a 40-mile radius; cell service fades in the Cacapon hollows—download maps offline here.
- What to Pack: Quick-dry layers for trail rides, binoculars for eagle-spotting, and a light sweater.
- Bookings: Reserve the Potomac Eagle train ride and the horseback riding experience with Triple C horses two weeks ahead in peak seasons.
- Local Etiquette: No soaps or pets near the public spring pools
Enjoy a long weekend where spa tradition meets small-town creativity and bald-eagle country—Upper Potomac Branches will have you planning a return before you reach the state line.
Daily Schedule
Day 1: Springs, Scenic Railways & Small-Town Charm
Capon Springs & Farms (All Inclusive Resort)
10:00 a.m. – Capon Springs & Farms
📍 3818 Capon Springs Rd, High View, WV
Start your weekend at this 170-year-old mountain resort known for its healing spring water. Take a 45-minute guided history walk through the 1850s spring house and vintage Hygeia Bathhouse. Afterward, explore the grounds, relax by the gardens, or let the kids run free. (This is an all-inclusive family-owned resort, and you can choose to stay here if you want to.)
11:00 a.m. – Optional Activity
Try a demo of FlingGolf—a fun mashup of golf and lacrosse—on the resort’s nine-hole course. Great for beginners and a fun twist on traditional golf.
1:00 p.m. – Lunch at Capon Springs & Farms
Sit down for a family-style meal in the Main Dining Room. Expect Southern classics like fried chicken, fresh veggies, and fluffy homemade biscuits.
3:00 p.m. – Check-In at Basswood, Capon Bridge
📍 2925 Northwestern Turnpike, Capon Bridge, WV
Drive 20 minutes to your next stop: Basswood, a charming 1890s guesthouse. Each room is filled with locally made art and cozy touches. Settle in, sip locally roasted coffee in the shared library, and take in the quiet.
3:30 p.m. – Scenic Drive to Romney
Enjoy a 30-minute drive along US-50 W/US-220 S with views of the Cacapon River and forested ridgelines.
4:15 p.m. – Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad (Sunset Dinner Ride)
📍 149 Eagle Drive, Romney, WV
Arrive early to board this heritage rail ride through The Trough—a remote canyon famous for bald eagle sightings. The train departs at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy a three-course dinner on board as the sun sets over the Allegheny Mountains.
8:00 p.m. – Return to Basswood
Head back to Capon Bridge and unwind under the stars. With almost no light pollution, it’s a perfect spot for stargazing on the wraparound porch.
Day 2: Art, Overlooks & Outdoor Adventures
Berkeley Springs State Park
10:00 a.m. – Breakfast at The River House Café
📍 24 Rickie Davy Lane, Capon Bridge, WV
Start your morning with a maple latte and fresh pastry at this nonprofit café and art gallery. Browse local art and enjoy the creative energy of this community hub.
11:00 a.m. – Shopping at Bent River Trading Company
📍 3464 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, WV
Pop into this general store just up the road. It features products from over 200 local makers—candles, tea, woodwork, and more. Great for souvenirs.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch at Farmer’s Daughter Market & Butcher
📍 2908 Northwestern Pike, Berkeley Springs, WV
Home to the “Best Burger in West Virginia,” this farm-to-table spot serves dishes made with local, pasture-raised meats. Try the bacon jam burger!
1:30 a.m. – Scenic Drive to Berkeley Springs
Drive 40 minutes north on US-522. Watch for roadside farm stands and postcard-perfect views.
3:00 p.m. – Cacapon Mountain Overlook & ‘Almost Heaven’ Swing
📍 Cacapon Resort State Park
Follow signs to the overlook for epic views and a photo on the iconic swing. From this spot, you can see West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland all at once.
4:00 p.m. – Horseback Trail Ride with Triple C Outfitters
📍 251 Saddle Lane, Berkeley Springs, WV
Enjoy a peaceful one-hour guided ride through shady forest trails. Great for first-timers and families. Helmets included.
6:00 p.m. – Dinner at The Country Inn Restaurant
📍 110 S. Washington Street, Berkeley Springs, WV
Dine in a historic 1930s inn. Chef Scott Collinash features seasonal dishes like trout fillets, steaks, and wild ramp gnocchi. Perfect way to end the day.
7:30 p.m. – Sip from the Springs at Berkeley Springs State Park
📍 2 S. Washington St, Berkeley Springs, WV
Fill your water bottle or drink straight from the natural springs that made this town famous.
8:00 p.m. – Sunset at Prospect Peak
📍 WV-9 West, Berkeley Springs, WV
Drive just 5 minutes to one of the area’s best sunset spots. Watch the rivers wind through the valley as eagles soar overhead.
Overnight – Seventh Heaven Cabin
📍 Exact address provided upon booking
Stay in comfort at this private rental with a hot tub, smart TV, and scenic deck views. Ideal for relaxing after a full day.
Day 3: History, Brunch & a Farm-Fresh Farewell
Mini Golf at Putter’s Pike
12:00 p.m. – Check out of Seventh Heaven Cabin
Your next stop will be approximately an hour’s drive!
1:00 p.m, – Brunch at Corner Bistro & Vintage Market
📍 10248 Frankfort Highway, Fort Ashby, WV
Dig into crab cake hash, cinnamon lattes, and omelets in a space filled with vintage Pyrex and old-school records.
2:30–3:30 p.m. – Ashby’s Fort Museum
📍 227 Dan’s Run Road, Fort Ashby, WV
Step back into colonial history at this 1755 fort built during the French & Indian War. Explore the garden, chat with interpreters, and learn about early frontier life. (Admission is free today!)
4:00 p.m. – Mini Golf at Putter’s Pike
📍 5589 Northwestern Turnpike, Fort Ashby, WV
Have some light-hearted fun with 18 holes of mini golf. Expect classic features like a windmill and covered bridge.
5:30 p.m. – Depart for Home
Route: US-50 East → I-81 / VA-7
You’ll be back in the D.C. area in about 2 hours—recharged, inspired, and maybe with a few jars of jam in the trunk.
We recently visited the Upper Potomac Branches region and are sharing only the places we experienced and enjoyed. Please note that hours and availability may change—always double-check before you go. Also, don’t head out without printing a map (cell service can be spotty), packing plenty of snacks, and bringing a cooler with food, especially for breakfast on your final day!
Have FUN! 🙂
