West Virginia’s Four Best Scenic Mountain Road Trips
Photo Credit: West Virginia Tourism Office
There is no better way to explore West Virginia than our winding, curvy mountain roads. Whether you’re on 4 wheels or 2, you can wind through gorgeous mountain scenery and uncover plenty to explore along the way – making memories the whole time.
Here are a few of the best trips your readers are sure to love:
Highland Scenic Highway
43 miles through the dense hardwood forest of the Monongahela National Forest, the Highland Scenic Highway(link is external) rises from an elevation of 2,300 feet to more than 4,500 feet. With 4 scenic overlooks, you’ll find plenty of spectacular places to stop and enjoy the expansive view of the Allegheny Mountains.
Rt 60 Midland Trail and the New River Gorge
The 180-mile Midland Trail(link is external) traverses the state on historic 2-lane Route 60. The Trail is full of great places to stop and enjoy the scenery, pioneer history, outdoor adventure, local arts and crafts as well as great West Virginia food. Plus, it’s lined with flowing waterfalls. Be sure to visit the 70,000 acres of trails, scenic overlooks and recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve(link is external), the 63rd national park designated by the National Park Service.
Rt 32 through Canaan Valley
Route 32 is a 20-mile drive from Harman to Thomas. You’ll be mountain driving on twisty roads with elevation gains right through the beautiful Canaan Valley State Park(link is external), Blackwater Falls State Park(link is external) and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge(link is external). You’ll be surrounded by park and forest lands with abundant wildlife, waterfalls and the hospitable and hip small towns of Thomas and Davis.
Coal Heritage Trail
The National Coal Heritage Trail(link is external) meanders through coal mining history. There are coal heritage sites all over the state, including reconstructed mines, railway lines and stations as well as towns and even an underground mine tour. And all of these interesting stops are connected by roads that criss-cross the state through spectacular scenery.
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