10 Best Scenic Spots in West Virginia
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West Virginia is a particularly beautiful region of the United States, located in the Appalachians and home to rolling hills and wide valleys full of fertile soil. There are also numerous lakes and rivers full of opportunities to go boating or fishing, and there is a sense of history in how the past is preserved along with the forward movement of the present. With so much to see and do, try one of our favorite West Virginia Scenic Trails as a starting point for exploring the area, saving time from browsing guidebooks and careful planning to actually experience all the region has to offer. :
No. 10 - North-Western Highway.
Start Location: Clarksburg, West Virginia
Final location: Aurora, West Virginia
Length: Mile 81
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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Despite the route's name, travelers along this route no longer need to pay tolls, and a boat trip or a hike through Tygart Lake State Park is a good start to the trip. In Grafton, stop to visit the grave of the first Civil War victim at the National Cemetery. Once in Cathedral State Park, the 500-year-old century-old eastern hemlock—perhaps the oldest tree of its kind on the east coast—is a must-see for its resplendent beauty.
No. 9 - Lower Lane of the Greenbrier River.
Start Location: Sandstone, West Virginia
Final location: Alderson, West Virginia
Length: Mile 33
Best driving season: All
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Winding and turning along the Lower Greenbrier River, this route is full of opportunities for water recreation, but also of great historical significance. Railroad buffs can visit the restored Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Depot in Alderson, and the 1770s Graham House in Lowell is one of the oldest houses in West Virginia. Finally, stop to see the John Henry Talcott Monument, which commemorates Henry's epic victory over a steam drill.
No. 8 - Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike
Start Location: Buckhannon, West Virginia
Final location: Bartow, West Virginia
Length: Mile 73
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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Built in 1831, this highway follows old Indian trails and passes many significant Civil War monuments. Stop at Blennerhasset Island State Historic Park near Parkersburg to see how the influential couple Harman and Margaret Blennerhasset lived in the early 1800s. Then return to modern times with a visit to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, home to one of the largest radio telescopes in Green Bank.
No. 7 - Old Route 7
Start Location: Star City, West Virginia
Final location: Terra Alta, West Virginia
Length: Mile 44
Best driving season: All
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Start your journey by watching age-old art in motion at the Gentile Glass Company in Star City, where artisans create glass before your very eyes. In Arthurdale, the first community of the New Deal, stop at the New Deal Homestead Museum to learn more about this period of history and how it impacted everyday life. Finally, in Terra Alta, play a few holes on the beautiful golf course or try your luck on cross-country skiing during the winter months.
No. 6 - Farm Heritage Road.
Start Location: Shady Spring, West Virginia
Final location: Sweet Springs, West Virginia
Length: Mile 71
Best driving season: All
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The pastoral views along the Farm Heritage Trail are impressive, with the Appalachians visible from afar and charming farms nestled in rolling countryside. This trip has more to do with enjoying the natural beauty around and seeing picturesque farms that are often over 200 years old than sightseeing. However, Hanging Rock Tower is a notable exception due to numerous hawks and a small population of bald eagles.
No. 5 – Coal Heritage Trail
Start Location: Bluefield, West Virginia
Final location: Anstead, West Virginia
Length: Mile 99
Best driving season: All
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Although coal mining may not seem as glamorous, it has been an important part of West Virginia's history, bringing together thousands of men from all over the world in search of wealth. Experience it firsthand with a tour of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where visitors can ride rail cars and see the tools of the trade up close. Once you're out of the mine and back into the light of day, spend some time on the River Gorge National River, known for its top-notch white water rafting.
No. 4 - Little Kanawa Street
Start Location: Mineral Wells, West Virginia
Final location: Burnsville, West Virginia
Length: Mile 79
Best driving season: All
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This beautiful trail along the Little Ditch River offers plenty of pastoral views of the wide farmlands and rolling hills. Stop in Parkersburg to learn a little about the region's oil history at the Parkersburg Oil and Gas Museum. Then head to the 18,000-acre Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area, which has camping and plenty of fish.
No. 3 - Midland Trail
Start Location: Caldwell, West Virginia
Final location: Huntington, West Virginia
Length: Mile 172
Best driving season: All
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A long time ago, herds of buffalo drove along this route instead of speeding cars, but the civilization that has grown in this region offers many things to see and do, as well as areas of untouched natural splendor. Travelers of all ages will love a stop at Huntington's Camden Park, which has an old-fashioned wooden roller coaster and other fun rides. While in Charleston, check out the state capitol building with its marble columns and gold leaf dome.
#2 - Washington Heritage Trail.
Start Location: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Final location: Lapa Pow, West Virginia
Length: Mile 66
Best driving season: All
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In memory of our first president's affection for the area, the Washington Heritage Trail also highlights other important events from our nation's past. For example, Harper's Ferry National Historic Park stands where John Brown bravely attempted to equip slaves with weapons from the federal arsenal. For fun and forget about serious subjects, try your luck with ponies or slot machines in Charles Town.
No. 1 - Highland Scenic Highway.
Start Location: Richwood, West Virginia
Final location: Marlinton, West Virginia
Length: Mile 52
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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With huge elevation changes - up to 4,500 feet above sea level - and no shortage of panoramic views from the Allegheny Mountains in the Monongahela National Forest, this highway passes through some of the most vibrant parts of West Virginia. Walk along the waterfront of the Cranberry Glades Botanical District to see the flora and fauna of the wetlands and marshes. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers a variety of tours, from fall foliage displays to mystery theater dinners.
