Explore West Virginia: A Scenic Road Trip
Country roads may not take you home on this curvy drive through the Appalachians, but the gorgeous views and small-town hospitality make it clear why West Virginians embrace John Denver’s classic song. This adventure is made for driving, with scenic backroads twisting up mountains, crossing ancient rivers, and swooping through hardwood forests.
The route kicks off in the Eastern Panhandle and then rolls through towns like Morgantown, Charleston, the New River Gorge, the Greenbrier Valley, and Canaan Valley. From hot dogs to hot springs, a trove of roadside attractions awaits. Plan to spend at least a week on this drive. One bonus? State parks are free in the Mountain State.
Stop 1: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Walking along the cobblestone streets of Lower Town in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, one would hardly be surprised to see Thomas Jefferson striding along the streets lined with historic buildings. He called the view from a hill above town “one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.” Today, exhibits inside these historic buildings spotlight key events in the community’s history. Fun fact: Harpers Ferry is the easternmost point in the state, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
Route: Follow I-68E through Maryland.
Stop 2: Overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest
The view of the Cheat Mountain River Gorge from the overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest is an inspirational introduction to the Mountain State’s mountain-and-forest beauty. The park has 50 campsites across two campgrounds, and canvas glamping tents are also available. Non-campers should head to one of the hotels in Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, for an overnight stay; the newly renovated Hotel Morgan is a top choice.
Route: From Morgantown, follow I-79S 20 miles to Fairmont.
Stop 3: Yann’s Hot Dog Stand
Whatever you do, don’t ask for ketchup when ordering your hot dog at this legendary food hut in downtown Fairmont. Just accept the slathering of mustard, onions, and spicy sauce, and give a nod to its messy glory. Open since 1927, Yann’s served low-cost hot dogs and pepperoni rolls to miners and railroad workers over the decades.
Route: Follow I-79S for 40 miles to Weston.
Stop 4: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum & the Museum of American Glass
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston isn’t for the easily spooked. A stone-cut behemoth stretching nearly one-quarter of a mile, this Gothic-style facility was a mental hospital until 1994. Tours explore everything from the history of the hospital to paranormal shenanigans. Downtown, the Museum of American Glass showcases the region’s glass-making heritage and prowess.
Route: Continue 100 miles south to Charleston, the state capital.
Stop 5: West Virginia State Museum
A designated path rolls past 26 discovery rooms inside this compelling museum. Each room is dedicated to diving deep into the most important geologic, historical, and cultural stories of the Mountain State. The museum is on the grounds of the state capitol complex, which is anchored by the capitol building and its eye-catching gold-leaf dome.
Route: Route 60, also known as the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, follows the Kanawha River east then climbs into the surrounding Appalachians.
Stop 6: Hawks Nest State Park
In a state filled with fantastic views, the overlook at Hawks Nest State Park is one of the most fantastic. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the viewpoint takes in the New River Gorge and its forested slopes. An aerial tram drops from the park’s lodge to a riverside marina. For views with brews, settle in on the riverside deck at Smokey’s, a BBQ-and-burger joint.
Route: Follow Rte 60 through Ansted to US-19S.
Stop 7: New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
As America’s newest National Park, a stop at the New River Gorge is a must. Check out the view of the park’s centerpiece, the New River Gorge Bridge, from the overlook behind the visitor center. The park is an outdoor activity epicenter known for hiking, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, and scenic drives.
Route: It’s a 30-minute drive from the visitor center to Tamarack via US-19S and I-64E.
Stop 8: Tamarack
A stroll around Tamarack is a fulfilling artistic and cultural journey around the state, with crafts and artwork for sale from more than 2,800 West Virginia artists. The restaurant serves comfort food and locally sourced fare, including West Virginia trout and fried green tomato sandwiches.
Route: Follow I-64E to Hwy 3E. Hold on tight for this curvy ride up and over the mountains.
Stop 9: Sandstone Falls
One unusual sight? The river flows north – a fairly rare occurrence in the United States. Take the wooden boardwalk as it crosses a soggy forest and ends at an observation platform with a view of the falls, which stretch 1,500 feet across the river.
Route: Rte 3 E crosses downtown Hinton then follows the Greenbrier River out of town.
Stop 10: Bunker Tour at The Greenbrier
For decades, The Greenbrier resort held a secret of highly-classified proportions. A vast bunker, carved into an adjacent hillside in 1958, lay in wait for a potential nuclear attack on the US. Today, tours explore the facility, which holds numerous dorms and meeting rooms.
Route: Follow Rte 92N to Rte 66W. It’s just over sixty miles to the next stop.
Stop 11: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
A steam train chugs to the summit of Bald Knob, where views of mountains and valleys extend for miles. This historic village is the home of five powerful Shay locomotives, and trips to the summit last about 4 1/2 hours.
Route: It’s fifty miles of mountain-and-forest driving to Seneca Rocks via Rte 92N and Rte 28N, with the final leg on US-33W.
Stop 12: Seneca Rocks
The peaks of Seneca Rocks are one of the most iconic sites in West Virginia. They’re also a hotspot for rock climbing, with opportunities to attend a climbing class or hike the short trail that leads to an observation platform.
Route: Follow US-33W to Rte 32N through Davis to Blackwater Falls. It’s a 45-minute drive.
Stop 13: Blackwater Falls State Park
The robust Blackwater Falls tumble 57 feet into a tree-lined gorge. Tannic acid released by fallen hemlocks gives the falls its unique hue. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails to explore here, along with cabins available for rent.
Route: It’s four miles to Thomas. Follow Blackwater Falls Rd to Rt 32N.
Stop 14: Purple Fiddle
The interior of the Purple Fiddle resembles the small country stores that dot Appalachia, transforming into a hotspot for live music at night. They serve tasty sandwiches alongside their music events.
Route: It’s a 104-mile return to the eastern panhandle.
Stop 15: Berkeley Springs State Park
The warm spring waters of Berkeley Springs have attracted travelers for centuries. One brick-lined tub in the state park claims to be George Washington’s bathtub! Relax in the Old Roman bathhouse, then fill your thermos from the outdoor spout.
Conclusion
West Virginia offers a remarkable road trip experience filled with breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and unique attractions. Whether you’re exploring state parks, historical towns, or enjoying local cuisine, this journey through the Mountain State is sure to be memorable.
