Best Scenic Drives in West Virginia That Will Take Your Breath Away 2026

Virginia There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you cross into West Virginia. The interstate melts into narrow two-lane roads, the valleys begin to drop and rise, and in a matter of minutes you are engulfed in the type of rugged nature that will have you instantly tossing aside your phone, forgetting your emails, and leaving the responsibilities awaiting back home. In West Virginia, the top scenic drives don’t have anything to do with going from point A to point B – they have to do with reconnecting with your inner sense of awe.

I’ve been on these mountain roads many, many miles in my days, and I can tell you the Mountain State presents some of the most impressive drives you’ll find in the U.S.

From towering mountain peaks and deep river gorges to forests so dense they set themselves alight in fall with vibrantly colored leaves, West Virginia road trips are the ultimate experience for the road weary and the nature lover alike. Six federally designated National Scenic Byways crisscross this gorgeous state, joined by well over a dozen state recognized scenic roads that snake their way through an almost impossibly untouched natural world. So grab your bags, put in the full tank, and find out which of these drives you’ll need to put on your list.

Highland Scenic Highway

And we’ll kick this off with the crème de la crème of West Virginia scenic byways. You really can’t talk about West Virginia scenic drives without talking about the Highland Scenic Highway the top rated in the state by visitors, for very obvious reasons . Clocking in at 43 miles, this portion of State Route 150 winds through the center of the Monongahela National Forest, delivering views so breathtaking you’ll want to stop at literally every single overlook .

What Makes It Special

Literally Built for Sightseeing This highway was pretty much made to look pretty, in the best possible way. The Highland Scenic Highway isn’t really for commuters it’s a parkway that was built to give people the best experience of driving through this pristine area. There are no billboards, stores or gas stations just you and 900,000+ acres of forest.

You’ll travel along mountain ridges to elevations as high as 4,545 feet with unparalleled views of the Cranberry Glades, the Williams River Valley and the Ridge and Valley Appalachians extending off into the horizon. Big Spruce, the Williams River Valley overlook, and the Red Lick overlook are all can’t-miss spots.

Must See Stops

Cranberry Glades Botanical Area One of the most unique places in the state. These acid bogs are an ecological oddity featuring plants typically seen 500 miles north, in Canada . A half mile boardwalk allows visitors to hike through these sensitive wetlands.

Be on the lookout for carnivorous plants.

Falls of Hills Creek A brief hike to three of West Virginia’s more majestic falls that range in height from 20, 45, and 63 feet. The trail is kept in good repair with boardwalks and staircases throughout. Summit Lake A pleasant 42 acre lake ideal for picnicking, Summit Lake is stocked with trout, bass and panfish for those looking to catch some dinner.

Pro Tips

• Cell service is spotty at best on this drive be sure to download offline maps and your audio guide prior to starting out! Road surface is not plowed in winter and you will likely encounter deep snow accumulations stick to late spring, summer or autumn. Commercial vehicles are not allowed on the parkway portion of the drive you won’t have slow moving trucks blocking the views.

Midland Trail

If you want a drive that combines jaw-dropping scenery with rich American history, the Midland Trail delivers both in spades. This 117-mile National Scenic Byway follows US-60 from White Sulphur Springs to Charleston . The road traces the route of the historic James River and Kanawha Turnpike, which was originally carved into the mountains by buffalo and Native American peoples .

A Road Steeped in History

George Washington, who commanded this path to be opened in 1790, made history upon it during the American Revolutionary War. Civil War troops, horse-drawn stagecoaches and numerous travelers before, between and after them have ridden the Midland Trail since that time, but this days alternative to traveling the interstate provides views of West Virginia’s most rugged country in a picturesque manner.

Highlights Along the Way

2. The Greenbrier Resort: Your adventure begins at this legendary, ultra-luxury hotel in White Sulphur Springs that has entertained presidents and movie stars for more than two centuries. 3.

Lewisburg: This cute little place was recently named “America’s Coolest Small Town” for a good reason — it’s brimming with historic architecture, cool galleries, and a handful of great restaurants.

4. Hawk’s Nest State Park: The views from this overlook in Hawks Nest are some of the most breathtaking in all of West Virginia — the New River slices through the deep canyon floor hundreds of feet below. You can also ride a tram down to the bottom. 5.

Cathedral Falls: This one, just a short drive from Gauley Bridge, is one of the most-photographed 80-foot waterfalls in the state and just a few steps from the road.

6. New River Gorge Bridge: As you complete the hike, you will be able to see this stunning New River Gorge Bridge – the world’s longest single-arch steel bridge and the western hemisphere’s longest.

What to Know Before You Go

This road winds you through mountain switchbacks and long grades, so take it easy and let ‘er’ drift if you have a bigger rig. Mostly used by locals now after I-64 came into use. Much more pleasant to drive!

Coal Heritage Trail

If it is America’s industrial backbone that you want to explore via driving, take the Coal Heritage Trail. The trail is a 98-mile National Scenic Byway, which traverses through southern West Virginia, into the National Coal Heritage Area.

The Story of Coal Country

The trail will journey across thirteen counties and explore the land of the countless hardy miners who labored to make the coal which fueled America . You’ll traverse many historic coal towns, company stores, miners’ residences, company and railroad towns, and reclaimed coal fields .

Key Stops

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. On the trail, no. 1 on must-do is this stop. Descend into an actual mine and learn what life was like for miners digging coal in this mine.

Bramwell.

At one time the home to many rich and opulent coal operators the most majestic homes in WV are to be found here. Thurmond. Another one-time vibrant coal boomtown now a National Historic District. This boomtown features a restored Thurmond Depot that now functions as the park visitor center and helps illustrate the feast or famine nature of coal towns.

New River Gorge National Park.

The trail goes by several areas of the park such as Hawks Nest State Park and Bluestone Lake.

Travel Tip

The road surface is hard and smooth for the most part, though some of the back roads might be tight and winding. The back road from Mahan to Pax is not for RVs or tour buses.

Washington Heritage Trail

The Washington heritage and United States history buffs have come home! This 137-mile National Scenic Byway is what your dream drive through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle looks like . Explore a road that leads to locations in Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan counties that highlight sites important to the history of the Washington family and the United States.

Following the Father of Our Country

You’ll explore some of theWashington familyestates that thePresident and First Familystill frequent, includingHarewood, aestate that is currently operated bya direct descendant of thePresident. George Washington was a regular visitor to themineral springs at Berkeley Springs, an area that dates back as one of America’s earliest spa towns.

Highlights

Berkeley Springs State Park : This historic spa town is a place of mineral springs for hundreds of years. You can still “take the waters” in the state park bathhouse. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park : John Brown conducted his famous raid at this place in 1859, but the picturesque town is well preserved with lovely views of the meeting of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers .

Shepherdstown : The oldest town in West Virginia is crammed with historical buildings and has a lively arts scene .

Charles Town : This county seat, named for the younger brother of George Washington, is home to the Washington family ancestral home.

Planning Your Trip

More chances for individual walks along this byway compared to the others, although at least two days would be needed to see all the historical points of interest.

Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike

The longest officially designated National Scenic Byway in West Virginia stretches for 180 miles. Originally constructed as a turnpike in 1850, it connected the upper Shenandoah Valley to the Ohio River Valley.

A Journey Through History and Scenery

This road will guide you from Parkersburg on the Ohio River across West Virginia all the way down to the state border with Virginia. This path also includes a visit to the town of Weston which contains the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (now an extremely popular haunted tour destination), the historic town of Beverly and Civil War forts atCamp Alleghenyand Camp Bartow.

What You’ll See

The Weston State Hospital. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The largest Gothic building in West Virginia-and surely the scariest.

There are ghost tours here too.

Beverly Historic District A stunningly preserved 19th century mountain town. The Rich Mountain Battlefield A few miles west of town, where the Civil War came early to the mountains.

Driving Advice

This is a long drive plan for a full day or even split it into two days to fully appreciate the sights .

New River Gorge Circle Tour & Fayette Station Road

The most recent national park addition to this list definitely warrants it. West Virginia has some awesome roads at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve but none can quite compare.

The Circle Tour

Three hours will allow for completion of this 83-mile loop around the center of the park. Though it winds around the edge of the park itself for much of its course, there are far-reaching views of the canyon, river, and mountains. The road system varies from interstates, to divided highway to two lane rural roadway. Travel with most any vehicle, just watch out for the two park facilities Canyon Rim and Sandstone located on the route and filled with interpretative materials.

Fayette Station Road

This is the true adventure. This narrow, 8 mile, onE way drive is actually what everyone was forced to do before the New River Gorge Bridge opened in 1977. You drive all the way down to the bottom of the gorge, across the very narrow bridge at the bottom, then back up the other side, including driving right under the New River Gorge Bridge.

Driving under the bridge is a sight you will remember.

What makes this the coolest This drives under the New River Gorge Bridge three times You’ll be following what’s actually the route of the old wagon road created in 1912 You’ll get a look at the old historic towns of Fayette and South Fayette You can get an audio tour via the NPS mobile app that tells you about the history of the region IMPORTANT: Due to a low clearance train bridge that crosses at the bottom of the gorge (12 feet clearance), RVs, trailers, buses and large vehicles are unable to drive the entire road.

Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway

And for those on the search for the best of the underrated? Take a ride on the Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway a 170 mile highway (WV 39) winding through the mountains and through the rivers, streams and woods!

Why It’s Special

It gets its name from all the rivers and creeks that hug this road. You’ll have front row views to Gauley River, the Mury River, and the Cow Pasture River. It even cuts through Monongahela National Forest and gives access to some of the most beautiful natural spots in the state.

Highlights

Cranberry Glades and Falls of Hills Creek (also on the Highland Scenic Highway) The west end of the byway leads to these natural wonders. Marlinton Opera House This historic structure is located in Marlinton and will allow you to take a break from driving. Summersville Lake This is one of the most pristine lakes in the eastern United States and a wonderful place to take a swim or paddle board.

Travel Tip

This is a long route that takes you all the way to Lexington, Virginia . Plan for a multi-day trip if you want to drive the entire route.

Bonus Dirt Road Adventures

• West Virginia’s remote backways provide another layer of adventure if you have an appropriately-sized car with some ground clearance and don’t mind the occasional gravel. They are not meant for RVs (they’re unpaved for the most part) but can lead to some of the less FDtrafficked beauty in West Virginia. Paint Creek Scenic Trail Backway 44 miles, passing through the middle of coal country Rich Mountain Backway 12 miles, situated along the Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike Cheat Mountain Backway 2 miles, short but spectacular

When to Go

Fall – The best West Virginia scenic drives are in the fall! West Virginia’s mountain forests are ablaze with shades of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall, with the Highland Scenic Highway ranked among the best places for seeing the leaves in the nation. Fall, and specifically its breathtaking foliage display, will have you adding this West Virginia driving route to the top of your bucket list.

In summer, you’ll find a sea of vibrant green, wildflowers lining the roadside and warm temperatures ideal for stretching your legs during an afternoon hike along your West Virginia scenic drive route.

The cool days and the sound of cascading water from snowmelt and spring rains create a picture perfect spring, a beautiful time for many of the West Virginia scenic drives. Of course, the winter season paints a picture all its own on many of the West Virginia scenic routes, but be prepared for difficult road conditions-the Highland Scenic Highway and numerous rural roads are unmaintained throughout winter .

Essential Road Trip Tips

• Download offline maps cell service is iffy in the mountains
  Fill up in big towns you won’t find gas stations on every corner
  Bring your own picnic-the pull Aoffs have phenomenal views
  Leave early to avoid afternoon fog and to have as much daylight as possible
  Take your time-these aren’t roads that are meant to be driven in a rush
  check the road conditions before you go, particularly if you are visiting during a shoulder season

Conclusion

West Virginia’s byways really present a rare opportunity: to take a step back from all the noise of modern life and a step closer to the natural world. Whether you’re taking a gander at the engineering genius that is the New River Gorge Bridge, exploring the surprising and unique ecosystems at Cranberry Glades, or walking where George Washington once walked, there is a road for you.

The best scenic drives in West Virginia aren’t just roads, though: they are paths to another time, another world, another part of the country that just can’t seem to get noticed enough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)