America The Beautiful – West Virginia

Sep 25, 2024 | 0 comments

Cascading waterfalls, industrial heritage sites, lush national forests, mountain landscapes and rushing rivers make West Virginia an ideal road trip destination. Spend a little time here and you’ll soon understand why John Denver declared the state “almost heaven” in his popular 1970’s ballad, “Take Me Home Country Roads.” Any drive through this picturesque state provides awe-inspiring vistas, but a few designated routes are not to be missed. Fortunately, at 24,038 square miles, West Virginia is compact enough to allow many opportunities for exploration even with limited time.

Coal Heritage Trail

Designated as a National Scenic Byway, the Coal Heritage Trail winds through 13 counties covering 187 miles of West Virginia’s scenic industrial heritage. Meandering through the rich coal mining history, this scenic route passes former Appalachian coalfields, coal miners’ homes, company stores and railroad yards. A visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine offers a detailed look at the cultural and historic significance of this American industry. Other points of interest include coal heritage murals, the Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center in Bramwell and the Helen Coal Miners Memorial. Small towns along the way provide a taste of “down home” cooking and an opportunity to chat with the locals. Starting on RT. 52 in Bluefield, the route connects with RT. 16 North into Ansted.

Midland Trail

Following US Route 60, the Midland Trail traverses some of West Virginia’s most rugged terrain. Stretching from border to border, the route begins at Kenova and continues to White Sulphur Springs covering approximately 180 miles. Slicing through the midsection of the state, the Midland Trail passes through the state’s capitol, Charleston, along with smaller communities. Ideal for those wanting a sample of all West Virginia has to offer, including art, history and outdoor adventures. Venture off the trail to see the lofty New River Gorge Bridge—the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the United States and the third highest bridge in the country. Situated in the northern section of the 53-mile long New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – the country’s newest national park – the bridge spans 3,030 feet across the New River Gorge National River

The fog still lifting off the New River below the New River Gorge Span Bridge in the Autumn sunrise.

Highland Scenic Highway

Running through the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, the Highland Scenic Highway leads to incredible adventures and jaw-dropping vistas through the Potomac Highlands. Just 43 miles long, the drive begins in Richwood and heads east on SR 150. Continue north into to the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County to Blackwater Falls State Park where the park’s namesake waterfall cascades an impressive 57 feet into the Blackwater Canyon.

Diverse Diversions

Outdoor adventure abounds throughout West Virginia with canoeing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and rock-climbing ranking among the favorite activities. October ushers in the brief white-water rafting season of the Gauley River. Not for the faint of heart, the Gauley delivers an epic adrenaline-pumping wet and wild ride. Held the third Saturday in October, Bridge Day attracts thousands of people to witness daredevils BASE jump from the New River Gorge Bridge. Watch from below or join the jumpers, it’s up to you!

Venture to Harpers Ferry to delve into Civil War history. Surrounded by a national historical park, many of the 19^th-century buildings serve as living history museums. Five boreal-type bogs filled with wildlife await at the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. A boardwalk spans a half-mile through the glades for observation. Additionally, a six-mile trail expands through the Glades and a portion of the Cranberry Wilderness.

Embrace a legendary feud along the Hatfield-McCoy ATV trails. Considered the best motorized trail system in the USA, these history-packed trails wind more than 1,000 miles through the backwoods that were once home to the feuding families. It’s a mud-slinging good time not to be missed.

Where to Camp

No matter your camping preferences, West Virginia delivers plenty of possibilities. Situated in the Monongahela National Forest, Summit Lake Campground offers two loops with 33 rustic, wooded campsites with paved access roads and parking spurs. Campsites feature picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts. There’s no electricity but generator use is permitted from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The campground’s namesake lake is filled with bass, trout and panfish.

In addition to traditional camping, Blackwater Falls State Park, Cacapon Resort State Park, Hawks Nest State Park and Lost River State Park offer Tentrr campsites for adventurers seeking a unique immersion in the wilderness. A short hike leads to each campsite where you’ll spend the night cozying up with nature. Or get a taste of pioneer life in one of Seneca State Forest’s eight cabins surrounded by rugged Pocahontas County forest and mountains. For an exclusive experience, consider booking a stay in the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower. This 1935 restored fire tower serves up unforgettable 360-degree views.

New River Gorge, West Virginia, USA autumn morning landscape at the Endless Wall.

If you’re looking for a tent experience with a bit more stability, yurt rentals at Tomlinson Run are ideal. The park’s two yurts each accommodate up to five people and come with a cooler, propane stove, lantern, picnic table, cookware, and one set of bunk beds. Learn more about camping in West Virginia’s State Parks at wvstateparks.com.

This article by Terri Marshall was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.