There is no better way to experience West Virginia than by taking a road trip. From the rolling hills of the Appalachians to the breathtaking mountain vistas, West Virginia offers some of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the United States. Taking a road trip through the state is the best way to experience it all. From the small towns of the Eastern Panhandle to the lush forests of the Allegheny Plateau, a road trip through West Virginia is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your bags and hit the road – the ultimate road trip through West Virginia awaits!
Eastern Panhandle: Exploring small towns and historic sites
When visiting the Eastern Panhandle, be sure to visit Martinsburg, the state’s only designated arts and cultural hub. The town’s rich history and beautiful architecture make it a perfect place for a weekend getaway. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the historic downtown area, visit the James Rumsey National Historic Site where the first commercially viable steamboat was built in 1787, and take a self-guided walking tour of the Barbara Hughes Gallery. Another great town to visit in the Eastern Panhandle is Shepherdstown, which is about an hour from Martinsburg. Shepherdstown is the home of Shepherd University, WVIK, and the American Civil War Center at Historic Harper’s Ferry. The town also boasts an impressive arts and music scene, so visitors will never have trouble finding something to do.
Allegheny Plateau: Hiking and camping in lush forests
The Allegheny Plateau is a lush, forested region in the Eastern Panhandle, and it features some of the most scenic drives in the state. It is here, in the heart of the state’s forest, that you will find the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area. This wildlife management area features a network of hiking trails, so you can explore the area’s beautiful forests and stunning views of the South Branch River. If you would like to stay the night, there are also several hiking and camping trails. Another great place to hike and camp is Seneca State Forest. Seneca State Forest features a wide range of habitats, including wetlands, meadows, and upland forests. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, Blanding’s turtles, and salamanders.
Monongahela National Forest: Enjoying the mountains and rivers
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The Monongahela National Forest, which is located in the Central Highlands, boasts some of the most breathtaking views in all of West Virginia. The forest is home to the Cheat River, which is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the state. During the fall, the Cheat River is a popular spot for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. It is also a great place to go fishing during the spring and summer months. The forest is also home to the Seneca Creek Wild and Scenic River, which is one of only two rivers in the state that have been designated as wild and scenic. The scenic beauty of these rivers makes the Monongahela National Forest an ideal place to go hiking.
Potomac Highlands: Taking in the beautiful views
In the Potomac Highlands region, you will find some of the most scenic drives in all of West Virginia. The Highlands Scenic Highway is a winding road that runs along the South Fork of the Potomac River. This scenic highway is a great place to go for a drive or hike, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. Along the highway, you can visit the New River Gorge, which is one of the most famous places in the state. The New River Gorge is a beautiful canyon that is great for hiking and whitewater rafting. Another scenic drive in the Potomac Highlands is the Upper WV Heritage Drive. This drive features several breathtaking overlooks, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains.
Ohio Valley: Exploring the rolling hills
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The Ohio Valley region is home to some of the most gorgeous rolling hills in the state. The valley is also home to the New River, which is the longest river in the state. During the fall, the New River is a great place to go for a drive or hike. In addition to the river, the Ohio Valley is also home to the New River Gorge, which is a beautiful canyon that is great for rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting. Another scenic drive in the Ohio Valley is the Greenbrier River Drive. This drive features some of the most stunning views in the state, including the Greenbrier River. Nearby, you can also see Snowshoe Mountain, the oldest ski resort in West Virginia, and the famous Greenbrier Hotel.
Southern West Virginia: Visiting small towns and discovering hidden gems
Southern West Virginia is home to some of the most charming small towns in the state. An oh-so-scenic drive that takes you through Southern West Virginia is the Mountain Creek Scenic Drive. Along this drive, you will pass through the charming towns of Ranson, Hedglin, and Falling Waters, where you can explore the historic downtown areas. Another great drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, runs through the southern portion of the state. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can enjoy the scenic drive, stop at one of the many overlooks to admire the views, and visit the many beautiful parks along the road.
Conclusion
A road trip through West Virginia is one of the best ways to experience this beautiful state. From the rolling hills of the Ohio Valley to the densely forested Allegheny Plateau, each region is as diverse as it is beautiful. The best times to visit are in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, although the mountains are beautiful year-round. Be sure to take time to explore the West Virginia scenic drives, go hiking or whitewater rafting, and enjoy the views from the many splendid overlooks.