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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

Everyone In West Virginia Should Take This Underappreciated Scenic Drive

Explore the Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway in West Virginia for a scenic drive through beautiful landscapes and historic towns.

Published Dec 5, 2020

Written by 

Cristy

There are so many ways to take advantage of the beautiful scenery in West Virginia: hiking, boating, skiing, taking a train or tram ride. But one of the simplest, best ways is one that West Virginia lovers have been falling back on for decades - the scenic drive. Appropriate in almost every season, it's a great way to get out and explore this beautiful state. And one option that is well worth considering for your next scenic road trip is the Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway, which follows West Virginia Route 39 through Nicholas, Greenbrier, and Pocahontas Counties before continuing on into Virginia.

Start your trip in Nicholas County, West Virginia in the town of Gauley Bridge. For the first few miles of your drive, West Virginia Route 39 will follow the course of the Gauley River.

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Molly_Wolff_Photography/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus

Before long, you'll leave the Gauley behind...but don't worry; Little Elk Creek, which will keep you company for a few more miles along your trip, is also quite scenic.

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Douglas Methvin/Google Maps

After LIttle Elk Creek, you'll get to enjoy both Otter Creek and Peters Creek before finally arriving in Summersville.

A short detour will bring you to Summersville Lake, a worthy sight in any season!

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Wise Woman Wanderer/Tripadvisor

Alternatively, seize the opportunity to swing by Summit Lake, which is located just minutes off Route 39, just before North Bend.

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Elizabeth Johnson/Google Maps

The North Bend Picnic Area, located right along Route 39, offers another nice spot to stretch your legs and view the Cherry River up close.

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Stephanie Frame/Google Maps

Back on the road, enjoy beautiful mountain vistas as you approach Marlinton...the Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway, which briefly shares the path of the Highland Scenic Highway, will take you right past some beautiful hiking trails, including the Falls of Hills Creek!

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David Sun/Google Maps

And finally, take a moment to explore Marlinton, a gem of a historic mountain railroad town nestled along the Greenbrier River.

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Library of Congress/Wikimedia

There's so much more to see on this route than what we could highlight. If you have time, you can even take it all the way to Lexington, Virginia.

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Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway/Facebook

To learn more, visit the Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway Facebook page. Have you taken this drive? What are your favorite stops along the way? Please remain weather aware as you travel this scenic byway. Fog or rain can drastically reduce visibility on this route; snow can make these high mountain roads treacherous.

For another scenic drive that passes through West Virginia's beautiful Appalachians, try the Coal Heritage Trail.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

This Scenic 55-Mile Drive Just May Be The Most Underrated Adventure In West Virginia

Updated Jun 25, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Webster County, West Virginia is home to the scenic Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway. This underrated West Virginia scenic drive takes travelers through the mountains, valleys, and small towns of Webster County, offering stunning views of the landscape and a fascinating glimpse into mountain life, both past and present. The byway is also home to a number of different attractions, including Holly River State Park. If you love scenic drives in West Virginia, the Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway should definitely be on your list!

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What is the Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway? The Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway is an underrated, 45-mile scenic loop through Northern Webster County, West Virginia, with several additional "spurs" that either shorten or lengthen the adventure along this scenic route.

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Brian Powell/Flickr

The byway starts and ends in either Webster Springs, which is the county seat, (traveling north), or at the Randolph County line (traveling south). It winds its way through the scenic mountains and valleys of the region.

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Webster County Tourism

The byway (the easier drive) mostly follows WV Route 20, while the backway (a more difficult route) forms the drive's loop along County Road 3.

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Doug Kerr/Flickr

As you cruise this scenic route, you'll see along the way many hidden historical sites and attractions, including but definitely not limited to Hacker Valley, McCray Rocks, Mount Zion Church, and Mollohan Mill.

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jamiev_03/Flickr

The Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway is a great way to explore the beauty of Webster County and get a taste of West Virginia's history.

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Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

This WV byway offers drivers stunning views of the rolling green hills of West Virginia, as well as connecting several area attractions, including overlooks, historical sites, parks, and trails that offer drivers the chance to explore the area.

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Apartment Showcase/Flickr

For the best experience on the Mountain Parkway, plan ahead, take your time, and expect to make multiple stops to explore the attractions found along the way.

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With its beautiful views and historic attractions, this underrated scenic drive through Webster County, West Virginia is not one to miss!

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J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

And you might discover an unexpected surprise or two along the way.

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J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

Along the Mountain Parkway route, you will encounter many scenic and historic attractions, including the enchanting Holly River State Park and the uniquely historic Mollohan Mill. What are your other favorite pretty drives? Please let us know in the comments section! We would love to hear your recommendations. While preparing for your road trip, be sure to take a look at The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState so you will have everything you need! Get ready for a fun and one-of-a-kind vacation.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

The Scenic Train Ride In West Virginia That Runs Year-Round

Amtrak's Cardinal train offers a scenic year-round journey through West Virginia, showcasing the state's beauty across all seasons.

Updated Apr 29, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Our state is a train lover's paradise. We've got scenic train rides in West Virginia galore, from the Greenbrier and Durbin trains to the Potomac Eagle to the Ridge Runner and more. And while several of these trains operate almost all year round, they seem to shut down for at least a few months in late winter. All, that is, except for the Amtrak Cardinal Amtrak, the only truly year-round Amtrak train in West Virginia.

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Amtrak's Cardinal train runs all the way from Chicago to New York City three days per week.

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Amtrak

The West Virginia portion of the route is considered one of the most scenic areas along the entire 26.5-hour trip.

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Steve5863 / Tripadvisor

You will definitely need to fit in some sleep, so we recommend packing this tiny, portable white noise machine to make getting some z's much easier.

The train's first stop in West Virginia from the east is White Sulphur Springs, with additional stops at historic depots in Alderson, Hinton, Prince, Thurmond, Montgomery, Charleston, and Huntington before exiting West Virginia bound toward Chicago.

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Amtrak / Facebook

If you're at all familiar with West Virginia's geography, you've already realized that this train ride passes right through the New River Gorge National Park. It goes through West Virginia's capital city. It follows the curves of the Ohio River over the Big Sandy into Kentucky.

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Amtrak / Facebook

What a way to explore the Mountain State!

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Wikipedia/Coyote Reyne

It's a trip worth taking more than once, as each season brings its own take on the beauty and grandeur of the age-old Appalachian Mountains.

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Amtrak / Facebook

A winter trip highlights the rugged spine of these mountains, quiet and slumbering. A spring or summer trip sees them awake and full of life and vigor. A fall trip finds them robed in a splendor of vibrant hues.

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AdamIsovitsch / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus

To learn more about this scenic train ride in West Virginia, check prices, and scheduling, and book a trip, visit the Amtrak Cardinal Train website. Have you ever ridden the Amtrak train in West Virginia? What time of year did you make the trip?

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