| BEST RIDES IN THE STATE
Highland Scenic Highway : The Highland Scenic Highway is a beautiful corridor through the National Forest. This National Forest Scenic Byway extends 43 miles from Richwood to US Route 219, seven miles north of Marlinton. This road cannot be missed. All mountain-top with views that go on for ever. Map
US 219 - Robert C. Byrd Scenic Highway: US 219 traverses this State from the border with Maryland to the opposite South West corner. Curves are sweeping and showcase mountain vistas in the distance. While traveling on US 219, you'll experience the Cheat Mountain area, Lewisburg and Elkins. If you go as far south as Hillsboro, you'll be rewarded with some twisty roads nearing perfection.
US 50 - George Washington Highway: 53 miles starting at Grafton, WV head east on US 50 through the most western tip of Maryland and continue on to the small West Virginia town of Mount Storm where highway 50 and WV Route 42 intersect.
Beckley, West Virginia Coal Mine Area 183 mile loop. This ride starts just south-west of Beckley, WV and ends in nearby Sandy Springs. The route has a lot of nice curves that will require your attention, as-well-as plenty of gently curving scenic sections and a few good straight-aways that let you relax and allow you to fully enjoy the road. Directions
Hwy 15 between Sutton & Valley Head Tight turns give way to long sweepers as the road skirts Monongahela National Forest, with amazing scenery the entire way.
Hwy 16 between the I-79 interchange and Belva. This is a fun twisty road that follows along the Elk River.
RT 20 between Diana & Buckhannon Jump off of 15 at Diana to travel up and down the mountains on Rt 20. Lots of twists & turns with switchbacks and elevation changes. Just before French Creek stop for a break at the West Virginia Wildlife Center. The link above will take you to Thunder Roads Magazine where they did a write up of this fun road.
Hwy 66 East of Snowshoe Mt. Challenging twists and curves and beautiful scenery.
NATIONAL PARKS
Monongahela National Forest Featuring Seneca Rocks, Highland Scenic Highway, Falls of Hills Creek, Civil War Sites, Campgrounds, White Water Rafting and more. There are hundreds of miles of the most scenic and exciting biking roads in the forest. Pick any road here and you won't be disappointed. Great roads crisscross the Monongahela and the neighboring George Washington National Forest. Try roads 219,39,33,92,28,and 250.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE / DESTINATIONS
New River Gorge Bridge This is the famous bridge featured in pictures of West Virginia. Every year they have Bridge Day, when thousands of people base jump and repell off the bridge. It's located near Fayetteville, WV. From Fayetteville follow Route 19 North to the bridge. You can stop at the Canyon Rim Visitors Center to check out views of both the bridge and the river below.
Covered Bridges of West Virginia There are 17 covered bridges remaining in West Virginia.
Babcock State Park See the famous Glade Creek Mill. This park is located in Fayette County in south central West Virginia, Babcock State Park is easily accessible from Beckley and points south by following US 19 north.
Seneca Caverns West Virginia's Largest Caverns
Seneca Rocks Located in the Monogahela National Forest, at the intersection on Routes 28 and 55, you get a good view of Seneca Rocks' towering 900 foot peaks. Check out the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center Traditional Appalachian crafters and artisans are on hand demonstrating their techniques, most Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Falls of Hills Creek Tucked away in a narrow gorge just off the Highland Scenic Highway is a hidden treasure known as the Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area. This popular 114 acre area contains three waterfalls - 25 feet, 45 feet, and 63 feet.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Located in eastern West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad is accessible by State Route 28/92N between Dunmore and Green Bank in Pocahontas County.
Durbin & Greenbrier Railroad Experience the four great trains of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad! With departures from different towns and small cities along their route, these trains transport you into some of the best scenery this side of the Rockies. The stations are located in Elkins, Belington & Durbin.
National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank The Observatory is home to the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the largest fully steerable dish in the world. They have a Science center, Cafe, and offer Free Tours. The NRAO is located in Pocahontas County on Route 92/28, about 25 miles north of Marlinton, 53 miles south of Elkins, and 65 miles west of Staunton, VA
Washington Heritage Trail West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. Visit Berkely Springs, Harpers Ferry, and experience Civil War History.
Beartown State Park One of the most intriguing scenic areas in the state. The Park is actually one large rock formation split into sections and clefts large enough for walkways. The Park is noted for its massive boulders, overhanging cliffs and unusual rock formations. The park is located seven miles southwest of Hillsboro, WV on US Route 219.
Hatfield-McCoy Trails 700 miles of off road trails for dirt bikes and ATV's. Take a break from the road and kick up some dirt. ATV rentals and tours are available. The visitors center is located off of Route 119, near the Little Coal River Trails, less than 20 miles south of Charleston, WV.
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