The Highland Scenic Highway Is A Back Road You Didn’t Know Existed But Is Perfect For A Scenic Drive In West Virginia

Winding through the rugged highland regions of mid-eastern West Virginia between Summersville and Marlinton, the remote, lightly trafficked Highland Scenic Highway is a stunning backroad in the Monongahela National Forest. It's closed to vehicle traffic for much of the winter due to snow but makes for a beautiful drive during each of the other three seasons of the year.

There's a 43-mile remote byway in mid-eastern West Virginia that is rarely busy and always beautiful: The Highland Scenic Highway.

It follows State Routes 55, 39, and 150 from Fenwick through Richwood, past Summit Lake, the Falls of Hills Creek, and the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, until Route 150 forms a T with U.S. Highway 219 north of Marlinton.

The drive alone takes about 2 hours, but you can spend the whole day exploring various hiking options and scenic overlooks accessible from the byway. Please note, however, that there are no amenities along the route, so stock up on food and gas ahead of time!

From high mountain meadows filled with wildflowers...

...to endless panoramas of range upon range of rugged mountain peaks...

...the views from the Highland Scenic Byway are unparalleled, even in such a gorgeous state as West Virginia.

The route is rarely busy, and it's an excellent choice from April to October for a day trip through "Almost Heaven"!

In addition to views from scenic overlooks like the one above, you'll also find trails through massive spruce forests.

Pictured is the Tea Creek Interpretive Trail.

So fill up the tank of your car with gas, pack a picnic lunch, and head out to enjoy the many beautiful views along the Highland Scenic Highway. It will be a day well spent! For a map and more info, check the U.S. Department of Transportation information here.

If you're interested in doing more than just driving the route, check out these beautiful destinations along the way (or nearby): Falls Of Hills Creek, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Beartown State Park, Hillsboro, or Marlinton.