The Stunning West Virginia Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America

Ready for a road trip? If you prefer to travel via beautiful, historic highways as opposed to frenetic, heavily trafficked interstates, then have we got a route for you: the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, which bisects the entire state of West Virginia for one of the best road trips you can take in America.

The Midland Trail, a National Scenic Byway, is a 180-mile backroad that spans the state of West Virginia along State Route 60, passing by some of the state's most famous attractions.

Actually, it's much longer than that; the 180 miles is just the West Virginia portion. All told, the Midland Trail stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific across the North/South center of America. It was perhaps the very first ever marked transcontinental auto trails in America.

And the portion of the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway that passes through West Virginia is one of the most interesting, scenic segments of the entire route.

The Midland Trail passes into West Virginia at Kenova, then through Huntington, home of Marshall University.

It's here, in this area, that the tragic story portrayed in the film "We Are Marshall" unfolded.

If you haven't heard of it, check out our previous article to learn more about the "We Are Marshall" story.

Then the route winds on, following State Route 60 past the Criel Mound in South Charleston toward beautiful Charleston, West Virginia, one of the nation's smallest and most scenic capital cities.

Stop at the Criel Mound to stretch your legs, brush up on America's ancient history, and take in a beautiful view of the city.

A tour of Charleston's Capitol Complex and West Virginia State Museum is well worth the time, and admission is free.

If you have more time to spend in Charleston, there's always more to do.

A dozen miles later, the road passes out of West Virginia not far beyond the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, home of America's oldest golf course.

In addition to golf, The Greenbrier boasts restaurants, shops, hiking, tours, museums, and so much more.

Between Charleston and The Greenbrier, the route is dotted with local shops and restaurants.

You'll also encounter beautiful views, scenic waterfalls, and fascinating historic sites. Pictured here is the Midland Trail's infamous "Devil's Elbow." Don't take this curve too fast!

There are so many little nooks and crannies to stop and explore along the way.

Pictured here is Cathedral Falls, which is just a short scramble from State Route 60.

Pictured here is the view from the Hawks Nest State Park Overlook.

Hawks Nest State Park also provides accommodations and even an aerial tram ride!

And if you are interested in an overnight stay along the way, you'll find plenty of options.

Pictured here is the Glen Ferris Inn, a historic lodging and restaurant perched right on Kanawha Falls.

Have you ever driven along U.S. Route 60 through West Virginia? If so, which parts were your favorite part? Do you have any scenic road trips you'd like to share? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below! And don't forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list before embarking on your journey.

If you enjoy state parks, then you simply must visit these 9 underrated state parks in West Virginia.

If you’re still in the mood for more West Virginia adventures, take a look at this video about the abandoned town of Thurmond: