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.
Famartin / Wikipedia
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.
Youngamerican / Wikipedia
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.
Youngamerican / Wikipedia
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.
Aaron Haney / Google Maps
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.
O Palsson / Wikipedia
If you have more time to spend in Charleston, there's always more to do.

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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.
The Greenbrier / Facebook
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.
Wv funnyman / Wikipedia
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.
royalpalmtree / Tripadvisor
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.
JW / Tripadvisor
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.
The Historic Glen Ferris Inn/Google Maps
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:

 

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More to Explore

More to love about West Virginia

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 05, 2023

Where can we find other scenic drives in West Virginia?

  • The Coal Heritage Trail, stretching from Bluefield to Chimney Corner, features over 187 miles of scenic river valleys, quaint towns, rugged mountain terrain, and historic landmarks.
  • The Seneca Trail, stretching from Silver Lake to Peterstown and also known as Route 219, traverses past the Indian Creek Covered Bridge and numerous historical structures.
  • S. 33, stretching from Ravenswood to the state line on Shenandoah Mountain, takes you past several scenic landmarks, including Spruce Knob, the highest location in the state.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other scenic drives in West Virginia.

Where can we find hiking trails in West Virginia?

  • The Hawks Nest trail near Ansted features waterfalls, a scenic overlook, caves, historic mining artifacts, and more.
  • The Blackwater Falls Trail in Tucker County is an easy, short, and sweet hike featuring the jaw-dropping Blackwater Falls.
  • The Kaymoor Miners Trail near Fayetteville highlights ruins from an old historic mine as well as a beautiful waterfall.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other spectacular hiking trails in West Virginia.

Where can we find waterfalls in West Virginia?

  • Mash Fork Falls located in Camp Creek State Park is noted by some as the best waterfall in the state.
  • Campbell Falls in Camp Creek State Park is surrounded by thickets of verdant trees which make them even more scenic.
  • The Brush Creek Falls at the Brush Creek Nature Preserve is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other sensational waterfalls in West Virginia.

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Midland Trail, Ansted, WV, USA