Posted in West Virginia June 09, 2022 by

Enjoy A Scenic Drive Along Some Of West Virginia’s Most Beautiful Backroads

Have you heard the news? There’s a newly designated scenic drive in the Mountain State: the Seneca Skyway. And yes, this loop along West Virginia backroads is just as stunningly beautiful as it sounds.

The Seneca Skyway is the first of a new series of scenic drives through West Virginia known as "Mountain Rides."
Lewisburg, WV 24901, USA
Marlinton, WV, USA
Google Maps
In partnership with the West Virginia Department of Transportation, the West Virginia Department of Tourism has begun this campaign to feature some of West Virginia's most beautiful backroads.
And beautiful they are. This first route, the Seneca Skyway, begins and ends in Lewisburg, West Virginia and loops through the Potomac Highlands. It's a six-hour trip, which doesn't leave much time for stops... unless you decide to break it up into more than one day. First it's Lewisburg to Marlinton on State Route 219.
Google Maps
This is Route 219 North of Lewisburg.
Between the two, you'll pass right through Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, an area that's well worth a stretch break. Climb the observation tower and soak in the view before hopping back on the Seneca Trail.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, 683 Droop Park Road, Hillsboro, WV 24946, USA
Brian M. Powell / Wikipedia
A few more miles down the road, check to see if Buckeye Bend Books is open! If it is, be sure to stop.
After Marlinton, it's on to Elkins, then Thomas. Between Elkins and Thomas, stop for a stretch and a view at Fred Long Centennial Park.
Fred Long Centennial Park, Hambleton, WV 26269, USA
TyOx MH / Google Maps
Alternatively, check out Olson Tower or Big Run Falls, if you can spare the time.
From there, loop around and head back south to Seneca Rocks, passing right through Canaan Valley as you do so.
Seneca Rocks, WV 26884, USA
Asilverstein / Wikipedia
At Seneca Rocks, don't miss the discovery center. There's also a trail leading right up to the rocks.
The next stop is Greenbank, in the National Radio Quiet Zone. Here, you can admire the world's largest fully steerable telescope.
Green Bank, WV, USA
Jarek Tuszyński / Wikipedia
One last stop before returning to Lewisburg: White Sulphur Springs. This small West Virginia town is famous as the home of the Greenbrier Resort.
The Greenbrier, 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, USA
Greenbrier
One important note: you'll almost surely lose cell service for part of the route, so make sure to download directions ahead of time.

Learn more about this beautiful route along some of West Virginia’s best backroads on the West Virginia Tourism website or check the specifics of the Seneca Skyway route on Google Maps. Then gas up the car (or truck or motorcycle) and get driving!

Address: Lewisburg, WV 24901, USA
Address: Marlinton, WV, USA
Address: Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, 683 Droop Park Road, Hillsboro, WV 24946, USA
Address: Fred Long Centennial Park, Hambleton, WV 26269, USA
Address: Seneca Rocks, WV 26884, USA
Address: Green Bank, WV, USA
Address: The Greenbrier, 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, USA