In just one day along this scenic West Virginia route, you will be able to sample some of the amazing variety of scenery that we enjoy here in the Mountain State, from waterfalls to gorges to the rivers and the forests in between. Add in a dose or two of rich coal and railroad history and you’ve got yourself a perfect all-seasons West Virginia road trip, no matter what the time of year! Plus, we’ve built in plenty of time for exploring at each stop.
Start your trip with a quick stop in the roadside dirt parking lot to view the Kanawha Falls. Watch for the parking lot about three quarters of a mile west of Glen Ferris on Hwy 60 (Midland Scenic Trail). These falls have only about a 15 foot drop but they span the whole Kanawha River. A dam diverts some of the water to the hydro electric plant originally built in the early 1900s.
Kanawha Falls Public Fishing Area, 8822 Midland Trail, Glen Ferris, WV 25090, USA
Here's a bonus: just another mile down Hwy 60 there's a scenic little spot where the Gauley River joins the New River to form the Kanawha River, a word in the Iroquoian language meaning waterway. Check it out if you have time!
Continue east on Hwy 60 to see the stunning Cathedral Falls. These steep falls drop about 60 feet into a natural amphitheater, giving the falls its regal name. The cascade can be seen from the parking lot, but you won’t regret taking a short walk on the trail for the best view.
Next stop is the Hawks Nest Overlook for a panoramic view of the New River. The parking lot for this short paved trail can be found a quarter mile downhill from the Hawks Nest State Park Lodge.
Hawks Nest State Park, 49 Hawks Nest Rd, Ansted, WV 25812, USA
Continue a few more miles north to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, with its incredible views of the gorge and the New River far below. Enjoy the view from the center’s back deck or take a short walk to two observation decks overlooking the New River Gorge, one of which is handicapped accessible.
Canyon Rim Visitor Center, 162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, USA
Catch another glimpse of the New River Gorge when crossing it on the New River Gorge Bridge just north of Fayetteville, West Virginia on Hwy 19. This incredible bridge is the longest steel span in the Western Hemisphere at 3,030 feet, and it is the 3rd highest bridge in the U.S. at 876 feet above the river it crosses.
New River Gorge Bridge, US-19, Victor, WV 25938, USA
Some of the best views of the New River Gorge National Park are found at the Grandview Overlook. This gorge-ous view highlights six miles of the New River, which (despite its name) is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world! The overlook is 1400 feet above the river and looks into some of the 70,000 acres in the park. You will be able to see the town of Quinnimont, where in 1873 the first coal was shipped out of the gorge. You'll also catch a glimpse of the still active railroad through this area.
If you happen to catch Grandview in mid-May, you might be treated to the beautiful purple blooms of the Catawba rhododendron. Alternatively, the autumn season offers breathtaking views of the fall colors as the trees change out their leaves.
There you have it! A jaunt through West Virginia that really packs a punch in terms of scenery for being just a 60 mile trip.
Still up for a bit more exploring of this portion of wild, wonderful West Virginia after this short and scenic New River Gorge road trip? Try spending some time in Hinton as well as touring the nearby Sandstone Falls. To get directions for this road trip or customize your route, head to Google Maps.
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