Top 3 Scenic Drives in Pocahontas County, WV
In honor of Scenic Drive Day @ Cranberry Mountain Nature Center…
Here are the Top 3 Scenic Drives in Pocahontas County, West Virginia!
West Virginia is laced with two lane roads and country routes that lead to scenic vistas just as beautiful as the next. In Pocahontas County, there’s no shortage of joy rides and open skies!
In honor of Scenic Drive Day at Cranberry Mountain Nature Center on June 23rd – we’re highlighting the top routes to enjoy, and some cool stops not to miss along the way, in Nature’s Mountain Playground!
Highland Scenic Highway – Scenic Route 150:
Notably one of the most iconic scenic drives in West Virginia, the Highland Scenic Highway, scenic Route 150, is a literal high land highway! Cascading high among mountains and clouds, the Highland Scenic Highway gives drivers open roads to see jaw-dropping scenic vistas around every turn. The 36.2-mile highway connects at the intersection of Route 150 & Route 39 in front of the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. From there, the Highland Scenic Highway continues on for roughly 23 miles to Richwood, West Virginia.
After you’ve enjoyed your scenic ride on the Highland Scenic Highway, stop by the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center to celebrate Scenic Drive Day on Saturday, June 23rd. From 1-4 p.m., enjoy live music by Appalachian bluegrass legends the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys and checkout the antique car show! While you’re there, be sure to explore the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center by taking in a live, interactive snake show, browsing the wildlife exhibit or hiking around the near trails surrounded by wildflowers.
Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway – Route 39:
Another popular scenic ride (especially amongst our motorcycle enthusiasts), Route 39 traces through Pocahontas County and into Virginia, where curves of this two-lane wind you through some of the most pristine and picturesque farmlands, wetlands and low-lying valley in the state!
Let the windows down for this ride, and take in the fresh mountain breeze! Start in Marlinton and be sure to head Southeast out of town on Route 39. Travel about 7 miles, then be sure to stop at the Devil’s Backbone in Huntersville, West Virginia, for an epic selfie! This amazing landmark is a must see while riding along Route 39.
Continue on Route 39, until you come to the intersection in Minnehaha Springs, where you’ll take a left onto Route 92 and continue into Frost. For lunch, be sure to stop by the newly opened Dean’s Den in Frost, West Virginia for a delicious sandwich and healthy snack.
Head North on Route 92 and continue onto Route 28 in Dunmore. From there continue 7 miles until you get to the Green Bank Observatory! Get out, stretch your legs and explore the marvels of the universe! Enjoy SETI Tours, Telescope Tours, and stop by the Starlight Café for sweet and treats that are literally, out of this world!
Seneca Trail – Route 219:
In the late 1700s, this now scenic route was once a well-traveled Indian footpath, sprawling from the Deep South all the way to New England. Today, Route 219 still runs through New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia.
Seneca Trail Route 219 traverses through the heart of Pocahontas County, coming in from the Southern end of the county (from Lewisburg) and leaving the county past Snowshoe (toward Elkins). Scenic drives along Route 219 lead you past some notable landmarks and epic hot spots here in Nature’s Mountain Playground. Starting in the southern end of the county in Droop, be sure to stop at both Beartown State Park and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park to take in both interesting geological marvels and grizzly Civil War history.
Continuing heading North on Route 219 to Hillsboro, where you can enjoy lunch on the porch of the Pretty Penny Café. Choose from menu items like garlic “stinky fries,” Jamaican Jerk chicken and delish locally sourced burgers! After lunch, be sure to stop by Pearl S. Buck Birthplace to learn more about one of the world’s most famed prize authors!
After exploring the quaint town of Hillsboro, continue on Route 219 towards Marlinton. In Marlinton, you can enjoy riding bikes or hiking along the Greenbrier River State Park, tubing on the Greenbrier River, or browsing the countless artisans and talents at shops like 4th Avenue Artisans Gallery, The Mason Jar, Tattered Rose Boutique and The Cackling Hens.
Once you finish up in Marlinton, head back North on Route 219 toward Snowshoe Mountain Resort – where you’ll find world-class lodging, dining and fun waiting after a long day of scenic rides!
Don’t forget to commemorate scenic rides by celebrating Scenic Drive Day at Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, Saturday, June 23 from 12-4 p.m.
For more information on Pocahontas County, please call the Pocahontas County Convention & Visitor Bureau at 1-800-336-7009 or email info@pocahontascountywv.com.