Scenic Byways

THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA HAS FOUR NATIONAL scenic byways designated by the FHWA national Scenic Byway Program. These are the Highland Scenic Highway, the Midland Trail, the Coal Heritage Trail, and the Washington Heritage Trail. All preserve the rich culture, heritage and beauty of the state.

The Highland Scenic Highway, a beautiful path through the Monongahela National Forest, takes visitors past mountainous terrain covered by hardwood forests. This scenic byway extends 43 miles from Richwood to US Route 219, seven miles north of Marlinton. The highway follows State Route 39/55 for 21 miles from Richwood to the Cranberry Mountain Visitor Center.

The Coal Heritage Trail winds through mountains and valleys, taking visitors through four of West Virginia's southern counties. As you travel along this byway, you can't help but notice West Virginia's industrial heritage. This area of Appalachia was America's most productive energy-producing region, and its abundant coal fields affected its physical, economic, and social climate.

The Midland Trail follows the same path that Native Americans and pioneers used to head west. The Midland Trail thus takes you on a timeline through colonial America, the Civil War, immigration, African-American history, and the industrial revolution. Before interstates, the Midland Trail was the main route through the West Virginia mountains.

The Washington Heritage Trail loops through three counties of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, crossing mountains, farmland, and historic towns. The Eastern Panhandle is significant to historians because George Washington and his family vacationed and built homes in this area. In fact, seven Washington family homes or estates can be seen from the trail.

For more information on West Virginia and its scenic byways, call 1-800-CALL-WVA, or visit the state's website at www.state.wv.us/tourism.

Scenic Short Cuts Some beautiful touring routes by land by sea.

Pennsylvania Route 6

Route 6 is a true scenic byway. With over 400 miles of ground to cover, you'll have time to stop at all of the special places that make this byway such a gem. Pull over at a country store to buy authentic Pennsylvania crafts take in that wonderful Pennsylvania fare at one of the many restaurants on the side of the road, and stop to photograph a scenic view within the Allegheny National Forest. By the end of your trip, you'll have added some wonderful additions to your "best of" lists--diners, bed and breakfasts, Victorian villages, and festivals from border to border.

But there are many more attractions to lure you to this scenic byway. In Warren County you'll drive by parts of the Allegheny National Forest. If you want to stretch your legs, there are 11 campgrounds and 600 miles of trails for hiking. And Crawford County includes the Commonwealth's largest natural lake, and one of the Nature Conservancy's "last great places in the U.S."

For a free Pennsylvania visitors guide--including a detailed road map and calendar of upcoming events call 1-814-435-7706, or visit the state's website at www.paroute6.com.