Highland Scenic Highway

Area Status: Open
Highland Scenic Highway

The Highland Scenic Highway is a designated National Scenic Byway that extends 43 miles from Richwood to US Route 219, north of Marlinton. Four scenic overlooks provide a comfortable rest stop, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Highway traverses the mountainous terrain of the Allegheny Highlands and Plateau, and rises from 2,325 feet near Richwood to more than 4,500 feet.

The Highway is a paved two-lane road, designated as State Routes 39 and 150. Route 150 is a 23-mile Parkway section that is not maintained in the winter. Winter travel on the road may be treacherous, the road is often impassible during winter storms. Travel is highly discouraged on Route 150 between November and April. Toilets at overlooks are closed in winter.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Closed when snow covered.
Restrictions:
  • Speed limits are 55 mph for the State Route 39/55 section and 45 mph for the Parkway section.
  • Commercial truck traffic is not allowed on the Parkway. 
Information Center: For more information contact the Gauley Ranger District, 932 North Fork Cherry Road, Richwood, WV 26261 (304) 846-2695 or the Marlinton Ranger District, PO Box 210, Marlinton, WV 24954 (304) 799-4334.

General Information

Directions:

Traveling south to north, follow State Route 150 from the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center twenty-two miles to US Route 219. The scenic overlooks are named Williams River, Big Spruce, Little Laurel, and Red Lick. The sites are dispersed along the route.


General Notes:

Additional Resources


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking: Trailheads are located near each Overlook.

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

For those looking for a backpacking experience, there are a variety of camping opportunities.  Some popular areas include Cranberry and Tea Creek area.  Minimum impact methods are encouraged, including pack-it-in/pack-it-out trash policy.  Visitors are asked to camp away from trails and streams.

General Info:

General Notes

For more information contact either the Gauley Ranger District, 932 North Fork Cherry Rd. Richwood, WV 26261; Phone 304-846-2695 or Marlinton Ranger District, PO Box 210, Marlinton, WV 24954; Phone 304-799-4334.


Viewing Wildlife

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:

Viewing Scenery

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:

Interpretive Areas

Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:

Several educational signs and interpretive trails are located along the Highland Scenic Highway (HSH).  There are four scenic overlooks on the HSH, each with a unique viewshed into the surrounding valleys and a sign describing the area. 

At Big Spruce Overlook, there is an accessible boardwalk describing the logging and fire history of the Black Mountain area.  Black Mountain is the highest point on the highway at 4,550’.  

The Honeycomb Rocks interpretive trail provides an accessible route through unusual geologic formations. 

Across from the Little Laurel Overlook, signs guide visitors through the Tea Creek Meadow Interpretive Trail while describing the different ecosystems found there.

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

Each scenic overlook has a paved parking area, restrooms, and a picnic shelter with table.

Group Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Group Picnicking:

Scenic Driving

Recreation areas with activity Scenic Driving:

Four Scenic overlooks located on the Parkway portion of the Highway provide spectacular views of the Allegheny Highlands.  On a clear day, each scenic overlook provides a splendid view of the surrounding Allegheny Mountains. Spring blossoms, summer greenery, and fall colors are special attractions along the Highland Scenic Highway.

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Recreation areas with activity XC Skiing/Snowshoeing:

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing is available on the Highland Scenic Highway.  Near the intersection of the Highland Scenic Highway and US 219, there is a small trail system with a centrally located warming hut.

Snowmobiling

Recreation areas with activity Snowmobiling:

Snowmobiling is available on the Parkway Section of the Highland Scenic Highway.  Note:  The Highland Scenic Highway is not maintained in the winter months.

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
38.306620

  Longitude : 
-80.096133