Highland Scenic Highway

Travel through a wild and undeveloped portion of the Monongahela National Forest. Hardwood forests cover rolling, mountainous terrain capped by dark spruce at high elevations. Traverse a narrow and steep-walled valley with views of clear mountain streams. Sights include Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Summit Lake and Falls of Hills Creek.

• Time to Allow: 2 hours to drive or 4 hours to enjoy this Scenic road trip.
• Visitor Services
• Fees: There are no fees for driving the Highway. Fees for campground use vary by site.
• Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities: The Route 39 portion of the scenic road trip is used by coal trucks. Cyclists are encouraged to use caution along the route. Also, mountain biking is permitted on most of the trails located outside of the Cranberry Wilderness.
• Camping: There are three main campgrounds along the Highland Scenic Highway.
  • Summit Lake Campground
  • Tea Creek Campground
  • Day Run Campground
  • Also, each campground is located in a place where there are plenty of things to do and plenty of places to see. Two of the campgrounds are situated next to the Williams River, and one is on Summit Lake. Campers will find trailheads, fishing spots, and biking roads.
• Food: Visitors will find food at Richwood and the surrounding communities.  Refreshments are offered at the Cranberry Nature Center.
• Gasoline: Richwood is the only place on the Highway where travelers will find gas. However, gas can be found in Richwood, Webster Springs, and Marlinton.
• Information: The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center offers programs and tours for visitors. Also, information on businesses, motels, restaurants, and service stations is available at the Chambers of Commerce or Tourism Commissions in Richwood, Marlinton, and Webster Springs.
• Lodging: Lodging can be found in Richwood, Marlinton, and Webster Springs.
• Retail: Souvenirs can be purchased at the Cranberry Nature Center

Special Considerations

• There are no services along the route, and there is no snow removal during the winter.
• Also, be aware that some of the road is used by large coal trucks.

Restrictions

• The highway is not maintained for winter travel, and commercial trucks are not allowed on the parkway.

Seasons

Best Time to Drive

• During October, visitors will see long vistas of bright oak and maple leaves contrasted with the dark green of the conifers. A clear day of spectacular foliage on the Highway is not to be missed. Early spring is the best time for mountain stream fishing.

High Season

• The Highway has no busy season.

Off Season

• The Highway is not maintained for winter travel from early December to March.

Driving Directions

• Between Richwood, West Virginia, and US 219 north of Marlinton, WV the route includes WV 55, 39, and 150.
• The Highway starts at the city of Richwood on SR 55.
• Take SR 55 east until the Highway become SR 150.
• Take SR 150 east until the route ends at the edge of the Monogahela National Forest, at the junction of SR 150 and US 219. This is the end of the Highway.

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