There are dozens of ways to travel across the state of West Virginia from east to west, and each of them have their own unique selling points. If you want fast, hop on an interstate. If you want New River Gorge National Park or historic scenic byway, try the Midland Trail. But a route you may not have considered spans the state from a river bank through beautiful mountain ranges and quiet small towns to the highland country.
It’s an expansive West Virginia road trip traversing from the banks of the Ohio River in Point Pleasant to the heights of the Highland Scenic Highway near Marlinton.
Google Maps
Our trip starts in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and Tu-Endie-Wei State Park offers a great vantage point to enjoy scenic views of the Ohio River as well as learn about some of the history of this unique point that juts out into this mighty river.
West Virginia State Parks Learn more from our article on Tu-Endie-Wei. Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, 1 Main St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, USA
Rollins Lake, in the Rollins Lake Wildlife Management Area, lies right along the route and offers beautiful, not-to-be-missed views. Plus, it’s a good spot to fish.
Joshua Ramsey / Google Maps Rollins Lake, West Virginia, USA
Fill up your belly (and scare yourself silly) at the horror-themed I Scream Sundae in Ripley, which serves up delicious diner food and desserts, all with their own spooky themes.
I Scream Sundae / Facebook Learn more from our article on I Scream Sundae. I Scream Sundae, 516 W Main St, Ripley, WV 25271, USA
Up for a hike after that delicious meal? Stop in Spencer at Ben’s Run and hike a magical forest trail to the impressive ruins of an old dam.
Brittney Quinn / Alltrails Learn more from our article on Ben’s Run. Ben’s Run, 101-123 Park Ave, Spencer, WV 25276, USA
As you wind your way through rural West Virginia toward the Highland Scenic Highway, grab a taste of the scenic views to come at the small scenic overlook located south of Birch River on Route 19.
Emily J / Google Maps Scenic Overlook, Birch River, WV 26610, USA
To close out this beautiful road trip across the state of West Virginia, climb your way up the Highland Scenic Highway, which runs 43 miles from Richwood to Marlinton.
USDA Forest Service Learn more from our article on the Highland Scenic Highway. Highland Scenic Highway, Highland Scenic Hwy, Richwood, WV, USA
To hop in the car and try this beautiful, expansive road trip across so much of West Virginia for yourself, first head to Google Maps to see the route. Happy travels!
Google Maps
West Virginia State Parks
Learn more from our article on Tu-Endie-Wei.
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, 1 Main St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, USA
Joshua Ramsey / Google Maps
Rollins Lake, West Virginia, USA
I Scream Sundae / Facebook
Learn more from our article on I Scream Sundae.
I Scream Sundae, 516 W Main St, Ripley, WV 25271, USA
Brittney Quinn / Alltrails
Learn more from our article on Ben’s Run.
Ben’s Run, 101-123 Park Ave, Spencer, WV 25276, USA
Emily J / Google Maps
Scenic Overlook, Birch River, WV 26610, USA
USDA Forest Service
Learn more from our article on the Highland Scenic Highway.
Highland Scenic Highway, Highland Scenic Hwy, Richwood, WV, USA
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