Coal Heritage Trail
Places to Visit
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Located near Hawk's Nest State Park, Ansted has a Civil War Museum and many other interesting attractions.
Location: Located near Hawks Nest State Park & Lodge
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Appalachian National Scenic Trail (WV)
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,174-mile footpath along the ridgecrests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia.
Distance from byway: 25 mi / 40.2 km Directions: From Beckley, follow I-77 south to SR-460. Take SR-460 east to the Trail.
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As stated on the National Register of Historic Places registration form, “the Bank of Glen Jean is the single remaining structure that is representative of a once flourishing West Virginia financial domain and this Fayette County community’s most outstanding architectural landmark.” The bank’s association with Thomas McKell, one of the region’s most legendary coal barons, and his son William accounts for its fame. It has been restored by the National Park Service (NPS).
Location: On Main Street in Glen Jean, WV
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Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine (WV)
Get a feel for the coal mining experience at this hands-on museum while you tour the underground mines, peruse visitor center displays, and explore the historical coal camp.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Located at 401 Adair St in Beckley, WV.
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This 1,970-acre lake provides excellent warmwater fishing for catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, panfish, and musky.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Located one mile east of Hinton on state Route 20, or four miles west of Pipestem State Park on state Route 20.
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Bluestone National Scenic River (WV)
This scenic river preserves relatively unspoiled land in southern West Virginia and contains natural and historic features of the Appalachian plateau.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The Byway crosses the Bluestone National Scenic River near Bramwell.
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Bramwell is filled with historic buildings and was a millionaire town in the late 1800's.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Along the byway on US Highway 52.
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This 500-acre park offers a modern 25-site and a rustic 12-site campground as well as game courts, playgrounds, and picnicking. Hiking trails link this area to several nearby scenic attractions.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Located south of Beckley on Interstate 77.
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Canyon Rim Visitor Center (WV)
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center houses interpretive exhibits that make connections between the natural, the New River area, and the cultural/historical, the region's mining communities.
Location: Off WV 19 between Fayetteville and Hico.
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The road offers breathtaking views of the gorge and of the underside of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Location: CR 82 off WV 19 between Fayetteville and Hico
