Highland Scenic Highway
Highland Scenic Tour

Departure: Richwood, West Virginia
Destination: Cranberry Wilderness, West Virginia
Time to allow: 1 day

This tour leads you through many of the major attractions found along the Highland Scenic Highway.

Day 1

  • Start: Richwood (WV)

    This community, a gateway to the Monogahela Forest, is the only community on the byway. The town sits in a bowl starting at an elevation of 2,250 feet above sea level, surrounded by the woodlands of the Monongahela National Forest and mountains that rise to an elevation of 4,800 feet. Within this high mountain setting, recreational opportunities abound throughout the year.

  • Stop 2: Summit Lake (WV)

    From previous stop: 16 minutes / 9.93 mi (15.9 km)
    Directions:

    Start out going east on CR-39 toward Oakford Ave., go .1 miles before turning left onto Oakford Ave. After .1 miles, turn right onto WV-39 and go .3 miles, then turn left onto WV-39 and continue to follow the road for 7.3 miles.

    Turn left onto Summit Lake Road, and go straight for 2.2 miles before ending at Summit Lake.

    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    A nearby campground will provide a comfortable stay while you enjoy fishing for trout, bass and panfish at this small mountain lake.

  • Stop 3: Falls of Hill Creek Scenic Area (WV)

    From previous stop: 19 minutes / 11.8 mi (18.9 km)
    Directions:

    Start out going south on Summit Lake Rd toward Coats Run Rd, travel for 2.2 miles before turning left onto WV-39. After 9.3 miles, turn right to end at Falls of Hill Creek.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    Hike along a three-quarter mile trail to access the falls and gorge, all while traveling through a ground carpeted with wildflowers. Enjoy three separate waterfalls that cascade over layers of sandstone and shale.

  • Stop 4: Cranberry Mountain Nature Center (WV)

    From previous stop: 4 minutes / 1.64 mi (2.6 km)
    Directions:

    Start out going northeast on WV-39 toward Highland Scenic Highway. Travel for .3 miles before making a left onto Highland Scenic Highway. Continue for .1 miles before turning left onto Thomas Reserve Trail.

    Drive for .7 miles, then make a slight left onto Thomas Reserve Trail. End at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center after .5 miles.

    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Learn about the Monongahela National Forest and other nearby attractions at the visitor center, as well as taking a look at the audio visual program that will give you a better understanding of forest ecosystems and the local history of the area.

  • Stop 5: Cranberry Glades Botanical Area (WV)

    From previous stop: 32 minutes / 15.89 mi (25.4 km)
    Directions:

    Start out going southeast on Thomas Reserve Trail toward Public Road; travel for .5 miles before making a slight right onto Public Road 107. After .7 miles, turn left onto Highland Scenic Highway.

    After 10 miles, take a left onto Public Road 76 to end at the Cranberry Glades Botanical Center.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Take a guided tour along a half-mile barrier-free boardwalk through this 750 acre National Natural Landmark.

  • End: Cranberry Wilderness (WV)

    From previous stop: same location

    Highway 150 traverses the eastern boundary of the 35,846-acre Cranberry Wilderness. This special area is managed for its wilderness attributes of solitude and natural conditions. Special regulations prohibit the use of bicycles and other mechanical transport in this wilderness area. Only minimally labeled and maintained, the trails offer a natural challenge.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 39.26 miles / 62.8 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 11 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 3 hours 5 minutes