Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Charleston, West Virginia to Charleston, West Virginia in Allegheny Highlands, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Adventure, Classic road trip.

West Virginia's Almost Heaven Loop: New River Gorge & the Allegheny Highlands

Q: How long is the West Virginia's Almost Heaven Loop: New River Gorge & the Allegheny Highlands route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 7 stops.

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The route · 7 stops

6 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Charleston

1 night

West Virginia's capital and the natural start of the loop, with the gold-domed State Capitol on the Kanawha River. Pick up the car, stock up, and walk the riverfront before heading south on the Midland Trail. A practical first night to settle in before the mountains.West Virginia's capital and the natural start of the loop, with the gold-domed State Capitol on the Kanawha River. Pick up the car, stock up, and walk the riverfront before heading south on the Midland Trail. A practical first night to settle in before the mountains.

Recommendations

1h 2m · 74 km drive to New River Gorge

New River Gorge

2 nights

The newest U.S. national park and the adventure heart of the trip. Base in Fayetteville for two nights: walk to Long Point for the classic bridge view, raft the New or Gauley rapids, and climb or hike the Endless Wall. The 876-foot New River Gorge Bridge is the icon.The newest U.S. national park and the adventure heart of the trip. Base in Fayetteville for two nights: walk to Long Point for the classic bridge view, raft the New or Gauley rapids, and climb or hike the Endless Wall. The 876-foot New River Gorge Bridge is the icon.

Recommendations

1h 9m · 83 km drive to Lewisburg

Lewisburg

1 night

A handsome, walkable town in the Greenbrier Valley, full of independent shops, galleries and good restaurants. An easy hour east of Fayetteville on US 60, it makes a relaxed culture-and-food night between the gorge and the high country. Lost World Caverns and the Greenbrier River Trail are close.A handsome, walkable town in the Greenbrier Valley, full of independent shops, galleries and good restaurants. An easy hour east of Fayetteville on US 60, it makes a relaxed culture-and-food night between the gorge and the high country. Lost World Caverns and the Greenbrier River Trail are close.

Recommendations

1h 1m · 73 km drive to Highland Scenic Highway

Highland Scenic Highway

1 night

Climb into the Allegheny Highlands on this 43-mile National Scenic Byway through the Monongahela National Forest. Overlooks top 4,500 feet, with stops at the Cranberry Glades bogs and the Falls of Hills Creek. Base near Marlinton or Snowshoe to drive it unhurried.Climb into the Allegheny Highlands on this 43-mile National Scenic Byway through the Monongahela National Forest. Overlooks top 4,500 feet, with stops at the Cranberry Glades bogs and the Falls of Hills Creek. Base near Marlinton or Snowshoe to drive it unhurried.

Recommendations

1h 40m · 120 km drive to Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks

1 night

A dramatic quartzite fin rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork valley, and one of the East Coast's great climbing landmarks. Hike the trail to the observation platform, then detour to Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest point at 4,863 feet, for sunset.A dramatic quartzite fin rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork valley, and one of the East Coast's great climbing landmarks. Hike the trail to the observation platform, then detour to Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest point at 4,863 feet, for sunset.

Recommendations

37m · 44 km drive to Blackwater Falls

Blackwater Falls

2 nights

Finish in Tucker County, the trip's scenic crescendo. Base in Davis or Thomas for two nights: the amber 57-foot Blackwater Falls, the Lindy Point overlook at sunset, and the wild, windswept plateau of Dolly Sods. Canaan Valley adds easy hikes and lake paddling.Finish in Tucker County, the trip's scenic crescendo. Base in Davis or Thomas for two nights: the amber 57-foot Blackwater Falls, the Lindy Point overlook at sunset, and the wild, windswept plateau of Dolly Sods. Canaan Valley adds easy hikes and lake paddling.

Recommendations

On the way

Charleston
3h 44m · 269 km
Close the loop back in Charleston. The run west on Corridor H and the interstate returns you to the capital. Drop the car, or stay a final night before flying out of Yeager Airport.Close the loop back in Charleston. The run west on Corridor H and the interstate returns you to the capital. Drop the car, or stay a final night before flying out of Yeager Airport.
Recommendations

West Virginia's Almost Heaven Loop: New River Gorge & the Allegheny Highlands