WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – U.S. Route 60 from Kenova in Wayne County to White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County is West Virginia’s oldest scenic byway and has plenty of scenic spots and attractions along the way.
U.S. Route 60, over time, has become a forgotten highway of sorts as it has gone from America’s first coast-to-coast highway to being bypassed completely by the interstate system.
Those who do travel the old Midland Trail from one side of the state to another will be pleased with the sights and scenes along the way.
Starting in Kenova, you will discover the confluence of mighty Ohio and Big Sandy Rivers and the home of the famed Pumpkin House.
A little further east you will reach Huntington, named after rail tycoon Collis P. Huntington who chose the area for the western terminus of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The city is home to Marshall University and many popular shops and eateries.
Keep heading eastward and one will end up in the quaint little town of Milton. U.S. Route 60 runs right through Main Street, which is home to multiple locally-owned businesses that sell things from antiques to clothing.
Charleston, the state’s capital, is next up on the drive. The capital city is home to many beautiful scenes such as the State Capital dome, as well as countless other activities.
Continuing on U.S. 60 along the Kanawha River will lead you to the town of Smithers which is home to the famous Burger Carte restaurant which still holds a mighty reputation for its burgers and hot dogs.
A brief detour across the river to the growing town of Montgomery on the borders of Fayette and Kanawha County will add even more excitement to the trip. This could be a great time to fill up before heading over Gauley Mountain.
The drive continues to pay off nine miles eastward as you arrive in the historic town of Glen Ferris. The town is home to the historic Glen Ferris Inn and the majestic Kanawha Falls as well as the famed bus house sitting on a rock in the middle of the river.
Less than a minute away is Gauley Bridge, where the New and Gauley Rivers meet to form the mighty Kanawha. The three rivers added in with the surrounding mountain peaks make for an unbelievable sight.
One of the top scenes along the way is located just before you start up Gauley Mountain. Right off Route 60 sits Cathedral Falls, which is one of the highest waterfalls in West Virginia and is part of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.
After departing Cathedral Falls, the winding yet scenic journey up Gauley Mountain begins.
Located just before Hawks Nest State Park is the Mystery Hole, a long-running tourist attraction that has left guests scratching their heads wondering what they had just witnessed.
Once you have defied gravity at the Mystery Hole, next up on the drive is Hawks Nest State Park which features multiple scenic overlooks of the New River Gorge and Hawks Nest Dam which was home to the worst labor disaster in American history after many workers died of silicosis while constructing the Hawks Nest Tunnel.
Route 60 once again travels along Main Street in the town of Ansted which was once the county seat of Fayette County. Home to the new Gran Robbie’s Café and Dixie’s Drive-In, the town makes for a perfect spot to grab a bite to eat.
10 more miles eastward, you will reach the intersection where U.S. 60 meets U.S. 19. A slight 5-minute detour onto U.S. 19 South will land you at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center where two overlooks stand of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Once arriving back onto U.S. 60 east, one will be approximately 15 minutes away from Babcock State Park in Clifftop which is located 5 minutes off of U.S. 60 on Route 41 South. Babcock State Park is home to the world-famous Glade Creek Grist Mill.
After the slight detour to Clifftop, the journey along U.S. Route 60 resumes as you are now climbing up Sewell Mountain, the highest point along Route 60 in West Virginia.
Shortly before arriving at the top of the mountain, one will notice at Roadside Historical Marker at the entrance of Cavendish Road. This area is where Confederate General Robert E. Lee received his famous horse Traveller.
Once reaching the top and descending towards the town of Rainelle, keep an eye out for a scenic glimpse of the town from the mountain.
Rainelle is a former lumber town, which was once home to the largest hardwood sawmill in the world. Many of the company homes remain on the western end of town.
The scenic drive continues for another 45 minutes from Rainelle to Lewisburg as the sights of picturesque farmland and mountains bring clear meaning to the term Almost Heaven.
In the historic town of Lewisburg, the scenic byway goes through the main part of town which is known for its unique shops. Lewisburg is also home to the Lost World Caverns.
9.5 miles from Lewisburg, one will arrive at White Sulphur Springs, the final stop along the scenic drive. The town is home to the Greenbrier Resort & Hotel which has hosted multiple famous guests and sports teams. More recently, a Christmas movie was filmed at the resort.
To those who decide to take the journey, safe travels and enjoy the ride.
The historic Midland Trail awaits…