Marvel at 60-ft black water falls, hiking, skiing, mountains, a 900-ft sandstone formation, the world’s longest ribbon stalactite, and an underground lake with trout.
This 100-mile tour takes you from Blackwater Falls State Park all the way to the Virginia border through Monongahela and George Washington National Forest. Your drive takes you through what many calls as “God’s Country” because of its natural beauty. Start your drive around Blackwater Falls State Park, close to the town of Davis. It’s famous for its 60-foot falls that appear black due to the acid from fallen hemlock and Red Spruce needles.
Trace Route 32 south to the Canaan Valley Resort State Park. The park offers skiing, hiking, and views of the mountains of the Potomac Highland. Go on through the town of Harman to Route 55. Here you climb Allegheny Mountain. The next pull over is the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area just outside the small town of Onego. Seneca Rocks is a marvelous 900-foot sandstone formation. An observation deck offers views of the river and the valley. There is also a Visitor Center with displays of the geology and history of the area. Six miles from the Visitor Center are the Champe Rocks, resembling the Seneca Rocks. Outside Hopeville, you will see the Smoke Hole Caverns. The caverns contain the world’s longest ribbon stalactite and an underground lake with rainbow trout. The Petersburg Gap on the north branch of the South Branch of the Potomac River breaks through North Fork Mountain. Here is another picturesque overlook to the Potomac River. Drive through Petersburg to the West-Whithill Winery, where you can taste the region’s best tasting wine.
After understanding about the local wine industry, drive on to Moorefield, where Route 55 returns to the mountains. Continue driving toward the Virginia border as you enter the well known George Washington National Forest.
Starting Point:
Davis, WV
Distance of Drive:
100 miles
Must Eat:
Shirley’s Diner
330 Keyser Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847
Phone: 304-257-2263
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Smoke Hole Caverns
Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
Cannan Valley Resort State Park
Tagged with: best time:spring and fall • West Virginia
Filed under: Best Road Trips