West Virginia Scenic Byways

West Virginia Byways

The Mountain State

If you immediately get “Take Me Home, Country Roads” stuck in your head the minute you hear this state name, there’s a good reason for that. West Virginia has four state songs, and that song is one of them. West Virginia is located in a southeastern region of the United States and is bordered by Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

West Virginia became a state in 1863 in protest against Virginia joining the confederacy. Those who were still on the side of the union created West Virginia, which has been a bragging point of this state ever since. West Virginia is also part of the Appalachian region of the United States, named due to the Appalachian Mountains that are part of the state. West Virginia’s economy was historically made up of logging and coal mining, but in modern days it has turned more to outdoor recreational opportunities, due to plenty of natural areas for skiing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and more.

West Virginia sports that warmer climate that makes the American South so appealing to people. This state is known for its mild winters and warm summers, but the mountainous regions offer plenty of opportunities for winter recreation, making this truly an outdoors person’s paradise.

Those looking to go hiking will find plenty of mountain trails to explore, along with plenty of state parks worth exploring. Those looking for an easy hike will find plenty of scenic byways and trails that are worth walking along to see this state in all its glory. Anyone who finds themselves more driven to take a car to their destination will find themselves taken in by the gorgeous views that make up this state, whether they are driving along the mountains or find themselves close to the coast.

While West Virginia may be known for its small-town aesthetic, there are plenty of urban areas to explore where you can get some of that good southern cooking at any number of restaurants, explore plenty of museums, or just take in the sights as you make your way through the cities. This state truly is a tourism paradise, with whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, rock climbing, and more to help you get closer to nature. And once you’re done exploring the outdoors, you can make your way back to civilization to enjoy the low-energy lifestyle that makes southern living so appealing.

No matter what brings you to West Virginia, you’re sure to find yourself dreaming about the state’s byways and hoping that your country roads will take you home to this beautiful state.

Byways In West Virginia

  • Back Mountain Backway
  • Camp Allegheny Backway
  • Cheat Mountain Backway
  • Cheat River Byway
  • Coal Heritage Trail
  • Farm Heritage Road
  • Highland Scenic Highway
  • Historic National Road
  • Little Kanawha Parkway
  • Midland Trail
  • Northwestern Turnpike
  • Old Route 7 Byway
  • Rich Mountain Backway
  • Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike
  • Washington Heritage Trail