Coal Trail Panoramic Road

Experience the beauty of the Coal Trail Panoramic Road, a 137 km journey through the heart of West Virginia. Start your trip in Beckley and take the scenic route through Mullens, Welch, and Bramwell. Along the way, admire the lush green valleys, rolling hills, and picturesque coal towns. Visit the historical sites, take in the stunning views, and get a glimpse of the unique culture of the area. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, one-day road trip, this is the perfect option. The best time to drive the route is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the roads are in good condition (although there are some curvy roads along the way). Every driver can enjoy this road trip, so don't hesitate and start planning your journey today!

Beckley is a small city in West Virginia, United States, located at the starting point of the Coal Trail Panoramic Road. This city is a great starting point for road trippers who are looking to explore the Appalachians. The city of Beckley has plenty of sights and attractions to explore. The Exhibition Coal Mine is a great spot to learn about the history of the coal industry in the area. There is also the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including art shows, concerts and festivals. The city also has a number of museums, including the Tamarack, which showcases West Virginia's culture, and the Beckley Art Center, which features local and regional art. For those traveling to Beckley by air, the closest international airport is the Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW). The airport has car rental services available, making it easy for travelers to get around the city and explore the Coal Trail Panoramic Road. Beckley is the perfect starting point for a road trip along the Coal Trail Panoramic Road. With its variety of sights and attractions, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking to explore the history of the coal industry or simply take in the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, Beckley is the perfect destination for your next road trip.

Welcome to the Beckley-Mullens road trip stage! This 21mi route will take you less than an hour to drive, and it's part of a larger tour that will take you to amazing places. To start, in Beckley you can visit the Exhibition Coal Mine, a historic site that will give you an insight into the coal mining industry in West Virginia. After that, you can visit the Tamarack, an arts and crafts center showcasing the best of Appalachian culture. As you drive towards Mullens, you'll find the Bluestone National Scenic River, a beautiful spot where you can admire the scenery and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. Once you reach Mullens, you can visit the Mullens Depot Museum, a great place to learn about the history of the area. To get the most out of your road trip, you can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Mullens to Welch! This 31mi journey will take you less than an hour to complete and you will be surrounded by stunning scenery. The road is winding in some sections, so be sure to take your time and keep your eyes peeled for beautiful sights. As you drive, you will be able to take in the natural beauty of the landscape and make some unforgettable memories. Once you reach Welch, you can explore the town and take in the local culture. Be sure to check out the historic Welch Hotel, which has been around since the late 1800s. You can also visit the nearby Welch Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and swimming. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip and make sure to take lots of pictures!

Welcome to the Welch-Bramwell road trip! This 25-mile journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and you'll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in the area. As you drive, you'll be treated to winding roads and scenic vistas. Along the way, you'll pass through Welch and Bramwell, two of the most picturesque towns in the area. In Welch, be sure to visit the historic Welch Post Office, the oldest in the state, and the Welch Museum, which showcases the region's rich history and culture. In Bramwell, you can explore the Bramwell Historic District, a collection of 19th-century homes and buildings. You can also visit the Bramwell Presbyterian Church, the oldest Presbyterian church in West Virginia. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an 8mi journey that will take you from Bramwell to Bluefield, two charming towns in United States. You will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature and discover the unique attractions of these two places. In Bramwell, you can visit the Bramwell Historic District, a great place to learn about the history of the town, as well as the Bramwell Presbyterian Church, a beautiful building with a rich history. In Bluefield, you can explore the Bluefield City Park, a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can also visit the Mercer Mall and the Bluefield State College. This is one of the stages of a larger tour and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So don't wait any longer and enjoy this wonderful road trip from Bramwell to Bluefield!

Bluefield, located in the United States, is the perfect destination for road-trippers looking for an unforgettable experience. As the end point of the Coal Trail Panoramic Road, Bluefield is a great place to kick back and relax after a long drive. Bluefield is home to a variety of attractions, including the Bluefield State College, the East River Mountain Tunnel, and the Appalachian Cultural Museum. The museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Appalachian culture, as it is home to artifacts, photographs, and stories from the region's history. The college is also a great place to explore, as it offers a variety of activities, classes, and events. For travelers who prefer to travel by car, Bluefield is conveniently located off of Interstate 77 and US Route 52. Those who are flying, the closest international airport is the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA). Bluefield is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the culture of West Virginia. With its variety of attractions and its convenient location, Bluefield is the perfect place to end the Coal Trail Panoramic Road.

Before you set off

The Coal Heritage Trail, stretching for approximately 137 km through the heart of West Virginia, is an immersive journey into the state's storied past and breathtaking natural vistas. Traversing this route from Beckley to Bramwell, Roadtrippers can explore the rich tapestry of West Virginia's coal mining heritage and the unique beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Beckley: Kick off your adventure here, and don't miss the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine for an underground tour that offers an authentic glimpse into the life of a miner.
• Mullens: Nestled in the mountains, Mullens is the perfect spot to admire West Virginia's iconic rolling hills and verdant landscapes.
• Welch: This city is a significant landmark in the history of labor rights, having been a center for the mine wars of the early 20th century.
• Bramwell: Known as the `Home of the Millionaires,` Bramwell is a testament to the wealth generated by the coal industry, with its well-preserved, opulent Victorian homes.

Best Time to Go:

To experience the natural beauty in full bloom and access all the sites without the risk of winter driving conditions, plan your Trip for late spring through early fall. The fall foliage in October is particularly stunning.

Potential Risks:

Drivers should be cautious of narrow winding Roads that characterize much of the route. Additionally, be mindful of possible severe weather, especially in winter, and ensure your vehicle is well-equipped for local driving conditions.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The Coal Heritage Trail is part of the National Coal Heritage Area, which covers 13 counties in southern West Virginia.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy activities like hiking and biking along the route, with the scenic views providing a spectacular backdrop.
• The Road Trip can be enriched by visiting local museums and participating in heritage festivals, which celebrate the area's coal mining legacy.

A good choice for:

The Coal Heritage Trail is an enriching experience for those drawn to the interplay of nature, history, and culture. This journey allows you to step back in time and witness the landscapes that shaped the industry which powered a nation. With strategic planning, this Road Trip can become an unforgettable chapter in the travelogue of history buffs, nature lovers, and cultural explorers alike.