Midland Trail Panoramic Road

The Midland Trail Panoramic Road is an exciting 167km drive through the magnificent countryside of United States. Starting in Charleston, the journey takes you through Hawks Nest S.P. and Rainelle, before ending in Lewisburg. Along the way, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains, the New River Gorge National River, and the Monongahela National Forest. The best time of year to take the Midland Trail Panoramic Road is during the spring or fall, when the temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. The journey is manageable in one day, with excellent road conditions throughout. This road trip provides a very high level of experience and memories, and is suitable for every driver regardless of their budget.

Charleston, United States, is an excellent starting point for the Midland Trail Panoramic Road. Located in the state of West Virginia, the city is renowned for its outdoor adventures and historical attractions. Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant downtown area and discover its many museums, galleries, and restaurants. The city is home to many historic sites, including the West Virginia State Capitol, the West Virginia Governor’s Mansion, the West Virginia State Museum, and the West Virginia State Library. Visitors can also explore the city’s beautiful parks and gardens. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Yeager Airport (CRW), located just outside of Charleston. The airport offers a variety of car rental options, making it easy to begin the Midland Trail Panoramic Road from Charleston. Charleston is the perfect place to start a road trip. With its rich history, vibrant downtown area, and many outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in Charleston. From museums to parks, there’s plenty to explore in this city.

Are you ready for an exciting road trip? Let's start in Charleston, United States and take a drive of 48 miles to Hawks Nest S.P. It will take you no more than two hours. Along the way, you will see some of the most beautiful sights. In Charleston, we suggest you visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, the oldest public gardens in America. It is known for its stunning gardens, wildlife and history. You can also visit the Old Slave Mart Museum, which is a great place to learn about the history of slavery in the United States. When you reach Hawks Nest S.P., you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the New River Gorge. You can also take a drive to the Hawks Nest State Park, where you can take a hike, swim, fish, or even ride a zip line. This is just one of the many stages of your journey, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for other attractions and places of interest. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Welcome to the Hawks Nest S.P. to Rainelle road trip! This 29mi route will take you less than an hour to complete, and you'll be able to discover some of the most interesting places in the area. The first stop is Hawks Nest State Park, a beautiful spot for nature lovers. Here you can enjoy the spectacular views of the New River Gorge and the surrounding mountains. You can also take a hike or go fishing in the park's lake. The next stop is the town of Rainelle, a charming small town with a rich history. Here, you can explore the local shops, restaurants, and galleries, or take a stroll down Main Street. Finally, you can visit the Rainelle Historic District, a designated National Historic District. Here, you can find a variety of historic buildings and monuments, such as the Rainelle Opera House and the Rainelle Town Hall. This is just one of the stages of your road trip, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your journey will take you from Rainelle to Lewisburg, a 27-mile drive that will take you less than an hour. Rainelle is a small city with a rich history, and a great place to start your journey. Visit the Rainelle Historic District and take in the old-fashioned atmosphere of the town. You can also explore the local nature at the Rainelle City Park, with its walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Heading out of Rainelle, you’ll drive through the beautiful countryside of West Virginia. Enjoy the rolling hills and small towns, and make sure to take in the views from the many overlooks along the way. Your journey will end in Lewisburg, a charming town with a bustling downtown area. Here you can visit the West Virginia State Wildlife Center, explore the many antique shops, or take a stroll along the Greenbrier River. This is just one of the stages of your journey, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you enjoy your trip!

Lewisburg, West Virginia, is the perfect destination to wrap up the Midland Trail Panoramic Road. This beautiful town with a population of around 3,800, is nestled in the Allegheny Mountains and offers a wealth of activities for the traveler. Visitors to Lewisburg can experience the stunning beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, including the Greenbrier River, which runs through the town. The town also offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, including hiking, biking, and fishing. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Carnegie Hall, the Lewisburg Opera House, and the North House Museum. Lewisburg is also home to a number of unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. In addition to its beautiful scenery, the town is also home to a number of festivals and events, including the Greenbrier Valley Beer Festival, the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, and the Greenbrier Valley Farmers Market. For those traveling by car, Lewisburg is easily accessible from Interstate 64, which runs through the town. If you’re flying, the closest international airport is Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA). Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, or just a relaxing getaway, Lewisburg is the perfect destination to end the Midland Trail Panoramic Road.

Before you set off

The Midland Trail, also known as U.S. Route 60, is a historic and scenic byway that stretches 167 kilometers (approximately 104 miles) across West Virginia from the state capital, Charleston, to the quaint city of Lewisburg. This picturesque route traverses a diverse landscape, offering Roadtrippers majestic views of the Appalachian Mountains, the awe-inspiring New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the tranquil Monongahela National Forest, and numerous other natural wonders.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Charleston: As the state capital, Charleston serves as the ideal launching point for the journey, boasting a rich heritage and a vibrant arts scene.
• Hawks Nest State Park: A prime destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, known for its dramatic clifftop vistas, exhilarating jet boat rides, and an aerial tramway that descends into the New River Gorge.
• New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world, this area offers exceptional rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking opportunities.
• Lewisburg: Recognized as one of America’s coolest small towns, Lewisburg captivates visitors with its historic downtown, cultural venues like the Greenbrier Valley Theatre, and the nearby Lost World Caverns, an underground natural wonder.

Best Time to Go:

The prime seasons to embark on the Midland Trail Panoramic Road adventure are spring and fall. During these periods, travelers can revel in the mild weather and the landscape's transformation, with spring's fresh bloom and fall's vibrant foliage offering a stunning backdrop for the drive.

Potential Risks:

While the journey offers excellent Road conditions and is considered safe, travelers should be cautious of potential hazards such as wildlife crossings, narrow mountain passes, and inclement weather that can quickly change due to the region's topography.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The Midland Trail is recognized as a National Scenic Byway due to its rich history, dating back to its origins as a buffalo trail and later its significance as a pioneer route.
• The entire route can typically be driven in about three hours, but allowing a full day or more is recommended to fully enjoy the scenic stops and attractions.
• The drive provides a diverse array of experiences, from outdoor adventures to cultural exploration, catering to a wide range of interests and budgets.
• The byway traverses some of the most picturesque and historically significant landscapes in the Appalachian region, including the site of the Battle of Carnifex Ferry during the American Civil War.

A good choice for:

Embarking on the Midland Trail Panoramic Road Trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse in the natural splendor and cultural heritage of the United States. This route is not just a journey through West Virginia's landscapes but also a voyage through time, with each mile revealing stories of the land and its people. The Midland Trail is a year-round destination, but its beauty is most pronounced when the seasonal colors adorn its vast panoramas.