West Virginia's Seneca Skyway.(Photo: West Virginia Tourism)
What makes a good road trip? Good snacks, good music, and good company for a start. But of course, the most important element of any good road trip is the road itself, and theSeneca Skywayis areallygood road.
Winding around the southeast region of West Virginia, this road trip will take you from towering rock spires to charming small towns in a matter of hours, showcasing the best of the state’s outdoor adventures. I tackled this iconic road trip over the course of a few days. Here’s what I recommend you see along the way.
Stop 1: Lewisburg
Starting your trip inLewisburgis setting yourself up from success. Its quaint small-town vibe almost transports you to another time. From picturesque storefronts and historic buildings to award-winningeateriesandbeer gardens, the town blends history with the modern day, showcasing all the best of the Americana that this region is known for. It also offers excellent outdoor access, with the 78-mileGreenbrier River Trailstarting just outside of town, plus a handful of nearby destinations like Beartown and Watoga State Parks.
Stop 2: Watoga State Park
Just an hour north of Lewisburg, you’ll trade the busy streets and shops for dark skies inWatoga State Park. Named among one of the fewInternational Dark Sky Parksin the country, Watoga State Park is an excellent place to stargaze, try your hand at astrophotography, or just enjoy the solitude of being far out in nature. Watoga is also the largest of West Virginia state parks, so there’s plenty of hiking, camping, and exploring to do while the sun is still shining.
Stop 3: Elkins
Elkinsis another must-stop small town along the Seneca Skyway. Originally a logging town, Elkins is equal parts history buff’s dream and outdoor lover’s paradise. The town sits on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, so you’ll find plenty of places to fish, hunt, hike, and camp, like theGaudineer Knob.
Stop 4: Seneca Rocks
Saving the best for last? It’s hard not to think that when you seeSeneca Rocksfor the first time. Known for its dramatic quartzite spires jutting up seemingly out of nowhere, Seneca Rocks is one of the most magical and unique geological areas in the country. Those 900-foot spires also make for excellent rock climbing. One of the oldest climbing areas in the country, Seneca offers routes ranging from chill 5.2s to more challenging 5.10s.
Need a climbing guide?Seneca Rocks Climbing Schoolhas you covered. It offers everything from guided half-day climbs to three-day courses that teach you the basics of climbing technique and safety.
For a complete guide to West Virginia adventures,click here.