Highland Scenic Highway

Richwood to Marlinton

Allegheny Highlands · West Virginia · United States

Key measurements

Distance

57.3 miles

Elevation gain

6,317 ft

Elevation loss

5,008 ft

High point

4,543 ft

Low point

2,217 ft

Net change

1,311 ft (2,217 ft to 3,528 ft)

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

This route cuts across the heart of West Virginia’s high Allegheny Highlands, linking the historic lumber city of Richwood in the Gauley River watershed to the Greenbrier Valley near Marlinton. Beginning at an elevation of 2,217 feet along the North Fork Cherry River, the road climbs aggressively into the Monongahela National Forest, mounting the ridgelines of Black Mountain and Cranberry Mountain.

The journey transitions from a heavily forested river corridor into one of the highest paved public parkways in the eastern United States. Covering 57.3 miles, the route features more than 6,300 feet of total elevation gain, topping out at 4,543 feet before winding down toward the Williams River and Greenbrier River drainages. It is a scenic, continuous, high-altitude ride through dense Appalachian hardwood canopy, red spruce forests, and expansive mountain vistas.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Gauley River Corridor Ascent — Miles 0.0–22.1

Leaving Richwood on combined Route 39/55, the initial segment traces the narrow, winding river cuts of the Cherry River drainage. The road maintains a steady, sweeping climb eastward through dense, overhanging deciduous canopy. Elevation rises consistently as you leave the former coal and timber valley behind, navigating moderate turns and smooth pavement through the lower skirts of the Monongahela National Forest.

Highland Scenic Highway Crest — Miles 22.2–57.3

At the junction with WV-150, the route turns onto the designated parkway of the Highland Scenic Highway. Here, the character of the ride shifts entirely. The road mounts the narrow crest of the ridge, carving through high-elevation red spruce and Northern hardwood zones. The peak altitude of 4,543 feet occurs around mile 43.3. Uninterrupted by commercial development or driveway cuts, this 35-mile parkway segment delivers open ridge riding, long sweeping curves, dramatic vertical drop-offs to the forest floor below, and a long, rolling descent toward Marlinton.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

Due to the extreme elevation along WV-150, ambient temperatures on the ridge can be 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in Richwood or Marlinton. Dense fog, sudden rain showers, and cloud decks frequently envelop the higher crests even on fair summer days.

WV-150 is not snowplowed during winter months; heavy snow and ice accumulation typically render the parkway segment impassable or officially closed from late autumn through late spring.

Logistics & Services

Fuel and commercial services are strictly limited to the route terminals in Richwood and Marlinton. There are no gas stations, stores, or cell phone service along the 35-mile stretch of WV-150 across the mountain crest. Start the route with a full fuel tank and necessary supplies. Public facilities within the national forest corridor are restricted to primitive forest service sites.

Important Considerations

Wildlife Hazard: White-tailed deer and black bears are prevalent throughout the Monongahela National Forest, particularly near dawn and dusk along the forested road margins of WV-150. * Exposed Winds: Strong crosswinds and sudden gusts are common along the unsheltered mountain crests and overlooks above 4,000 feet.