Highland Scenic Highway

0 review

932 Northfork Cherry Road Richwood, WV 26261

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

4,550 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Gauley District Richwood Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,550 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Gauley District Richwood Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Highland Scenic Highway

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $25-$35 depending on the type of campsite reserved. Additional fees may apply for group sites.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(304) 846-2695Null

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Campground Map

932 Northfork Cherry Road Richwood, WV 26261

Highland Scenic Highway

932 Northfork Cherry Road Richwood, WV 26261

Driving directionsTraveling south to north, follow State Route 150 from the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center twenty-two miles to US Route 219. The scenic overlooks are named Williams River, Big Spruce, Little Laurel, and Red Lick.

The road is fully paved and consists of two lanes. State Route 39 and 150 make up the Highland Scenic Highway, but note that the Parkway stretch (Route 150) is not maintained in winter and can be treacherous between November and April.

Nearby places

Richwood is approximately 0 miles from the campground, Marlinton is 43 miles away.

Nearby supplies

Null

Best Time to Camp at Highland Scenic Highway

Each season paints the Highland Scenic Highway with its own dramatic palette. Spring arrives with a burst of wildflowers and mild temperatures perfect for hiking, while autumn transforms the landscape into a tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber. Summer brings lush green canopies and warm days ideal for picnicking at overlooks. Winter, however, demands respect – Route 150 becomes impassable and the highway transforms into a challenging passage best left to the most experienced winter travelers. Plan your visit between April and November for the safest and most rewarding experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer greenery and accessible trails/overlooks provide good seasonal recreation.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in WV

Autumn 'transforms the landscape' and fall colors are described as particularly captivating.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring blossoms and mild temps touted as ideal for hiking and viewing wildflowers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter driving can be treacherous; Route 150 not maintained and overlook toilets closed, yet winter sports exist.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round but Route 150 is not maintained in winter, and toilets at overlooks are closed during this season.
Current Alerts: Route 150 is not maintained during winter months; toilets are closed during this period.

About Highland Scenic Highway

Journey along 43 miles of pure mountain majesty on the Highland Scenic Highway, a National Scenic Byway that winds through the heart of the Allegheny Highlands and Plateau. This remarkable route invites travelers to pause at carefully placed scenic overlooks, where interpretive trails and educational signs reveal the stories hidden within these ancient mountains. Each bend in the road unveils another breathtaking vista, making this one of the most photographed drives in the eastern United States.

The Highland Scenic Highway primarily caters to backpackers and visitors seeking minimal-impact camping opportunities. Traditional camping accommodations like RV or tent sites are not explicitly mentioned.

Historical SignificanceStand atop Black Mountain, the highway's crown jewel at 4,550 feet, and you're witnessing more than just spectacular views – you're touching history. Thoughtfully placed interpretive signs share the dramatic tales of the logging era that once stripped these mountains bare, and the devastating fires that followed. Today's lush forests tell a story of nature's remarkable resilience and the dedicated conservation efforts that restored this wilderness to its current glory.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints the Highland Scenic Highway with its own dramatic palette. Spring arrives with a burst of wildflowers and mild temperatures perfect for hiking, while autumn transforms the landscape into a tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber. Summer brings lush green canopies and warm days ideal for picnicking at overlooks. Winter, however, demands respect – Route 150 becomes impassable and the highway transforms into a challenging passage best left to the most experienced winter travelers. Plan your visit between April and November for the safest and most rewarding experience.

ElevationAscend to where the air grows crisp and clear at elevations reaching 4,550 feet above sea level. This dramatic altitude creates a natural air conditioning system, offering a refreshing escape from summer heat while providing some of the most expansive panoramic views in the Appalachian region. The thin mountain air and cooler temperatures create an alpine-like environment rarely found this far south.

Natural Features and SceneryThe area features mountainous terrain with elevations from 2,325 feet to over 4,500 feet. Spring blossoms, summer greenery, and fall colors make the scenery particularly captivating.

Geological RegionExperience the dramatic geological story of the Allegheny Highlands and Plateau, where ancient forces sculpted a landscape that rises from a modest 2,325 feet near Richwood to towering peaks exceeding 4,500 feet. This remarkable elevation change compressed into such a short distance creates diverse ecosystems and microclimates that support an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, making every mile of your journey a new discovery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Details about group camping are not provided in the source materials.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNull

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Gauley District Richwood Office.

Walk-in AvailabilityNull

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilitySome overlooks, like Big Spruce Overlook, feature accessible boardwalks. The Honeycomb Rocks trail and Tea Creek Meadow trail also provide accessible routes, offering opportunities for individuals with varying mobility levels.

Site SizeInformation about the exact sizes of campsites is not provided in the source materials.

PrivacyThe source materials do not provide information about the level of privacy at campsites.

Recommended SitesNull

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The Highland Scenic Highway offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, backpacking, picnicking, scenic drives, and interpretive programs. Winter sports such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are also available. Each season brings unique charms, such as spring blossoms, summer greenery, and fall foliage.

HikingTrailheads near scenic overlooks support activities like day hiking and backpacking. Visitors are encouraged to practice minimum impact by camping away from trails and streams. Popular areas for backpacking include Cranberry and Tea Creek.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a key activity, with interpretive trails and signage offering insights into local ecosystems. The Big Spruce Overlook includes a boardwalk that highlights the area's logging and fire history.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational signs and interpretive trails provide insights into the area's history and ecology. Specific trails like Tea Creek Meadow highlight unique ecosystems.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWinter driving can be hazardous due to snow-covered and impassable roads between November and April. Visitors are encouraged to camp away from trails and streams.

Active AlertsRoute 150 is not maintained during winter months; toilets are closed during this period.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Highland Scenic Highway

Reviews

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Highland Scenic Highway has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are not included in the provided materials.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Positive aspects cannot be summarized due to the absence of user reviews.

Common Concerns

There is no data from user reviews to document common complaints.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user tips or recommendations are available.

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are derived from official sources, noting treacherous winter driving conditions and closed facilities during winter months. Spring, summer, and fall offer better accessibility and...

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from users are provided.

Site-Specific Reviews

User reviews for specific sites or overlooks are not available.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as boardwalks at Big Spruce Overlook and trails like Honeycomb Rocks are highlighted in official materials, but no user reviews discuss accessibility.