One of West Virginia's premier scenic byways traces U.S. Route 60 from White Sulphur Springs to the state's capitol. This hundred mile highway closely follows the pre-Revolutionary Midland Trail, winding through the rugged Allegheny Mountains. George Washington realized the importance of this Indian trail and ordered the path widened in 1790.
   Charleston, the capital city, lies at the western end of the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway. Other interesting features along the byway are two of southern West Virginia's state parks, the very popular Babcock and Hawks Nest state parks. Along the route byway travelers will have to take a slight detour to see the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and the famous New River Gorge Bridge overlook.
   Pictured here (above) is a section of U.S.Route 60 as it snakes its way down toward Hilton Village. Here, byway travelers will want to take a slight detour to see one of the most iconic grist mills of the state. A picturesque setting of the mill and waterfalls at Babcock State Park attracts thousands of tourists and photographers throughout the year.
   Other scenic wonders include the state's rivers. The Kanawha River, one of West Virginia's most important waterways, is formed at the confluence of the Gauley and New River and flows northwest, joining up with the Ohio River at the border. The New River and Kanawha River were once viewed as a single river ... now two of the state's remarkable scenic wonders along the Midland Trail.

     Byway Map