West Virginia's Highland Scenic Highway is one of the state's most spectacular scenic drives and turns into the extraordinary during the fall season. Surrounded by wilderness land and the Monongahela National Forest, the byway begins at Richwood on Route 39/55 (the only town you’ll find along this 43 mile stretch). Starting off at an elevation of 2500 feet, the byway begins to climb as it passes three recreation areas, including Summit Lake.
   As the byway heads east, sightseers will want to stop at the Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area where a short trail leads to three beautiful cascades. Additional stops include the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Cranberry Mountain Visitor Center and the 35,000 acre Cranberry Wilderness. Here, the byway turns north, following Route 150 and the beautiful Williams River. Reaching its apex at 4500 feet, the byway follows one of the top trout fishing streams in the state. The Williams is a haven for thousands of brown, brook, rainbows and golden rainbow trout. This wonderful byway scene captures the Williams River touched with shades of autumn and drenched in a mid-day fog.
   Here in the Monongahela Forest, lumber companies stripped the land in the early 1900s. Now managed by the forest service, this reforested land in the Allegheny Plateau remains a working forest, but is now managed with preservation in mind. Established in 1920, the land now also serves wilderness back-packers with miles of trails. With its breathtaking views, campers and sightseers find this land a peaceful retreat and a wonderful day drive.

     Federal Highway Admin Byway Map