Scenic Drives in West Virginia
Routes
60
Avg Distance
289 mi
Avg Drive
5h 34m
Destinations
30
West Virginia's scenic drives offer routes that generally top out around 2,600 feet, with terrain characterized by gentle rolling hills. Across its 60 listed routes, drivers can expect drives averaging nearly 290 miles and over 5.5 hours, with drive scores reaching a perfect 10. Many routes also provide access to state parks, enhancing the natural beauty you'll encounter.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.75/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$36–$54
One-way, ~289 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~101 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13
Climate through the year: West Virginia
West Virginia peaks at around 86°F in Jul and cools to 44°F / 26°F in Jan. Wettest month is Jul at ~5.4 in of rain.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44 | 26 | 3.3 | 10.3 |
| Feb | 48 | 29 | 3.4 | 7.7 |
| Mar | 57 | 35 | 4.1 | 5.9 |
| Apr | 69 | 45 | 3.6 | 0.5 |
| May | 76 | 53 | 4.9 | — |
| Jun | 83 | 62 | 4.7 | — |
| Jul | 86 | 66 | 5.4 | — |
| Aug | 85 | 64 | 3.8 | — |
| Sep | 80 | 57 | 3.5 | — |
| Oct | 69 | 45 | 2.9 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 57 | 36 | 3.2 | 1.5 |
| Dec | 48 | 30 | 3.6 | 5 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for WV — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
- Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
- Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Scenic Routes
Editor's pick
Martinsburg, WV → Wayne, WV
This route scores a perfect 10, the highest possible, and spans 367 miles. It features gently rolling terrain and a maximum elevation of 2,679 feet, offering a substantial experience with access to parks.
Editor's pick
Martinsburg, WV → Ceredo, WV
Matching the top drive score of 10, this 360-mile trip also showcases gently rolling terrain. Its highest point reaches 2,495 feet, and like its counterpart, it provides opportunities to visit state parks along the way.
Editor's pick
Williamson, WV → Martinsburg, WV
This drive, rated 8 out of 10, primarily uses highway for its 360-mile stretch. It navigates gently rolling terrain up to 2,420 feet and includes park access, making it a solid choice for exploring the state.
Martinsburg, WV → Kenova, WV
Huntington, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Bolivar, WV → Huntington, WV
Martinsburg, WV → Pea Ridge, WV
Huntington, WV → Charles Town, WV
Through: Buckhannon → Berryville
Gilbert Creek, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Mallory, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg, WV → Mount Hope, WV
Through: Charleston
Saint Albans, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Martinsburg, WV → Tornado, WV
Point Pleasant, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Martinsburg, WV → Oceana, WV
Through: Charleston
Coal Fork, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
South Charleston, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Shepherdstown, WV → Charleston, WV
Charleston, WV → Bolivar, WV
Through: Buckhannon → Berryville → Charles Town
Bluefield, WV → Weirton Heights, WV
Through: Summersville → Pa Tpke 576 Toll West: Pittsburgh International Airport → Pa Tpke 576 West
Bluefield, WV → Charles Town, WV
Through: Berryville
Martinsburg, WV → Pinch, WV
Charleston, WV → Ranson, WV
Through: Buckhannon → Berryville
Weirton Heights, WV → Princeton, WV
Clendenin, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Weirton, WV → Princeton, WV
Martinsburg, WV → Oak Hill, WV
Through: Charleston → Beckley
Spencer, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Hinton, WV → Weirton Heights, WV
Through: Beckley → Pa Tpke 576 Toll West: Pittsburgh International Airport → Pa Tpke 576 West +1 more
Hinton, WV → Weirton, WV
Through: Parkersburg
Gilbert Creek, WV → Weirton Heights, WV
Through: Beckley → Parkersburg
Martinsburg, WV → Craigsville, WV
Weirton, WV → Gilbert Creek, WV
Martinsburg, WV → Fayetteville, WV
Through: Charleston
Martinsburg, WV → Ansted, WV
Through: Charleston
Williamson, WV → Weirton Heights, WV
Through: Beckley → Parkersburg
Martinsburg, WV → Stanaford, WV
Through: Charleston
White Sulphur Springs, WV → Weirton Heights, WV
Through: Pa Tpke 576 Toll West: Pittsburgh International Airport → Pa Tpke 576 West → Weirton +1 more
Washington, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Mullens, WV → Weirton, WV
Through: Parkersburg
Ranson, WV → Beckley, WV
Through: Charleston
Beckley, WV → Charles Town, WV
Through: Berryville
Oceana, WV → Weirton Heights, WV
Through: Beckley → Parkersburg
Lubeck, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Wheeling, WV → Bluefield, WV
Through: Pearisburg
Parkersburg, WV → Charles Town, WV
Oceana, WV → Weirton, WV
Through: Beckley → Parkersburg
Lewisburg, WV → Weirton Heights, WV
Through: Pa Tpke 576 Toll West: Pittsburgh International Airport → Pa Tpke 576 West → Weirton +1 more
Hinton, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Weirton, WV → Alderson, WV
Through: Morgantown
Sophia, WV → Weirton Heights, WV
Through: Pa Tpke 576 Toll West: Pittsburgh International Airport → Pa Tpke 576 West → Weirton +1 more
Princeton, WV → Wheeling, WV
Through: Parkersburg
New Cumberland, WV → Beckley, WV
Bluefield, WV → Moundsville, WV
Through: Parkersburg
Hinton, WV → Wheeling, WV
Through: Parkersburg
Weirton, WV → Beckley, WV
Weirton, WV → Mabscott, WV
Weirton, WV → Logan, WV
Petersburg, WV → Huntington, WV
Rainelle, WV → Martinsburg, WV