Blending Outdoor Experiences, Great Views, and History in West Virginia
Photo Credit: West Virginia Tourism (Visit Mountaineer Country)
Photo Credit: West Virginia Tourism (Visit Mountaineer Country)
Bring your hiking boots and adventurous spirit as history abounds on Old Route 7 Byway in West Virginia! Get ready to enjoy the outdoors in West Virginia on this 43-mile scenic byway. Old Route 7 Byway blends views of mountains, rivers, and forests with historical sites and districts. Old Route 7 lies 3 hours west of Washington, D.C. and 1.5 hours from Pittsburg in the north central portion of West Virginia and runs northwest from the Maryland State Line to Morgantown, West Virginia. Starting in Maryland, it is also known as Veterans Memorial Highway.
Looking for history and adventure?
You will travel through the unincorporated community of Corinth, rich with coal mining history, past the Hopemont State Hospital, to Terra Alta. Late in the day, stop at High Ground Brewing and enjoy the tasting room and the food trucks/ taproom snacks.
Photo Credit: West Virginia Tourism (Visit Mountaineer Country)
Back on the road, enjoy views of the Allegheny Mountains and the many churches that dot the countryside. East of Kingwood, see the Briery Mountains, exceeding 3,000 feet in elevation and marking the northern extent of the Allegheny Mountains. Cross the Cheat River and to the community of Kingwood. Just to the north of Kingwood, in the town of Albright, is the Wilderness Voyagers outpost where parties (age 16 and older) can gear up and travel the 11-mile long white-water rafting trip down the Cheat River, enjoying the 40+ rapids.
Take time to enjoy the zoo and perhaps a hike
If you aren’t the adventurous type, perhaps Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo (West Virginia’s Zoo) is more your speed. The zoo, open April- October, offers both native and exotic animals from across the world.
Back on the road, Old Route 7 travels through Reedsville. A side trip to the community of Arthurdale, to the south, offers its Historic District and the first New Deal Homestead to you. In the community of Masontown, stretch your legs at the Deckers Creek Trail as it follows Deckers Creek. Back in your vehicle, you will follow Deckers Creek as it winds through the countryside.
Photo credit: Wilderness Voyageurs
Making your way into Morgantown, this larger city offers visits to West Virginia University, museums, parks, a science center, theatre, an arboretum, farmer’s market, and even a Don Knotts statue.
Plan to take your time
Old Route 7 is a one-hour drive but please allow plenty of time for stops to enjoy the history, views, food, and outdoor experiences.
https://www.visitmountaineercountry.com/
https://nsbfoundation.com/sb/old-route-7/
Photo credit: Arthurdale Heritage
Events
New Deal Festival 2nd Sat in July, Arthurdale, WV
West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival Sept 6-7, 2025, Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, Morgantown, WV
Preston County Buckwheat Festival, Sept 25-28, 2025, Kingwood, WV