Highland Scenic Byway is in east-central West Virginia about 25 miles east of Summersville. It begins in Richwood and travels east to US 219, a distance of 43 miles. The byway follows WV 39 and WV 150, two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. West Virginia Highway 150 is not maintained during winter and is normally closed early December to March.
Highland Scenic Byway travels through the mountainous terrain of the Allegheny Highlands and Plateau. The byway climbs over 2,000 feet from Richwood to the crest of Black Mountain at 4,556 feet. Your scenic journey will take you through hardwood forests of yellow poplar, beech, maples, cherry, and oak trees with wildflowers growing alongside the road. The sparkling North Fork of the Cherry River will accompany you for the first part of your trip from Richwood. Three waterfalls at Falls of Hills Creek gracefully tumble over rock outcrops. A three-quarter-mile trail will guide you to these beautiful falls. The trail to the first waterfall is paved and barrier-free.
Near the intersection with WV 150 is the Cranberry Mountain Visitor Center. Nearby is the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, a National Natural Landmark. This is a 750-acre area with a half-mile long barrier-free boardwalk among the bogs. Bogs are acidic wetlands typically found in Canada and the northern United States. Guided tours are conducted on weekends throughout summer. West Virginia Highway 150 travels north alongside 35,864-acre Cranberry Wilderness. Trails accessed along this portion of the byway will take you through the heart of this mountain wilderness area.
Monongahela National Forest offers two camping areas along the byway with more throughout the forest. Summit Lake Campground is situated on the shoreline of a 42-acre lake and has 33 campsites. Anglers will find trout in the lake and many rivers throughout the national forest. Tea Creek Campground has 35 campsites for tents and recreational vehicles. Miles of hiking trails can also be accessed from here.