Itineraries
Cranberry Country Scenic Loop
Journey Overview
Cranberry Country Scenic Loop delivers three days of spectacular driving and moderate day hiking through the southern Monongahela National Forest’s highest mountains from Marlinton through Richwood and Cowen. The route features two dramatic byways: the Highland Scenic Highway, which climbs over 4,500 feet and offers four panoramic overlooks, and the remote Williams River Scenic Backway, which follows crystal-clear wilderness waters. Day-hike options showcase sweeping ridge-top vistas, moss-covered hardwood forests, cascading waterfalls, and unique boreal bogs throughout West Virginia’s highland plateau.
Best Times to Visit
Late May through early October offers the best conditions for hiking and scenic driving.
- Late spring brings peak waterfall flow, wildflowers, and mild temperatures.
- Summer offers warm days with cooler temperatures at higher elevations, ideal for escaping valley heat.
- September delivers crisp air, fewer insects, and lighter crowds.
- Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-October, though this is the busiest time and advance planning is recommended.
- The Highland Scenic Highway generally closes with snowfall, typically from November through April.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marlinton & the Highland Scenic Highway
Highland Highway hikes
Morning
Breakfast in Marlinton:
- Rivertown Café – Coffee, creative breakfast entrees, and grab-and-go bites in a historic storefront. Upstairs stores feature local art and handcrafted goods.
- Dirt Bean Café – Delicious coffee, sweet pastries, and a bike-friendly atmosphere.
- Greenbrier Grille – Classic American Breakfast on the Greenbrier River.
Midday
Highland Scenic Highway
Head north on US-219 for 7 miles, then turn left onto Highland Scenic Highway (WV-150), 30-40 minutes to the trailheads.
Option A: Red Spruce Knob Trail (Most Popular)
Climb through an enchanting moss-covered red spruce forest to reach the highest elevation along the Highland Scenic Highway. This beloved trail offers a perfect introduction to the ancient boreal ecosystem that makes this region unique. Limited trailhead parking is available at the parking area between Red Lick and Little Laurel Overlooks.
- Distance: 2.1 miles (out-and-back)
- Elevation Gain: 400 ft
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Option B: Black Mountain Trail
Follow a historic 1930s logging railroad grade through dense hardwood and spruce forests connecting two major overlooks and two unique forest ecosystems. This peaceful trail leads into the Cranberry Wilderness, offering solitude and forest immersion, with remnants of the area’s timber industry. Ample trailhead parking is available at Big Spruce and Williams River Overlooks.
- Distance: 4.4 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 575 ft
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Lunch Break
Pack lunch from Marlinton or bring trail snacks. Our top picnic spots:
- Williams River Valley Overlook
- Big Spruce Overlook (Restrooms Available)
- Little Laurel Overlook
- Red Lick Overlook
- Williams River Road Pavillion (located just below US150/WV86 intersection)
Afternoon
High Rocks Trail
Continue south on Highland Scenic Highway past Williams River Valley Overlook for 3 miles. Limited trailhead parking is available to the left.
Experience the most dramatic viewpoint on the Highland Scenic Highway from a rocky outcrop perched high above the Williams River valley. The sweeping 180-degree vista showcases layer upon layer of Appalachian ridges stretching into Virginia.
- Distance: 3.1 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 375 ft
- Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Return to Marlinton
Take the Highland Scenic Highway south to US-219 for the return to Marlinton.
Night
Dinner in Marlinton
- Trailhead Pizza Company – Pizza and craft beer right next to a bike shop!
- Alfredo’s Greek & Italian – Casual Italian and Greek dishes, from pasta to pizza. Relaxed family atmosphere with outdoor seating that can also be ordered from the neighboring Old Mountain Tavern.
- Greenbrier Grille – Fill up on country classics with riverside dining and watch Marlinton’s iconic feathered friends wade in the water!
- Dari Land – Outdoor seating for ice cream, burgers, and other American classics- perfect for the Discovery Junction picnic!
- Mim’s Kitchen – Homecooked Mid-Century meals- Cafeteria Style. Fill up a plate and grab one of their signature sweet treats.
Evening Activities
Option A: Live Entertainment
- Pocahontas County Opera House – Historic venue that has hosted quality music and theatrical performances since 1907.
- Discovery Junction – Outdoor stage and greenspace that frequently hosts community events.
- Old Mountain Tavern Catch music or join in on karaoke and trivia nights at this lively local bar.
Option B: Marlinton Overlook Trail
A quick climb to an elevated viewing platform rewards you with stunning panoramic views over historic downtown Marlinton, the Greenbrier River, and the surrounding mountains. Perfect time for golden hour photography as the sun sets over the valley.
- Distance: 1.5 miles (out-and-back)
- Elevation Gain: 275 ft
- Time: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate (steep)
Option C: Riverside Stroll
Wind down after a long day of mountain adventures straight from downtown along the paved Greenbrier River Trail and Marlinton’s Stillwell Park.
Where to Stay
- Downtown Rentals – Easy access to dining and shops.
- Marlinton Motor Inn – Pet-friendly retreat with pool.
- Old Clark Inn – Cozy BnB with outdoor deck and fire pit.
- Stillwell Park Campground – Riverside dispersed camping.
Day 2: Cranberry Country & Richwood
WETLANDS & WATERFALLS
Morning
Breakfast in Marlinton:
Try out a new favorite from our Day 1 suggestions!
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
Take US-219 south and continue onto the Highland Scenic Highway (WV-39) for 20–25 minutes. The Nature Center is located at the intersection of WV-150 and WV-39.
Stop in for excellent interpretive exhibits, current trail conditions, and maps. Warm up along a short interpretive path located behind the building, which leads to a scenic overlook with views across the Little Levels Valley.
Cranberry Glades Boardwalk Trail
A short 5-minute drive from Nature Center, travel 2 miles west on the Highland Scenic Highway (US-39), then turn right on Forest Road 102.
Experience one of West Virginia’s most unique and iconic ecosystems- a high-elevation boreal bog typically found in Canada. The accessible boardwalk loops through sphagnum moss mats, stunted red spruce, and carnivorous plant habitat.
- Distance: 0.6 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 10 ft
- Time: 15-30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Midday
Option A: Falls of Hills Creek Trail (Most Popular)
Continue on WV-39 west for a 10-minute drive on the Highland Scenic Highway, then turn left at the sign.
A short but dramatic hike descending into a narrow sandstone gorge to visit three of West Virginia’s tallest waterfalls. Expect stairs, misty air, and powerful cascades—especially in spring.
- Distance: 1.4 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 300 ft
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Moderate
Option B: Cow Pasture & Thomas Reserve Loop (For Bog Lovers)
If the Cranberry Glades left you wanting more, this longer loop departs from the same trailhead and explores the wetland wilderness boundaries of the Cranberry Glades National Botanical Area.
- Distance: 7.1 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 400 ft
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Lunch Break
Great picnic stops along the route include:
- Cranberry Mountain Nature Center Pavilion
- Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area
- North Bend Picnic Area
All offer picnic tables, shade, restrooms, and easy access back onto WV-39 for your drive to Richwood.
Afternoon
Drive to Richwood
Continue west on WV-39 for 15–20 minutes to reach Richwood, a historic mountain town along the Cherry River.
Rudolph Falls & Gateway Trail
Just outside downtown, take a short walk along the river, starting at the Gauley Ranger Station, or jump into a refreshing cascade located next to the Four Seasons Lodge in Richwood- perfect for warm summer afternoons.
Explore Historic Downtown
Browse galleries, walk Richwood’s historic district, or stop into local shops for handmade goods and river-town nostalgia.
Night
Dinner Options:
- Oddfellows – Comfort food classics with local charm located in a restored historic building.
- Oakford Diner – A long-standing Richwood favorite with a nostalgic american menu.
- CB’s Hole in the Wall – Casual meals in a laid-back atmosphere.
Where to Stay
- Downtown Rentals – Easy access to dining and shops.
- Summit Lake Campground – Lakeside forest setting.
- Cranberry Campground / Big Rock Campground – National Forest camping close to the wilderness.
Day 3: Cowen & Williams River Backway
Webster County & Williams River
Morning
Sunrise at Summit Lake
15 minutes from Richwood, follow Highland Highway (US39) for 7 miles, then turn left onto Summit Lake Road and continue straight to a calm mountain lake framed by spruce and hardwoods- perfect for early morning photography, birdwatching, or a quiet stroll.
Summit Lake Trail
A gentle loop tracing the shoreline with frequent water views.
- Distance: 1.7 miles (loop)
- Elevation Gain: 50 ft
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Morning Murals & Coffee
Stop at Rosewood Coffee downtown for fresh brews, locally inspired flavors, and amazing national forest-themed merch. Take a stroll through downtown to see some of Richwood’s incredible murals and visit the Mill Whistle Arts and Richwood Heritage Center for hands-on lumber-town history.
Midday
Drive to Williams River
Depart the Highland Scenic Highway (for now!) Follow WV-20 north for 30 minutes.
Brunch in Cowen
- Hilltop Diner – Classic homestyle meals and friendly small-town atmosphere.
Cowen Nature Walks
For a light walk before heading into the Williams River Backcountry, Big Ditch Wildlife Management Area offers a peaceful, family-friendly loop through forest and lakeshore habitat. Alternatively, stop by Cowen’s 3 miles of multi-use downtown Nature Trails, located just past the IGA on Railroad Ave, which offer a more rugged trip through Webster County’s forested hills.
- Distance: 2-3 miles
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Williams River Scenic Backway
One of the most beautiful and remote drives in the Monongahela National Forest. The road follows the crystal-clear Williams River through steep-walled wilderness valleys rich in wildlife, swimming holes, and fishing access. This route reconnects with the Highland Scenic Highway, setting you up for optional short hikes in the Tea Creek / Honeycomb Rocks area.
Afternoon
Option A: Tea Creek Interpretive Trail
A peaceful forest walk with wildflower meadows, interpretive signs, and a wildlife viewing area.
- Distance: 0.8 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 70 ft
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Option B: Honeycomb Rocks Trail
A short loop to a fascinating rock formation featuring geometric “honeycomb” weathering patterns.
- Distance: 0.4 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 40 ft
- Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Option C: Complete Your Alternate Hike
If you didn’t get to Red Spruce Knob, Black Mountain, High Rocks, or Greenbrier River Trails earlier in the trip, this is a great time to complete one before sunset, before returning to Marlinton or Richwood for dinner, depending on your lodging.
Night
Add evening/night details here.
MAP
Planning Notes
Navigation & Cell Service
Cell service ranges from spotty to nonexistent throughout much of this route, particularly on the Highland Scenic Highway, around Cranberry Glades, and in Holly River State Park. Download offline maps before departing and carry paper maps. The Marlinton area generally has better coverage than remote forest locations.
Weather Considerations
High-elevation areas like Cranberry Glades (3,400 feet) and Summit Lake (3,392 feet) are significantly cooler than surrounding valleys—often 10-20°F cooler. Pack layers regardless of season. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; plan strenuous hikes for morning hours.
Road Conditions
The Highland Scenic Highway (WV-150) is closed in winter due to snow. Forest roads to Summit Lake and other recreation areas are paved but narrow and winding. Roads to Holly River State Park wind through steep mountain terrain—drive cautiously, especially with larger vehicles.
Seasonal Considerations
Many facilities in this region operate seasonally. Swimming pools at state parks, the Holly River Restaurant, and some lodging options are only available Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cranberry Glades boardwalk and Falls of Hills Creek remain accessible spring through fall but close in winter.
Wildlife
Black bears are present throughout the region; practice proper food storage when camping. The high-elevation bogs support species typically found much farther north. Ticks are common—check family members after outdoor activities.
Water Safety
Always supervise children near rivers and lakes. Greenbrier River currents can be swift after rain. Water shoes are recommended for rocky river bottoms. Never dive in natural swimming areas due to submerged rocks.
Leave No Trace
The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is a particularly sensitive ecosystem—staying on the boardwalk is essential to protect rare plants. Pack out all trash throughout the route, and respect wilderness regulations in the Monongahela National Forest.