Midland Trail

Byway Details

Designation

National Scenic Byway

Length

113 mi in West Virginia

About Midland Trail

Midland Trail is a 112.7-mile scenic drive across southern West Virginia, recognized both as a National Scenic Byway and as a West Virginia State Scenic Byway. The western end starts in Charleston, and from there the route strings together a long line of communities, including Montgomery, Gauley Bridge, Ansted, Rainelle and Lewisburg, before finishing in White Sulphur Springs. The stretch out of Charleston passes a run of small towns close together: Malden, Belle, Cedar Grove, Pratt and Smithers among them. Farther east, the road reaches Glen Ferris and Gauley Bridge, then climbs on toward Ansted and Hico. Past Rainelle and Rupert, the final miles lead into Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs. Late spring and early fall tend to be the most comfortable times to drive it. A nearby weather station at Charleston records typical averages of highs around 76°F in May and 80°F in September. That station sits at about 910 feet, so expect somewhat cooler temperatures on the higher ground along the eastern part of the route. The drive also makes an easy base for getting out of the car. Cliffside Trail and the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail sit right beside the route, and climbers can reach Hawk's Nest Proper within half a mile. The Greenbrier River Trail lies about a mile off the road.