A morning odyssey along West Virginia's scenic highway

By Jonathan Eggleston for Real WV,

In the early morning light during peak Autumn foliage, I embarked on an unforgettable journey along the Scenic Highway located in Pocahontas County West Virginia, (a road winding through West Virginia’s back country). The Highway is a paved two-lane road, designated as State Routes 39 and 150. Route 150 is a 22.5 mile Parkway section that was designed to offer up an immersive experience among the region’s captivating beauty.

The 22.5 miles of State Route 150 was officially designated a National Scenic Byway in 1996. Four scenic overlooks provide comfortable rest stops along the way, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The overlooks are named Williams River, Big Spruce, Little Laurel, and Red Lick. The sites are dispersed along the route. The Highway traverses the terrain of the Allegheny Highlands and Plateau, and rises from 2,325 feet near Richwood to more than 4,500 feet.

Setting out from home at 4 am, I anticipated having the entire highway to myself as I planned to arrive just before sunrise. However, as the first light of day began to illuminate the landscape, another vehicle surprised me by pulling in. An elderly couple venturing from South Charleston had driven to this remote location to witness the magic of the Scenic Highway, truly showcasing its special allure.

Despite my initial expectation of solitude, meeting the couple and sharing the experience added an unexpected connection to my journey. With kind introductions, we smiled at the morning light unfolding around us, highlighting the universal charm of this captivating place.

To really capture the essence of the morning, I decided to capture the vast landscape by creating a few epic panoramas, (the light was just to good to resist). Panoramas give you the ability to showcase a much wider scene using a longer focal length, allowing you to capture more detail than a standard wide angle lens.

Also, fellow photographer Dave Green from Beckley, WV photographed the winter sky rising in all its glory above the highway and captured another enchanting Milky Way photo with the winding highway, emphasizing the Scenic Highway’s allure under the prestine dark skies of WV. (I couldn’t resist, lol)

It’s crucial to note that undertaking this route during winter requires caution due to potential snow cover. The road is NOT maintained during the winter, making the journey very hazardous. Checking the weather and planning accordingly are essential steps to ensure a safe experience. Also, the bathrooms are closed during winter months.

In the end, as the couple and I stood together, witnessing the magical morning unfold, the Scenic Highway became more than just a road; it became a place for shared experiences, connecting travelers from different corners of the state. In the heart of Pocahontas County, this scenic gem stands as a testament to the timeless beauty that nature offers up to those willing to embark on the journey.