Highland Scenic Highway
00 review932 Northfork Cherry Road Richwood, WV 26261
Highland Scenic Highway
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $25-$35 depending on the type of campsite reserved. Additional fees may apply for group sites.
About this campground
Journey along 43 miles of pure mountain majesty on the Highland Scenic Highway, a National Scenic Byway that winds through the heart of the Allegheny Highlands and Plateau. This remarkable route invites travelers to pause at carefully placed scenic overlooks, where interpretive trails and educational signs reveal the stories hidden within these ancient mountains. Each bend in the road unveils another breathtaking vista, making this one of the most photographed drives in the eastern United States.
The Highland Scenic Highway primarily caters to backpackers and visitors seeking minimal-impact camping opportunities. Traditional camping accommodations like RV or tent sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceStand atop Black Mountain, the highway's crown jewel at 4,550 feet, and you're witnessing more than just spectacular views – you're touching history. Thoughtfully placed interpretive signs share the dramatic tales of the logging era that once stripped these mountains bare, and the devastating fires that followed. Today's lush forests tell a story of nature's remarkable resilience and the dedicated conservation efforts that restored this wilderness to its current glory.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints the Highland Scenic Highway with its own dramatic palette. Spring arrives with a burst of wildflowers and mild temperatures perfect for hiking, while autumn transforms the landscape into a tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber. Summer brings lush green canopies and warm days ideal for picnicking at overlooks. Winter, however, demands respect – Route 150 becomes impassable and the highway transforms into a challenging passage best left to the most experienced winter travelers. Plan your visit between April and November for the safest and most rewarding experience.
ElevationAscend to where the air grows crisp and clear at elevations reaching 4,550 feet above sea level. This dramatic altitude creates a natural air conditioning system, offering a refreshing escape from summer heat while providing some of the most expansive panoramic views in the Appalachian region. The thin mountain air and cooler temperatures create an alpine-like environment rarely found this far south.
Natural Features and SceneryThe area features mountainous terrain with elevations from 2,325 feet to over 4,500 feet. Spring blossoms, summer greenery, and fall colors make the scenery particularly captivating.
Geological RegionExperience the dramatic geological story of the Allegheny Highlands and Plateau, where ancient forces sculpted a landscape that rises from a modest 2,325 feet near Richwood to towering peaks exceeding 4,500 feet. This remarkable elevation change compressed into such a short distance creates diverse ecosystems and microclimates that support an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, making every mile of your journey a new discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome overlooks, like Big Spruce Overlook, feature accessible boardwalks. The Honeycomb Rocks trail and Tea Creek Meadow trail also provide accessible routes, offering opportunities for individuals with varying mobility levels.
Sites SizeInformation about the exact sizes of campsites is not provided in the source materials.
Sites PrivacyThe source materials do not provide information about the level of privacy at campsites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Details about group camping are not provided in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNull
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round but Route 150 is not maintained in winter, and toilets at overlooks are closed during this season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Gauley District Richwood Office.
Walk-in AvailabilityNull
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The Highland Scenic Highway offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, backpacking, picnicking, scenic drives, and interpretive programs. Winter sports such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are also available. Each season brings unique charms, such as spring blossoms, summer greenery, and fall foliage.
Hiking
Trailheads near scenic overlooks support activities like day hiking and backpacking. Visitors are encouraged to practice minimum impact by camping away from trails and streams. Popular areas for backpacking include Cranberry and Tea Creek.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a key activity, with interpretive trails and signage offering insights into local ecosystems. The Big Spruce Overlook includes a boardwalk that highlights the area's logging and fire history.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational signs and interpretive trails provide insights into the area's history and ecology. Specific trails like Tea Creek Meadow highlight unique ecosystems.Winter Activities
Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are notable winter activities. The Parkway section supports snowmobiling, while a warming hut near US 219 serves as a hub for winter sports.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Null
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsWinter driving can be hazardous due to snow-covered and impassable roads between November and April. Visitors are encouraged to camp away from trails and streams.
Active alertsRoute 150 is not maintained during winter months; toilets are closed during this period.
Weather forecast
51
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The closest emergency services are at the Gauley District Richwood Office, located at 932 Northfork Cherry Road in Richwood.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingVisitors are instructed to follow a 'pack-it-in/pack-it-out' trash policy, emphasizing minimal impact. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNull
Common complaintsNull
HostNull
Campground Map
932 Northfork Cherry Road Richwood, WV 26261
Driving directionsTraveling south to north, follow State Route 150 from the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center twenty-two miles to US Route 219. The scenic overlooks are named Williams River, Big Spruce, Little Laurel, and Red Lick.
The road is fully paved and consists of two lanes. State Route 39 and 150 make up the Highland Scenic Highway, but note that the Parkway stretch (Route 150) is not maintained in winter and can be treacherous between November and April.Nearby places
Richwood is approximately 0 miles from the campground, Marlinton is 43 miles away.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Highland Scenic Highway has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are not included in the provided materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects cannot be summarized due to the absence of user reviews.
Common Concerns
There is no data from user reviews to document common complaints.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user tips or recommendations are available.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are derived from official sources, noting treacherous winter driving conditions and closed facilities during winter months. Spring, summer, and fall offer better accessibility and...
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Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are provided.
Site-Specific Reviews
User reviews for specific sites or overlooks are not available.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features such as boardwalks at Big Spruce Overlook and trails like Honeycomb Rocks are highlighted in official materials, but no user reviews discuss accessibility.
Pet-Friendly Features
There is no information on pet policies or experiences from pet owners.
Last updated August 10, 2025