Almost Heaven: A 105-Mile Road Trip Through West Virginia

I recently took a whirlwind driving tour of the scenic landscapes of West Virginia. Spanning 105 miles with a modest driving time of 2.5 hours, this road trip had a collection of memorable experiences, from historic West Virginia University in Morgantown, to the majestic rock formations of Seneca rocks. I even stopped for ice cream along the way.

Morgantown

My first stop was Morgantown, which is nestled amidst the picturesque hills of northern West Virginia. It is home to West Virginia University (WVU), known for its rigorous academic programs, vibrant student life, serene surroundings and historic architecture.  Morgantown has a lively downtown at night, with numerous shops, restaurants, and bars.  It also has numerous natural treasures within and just outside of the city.

Downtown Morgantown

The downtown area is filled with shops and restaurants in a picturesque setting.  I found that the bridge adjacent to Hazel Ruby McQuain Park is a good vantage point to photograph Morgantown.

As nightfall approaches, downtown Morgantown transforms into a lively hub as the bars fill with people.

The downtown area is fairly compact and walkable, and your best bet is to secure a spot on the street or a parking garage and walk around.

West Virginia University

Located in the heart of Morgantown, on a hill overlooking downtown Morgantown, West Virginia University (WVU) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. Home to a diverse student body and a faculty committed to fostering growth and knowledge, WVU is known for its rigorous academic programs and an environment that encourages research and creativity.

As you stroll through the sprawling grounds of West Virginia University (WVU), the architecture stands as a harmonious blend of historic and modern buildings, with ample green spaces that dot the campus.

Cool Springs Park

Cool Springs Park is a neat little shopping center and rest area about an hour southeast of Morgantown in Rowlesburg, West Virginia that I happened upon while looking for somewhere to buy a drink.  

Cool Springs Park is known for its rustic charm and offers a nice break for travelers. It has a collection of antique farm and mill equipment. A miniature train display and an aged water wheel add to its vintage charm. The park even has farm animals.

Cool Springs Park is a general store, gas station, antique store, convenience store, and hardware store all in one place.  The diner on site serves breakfast, lunch, and shakes.  The diner was pretty busy on a Sunday morning when I was there.

The restrooms were large and clean, but the store didn't seem to have a lot of local souvenirs.

Davis, West Virginia

After Cool Springs park, I stopped in Davis, West Virginia. Nestled in the picturesque Allegheny Mountains, it is known for its proximity to natural attractions and outdoor recreational activities.  It is about 44 minutes southeast of Cool Springs Park, about an hour and half southeast of Morgantown, and just outside of Blackwater Falls State Park.

Davis has a charming vibe with a selection of restaurants, shops, and lodging facilities that cater to tourists visiting the region. It was very busy when I visited.  

I stopped by a place called The Ice Cream Shop, which as the name suggests, had very good ice cream.  Unfortunately, they only make milkshakes out of soft serve ice cream and my shake was okay at best.  I would recommend going for the hand dipped ice cream here.

Blackwater Falls

The next stop was Blackwater Falls State Park, just outside of Davis, West Virginia. The park gets its name from the amber-colored waters of the Blackwater River, a sight to behold as it cascades down a five-story ledge, presenting a perfect photo opportunity for visitors.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was a parking lot and trading post a short walk from the falls. The trading post has food and souvenirs. There were portable toilets outside of the trading post when I visited, but there are clean and modern restrooms inside.

Seneca Rocks

The last stop was Seneca Rocks.  Seneca Rocks is one of the most famous landmarks in West Virginia, renowned for its impressive rock formations. Seneca Rocks is located in the eastern part of the state in Pendleton County, about 45 minutes southeast of Blackwater Falls State Park and about 2 hours and 15 minutes southeast of Morgantown. These majestic rocks are a prominent feature in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, which is part of the larger Monongahela National Forest.

The rocks themselves are a towering rock formation rising nearly 900 feet that can be seen from the nearby town. I was surprised to find out that you can actually climb Seneca Rocks, and that it is a popular destination for rock climbers.  

For everyone else, there are a number of well-maintained hiking trails, including the Seneca Rocks Trail, which leads to an observation platform.  I didn't have time to hike to the top of the rocks, but a ranger in the Discovery center said that it is a relatively moderate hike that can be completed, round trip, in a couple of hours.

Besides the outdoor adventures, the area near Seneca Rocks offers educational opportunities through the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, where visitors can learn about the natural history and cultural heritage of the region.