The Midland Trail in West Virginia

Length: 120.47 miles
Time to Allow: 3 hours to drive or 8 hours to visit this scenic road trip.

The trip beings on the eastern end, encounter colonial Lewisburg, and the oldest golf course in the U.S. It ends at the State Capitol and travel through Malden, boyhood home of Booker T. Washington. You will pass through white-water mountain country and the breathtaking scenery of Babcock State Park, New River Gorge and Hawks Nest State Park.

Overview

Travel the Midland Trail and enter a land of world-class whitewater rafting, Civil War remnants, African-American history, and small towns full of country charm. The Scenic road trip will carry you through areas rich in industrial culture, over hills and through valleys arrayed in scenic beauty, and finally out into rolling farmland settled during the Colonial Era.

If you're in the mood for adventure, spend a day on the New River. The river runs through Hawks Nest State Park, where you can take in panoramic views of peaceful Hawks Nest Lake and the New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge is the second longest single-span steel arch bridge in the world, and at 876 feet above the New River, it's also the second highest bridge in the country and an amazing sight to see. 

From the Hawks Nest Lodge, catch a ride on the tram that will take you down those 876 feet to the lake at the bottom of the gorge. The tram ride will create an adrenalin rush for some people, but for others, it's just not enough. So, once a year, on the third Saturday of October, watch as adventurers jump off the bridge and plummet towards the water below with only a few moments to open their parachutes. 

This day, known as Bridge Day, is the only time it's legal to jump from the bridge, and you have to be a trained skydiver and BASE (Buildings, Antennae, Spans, Earth) jumper in order to jump. But anyone can watch and you're sure to experience a thrill just by doing so. For added excitement of your own, try rafting the New River. With 23 rapids (2 of them Class V), it is one of the most challenging wild waterways in the nation.

The Midland Trail is packed full of history. The Trail itself was a warpath for both Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. As you travel the Trail watch for Civil War historical sites, or find yourself in the middle of a battle at one of the re-enactments that are held in several towns along the Scenic road trip. Explore the history of other important national figures and events while at the Daniel Boone Park. 

One of the grandest historical sites on the Scenic road trip is the award-winning Greenbrier Resort. You won't want to miss this 225 year-old attraction. And while you're in the area, take advantage of the opportunity to golf the oldest course in the country, Oakhurst Links, which is only minutes from the Greenbrier. On this 1884 course, you must use 19th Century wooden clubs and equipment and play by 19th Century rules. The 35 sheep that roam freely and keep the golf course "mowed" will add to the authenticity of your experience.

While traveling the Midland Trail, don't forget to simply enjoy the country charm along the way. For a real treat, stop by Cabin Creek Quilts in Malden. Cabin Creek Quilts has made quilts for such figures as Jackie Kennedy, Barbara Streisand and several U.S. Presidents. Take home a quilt made just for you, or find a souvenir at one of the many antique shops or local flea markets. You're sure to find something to carry home with you, whether it's a trinket of some kind or simply fond memories of your trip on the Midland Trail.

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