Letters From West Virginia

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If You Go

Roads
US33: from Ripley, WV to Elkins, WV
US219: from Marlinton, WV north to US50 (and probably all the way into Pennsylvania) (see: Seneca Trail)
US250: from Thornwood, WV to Monterey, VA (and probably to West Augusta)
WV39/WV150 (aka Highland Scenic Highway)
Virginia39/WV39: from Warm Springs, WV west to Marlinton, WV
US220: from Monterey south to Warm Springs
WV28: from Judy Gap, WV south to WV39 (also WV 92 which runs concurrently with or parallel to 28 in this area)
WV66: between US219 and WV92 (Snowshoe area)
WV15 : from US219 west to Webster Springs (and probably further)
WV 20: from Webster Springs to Fenwick/WV39
Probably others, but what I included above will keep you moto-happy for several days. Also, omitted the fantastic roads in Southern Ohio because they were a lagniappe provided by TheFerret on our way back home.

Sights
Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area

Overlooks along Highland Scenic Highway

New River Gorge Bridge

Hawk’s Nest State Park

Beartown State Park (although we never made it to this park)

Portsmouth Flood Wall Murals


Lodging
Hampton Inn Elkins -- Great location, clean rooms, generally helpful staff, free shuttle into town.
Marlinton Motor Inn -- Motel in transition, but for the better. Great rates, decent restaurant on property, clean, but basic rooms. Cheap. Great location near a very twisty part of US219

Food
High’s Restaurant - Monterey, VA. Best rainbow trout I’ve ever had. Charming and authentic ambience really good food and great service.
Debbie’s Main Street Café - Webster Springs, WV. The ride there is better than the food, but the food is great both for breakfast and for lunch. Be sure to walk down to the Elk River before or after your meal.
Hawk’s Nest Restaurant – Hawk’s Nest State Park. Average food, but great view of the New River. Lunch only, I think, and they close pretty early at least in the fall.
The Scioto Ribber - Portsmouth, OH. Great steak, grilled to your taste. Great ambience. Arrive hungry.

Lastly, If you go and if your wife rides or rides with you, bring her along.