Spent a couple of days riding in the mountains of West Virginia. 1st time for me. Here are some of my observations:
WV 55 is a great road but it's character has been compromised as a portion in now a 4-lane freeway (part of Corridor H). This freeway cuts through mountains and fills in valleys. Traffic on this freeway, which cost several million per mile to build, was very light. This is a waste of taxpayer money and it has ruined the beautiful mountain scenery and road. Along the freeway you will see signs directing you to the old 55, however.
Ditto for US 33 - it also has some segments with Corridor H freeway. A must stop is Seneca Rocks at the intersection of WV 55 and US 33. Be sure to visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and check out Harper's Old Country Store.
Rode US 50 from Clarksburg to Ellenboro. Also a 4-lane freeway (Corridor D) and a bit of a disappointment. Traffic was moderate on this segment.
From Ellenboro I took WV 16 to St. Mary. If the rest of 16 is as good as this small segment, you can't go wrong. St. Mary is unique in that a railroad runs down the center of the main street. I talked to a local and he said that several trains come through daily and St Marys is one of only 2-3 towns in the US with this rare situation. When a train approaches, lights flash to warn motorists to move to the side and make way for the train. An opportunity for a quick stop and photo op.
WV 7 was the real deal and it restored my faith in WV roads. Light traffic and endless curves.
Overall, these roads in the WV mountains were a enjoyable ride. Look forward to getting back to this area and explore other roads.
WV 55 is a great road but it's character has been compromised as a portion in now a 4-lane freeway (part of Corridor H). This freeway cuts through mountains and fills in valleys. Traffic on this freeway, which cost several million per mile to build, was very light. This is a waste of taxpayer money and it has ruined the beautiful mountain scenery and road. Along the freeway you will see signs directing you to the old 55, however.
Ditto for US 33 - it also has some segments with Corridor H freeway. A must stop is Seneca Rocks at the intersection of WV 55 and US 33. Be sure to visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and check out Harper's Old Country Store.
Rode US 50 from Clarksburg to Ellenboro. Also a 4-lane freeway (Corridor D) and a bit of a disappointment. Traffic was moderate on this segment.
From Ellenboro I took WV 16 to St. Mary. If the rest of 16 is as good as this small segment, you can't go wrong. St. Mary is unique in that a railroad runs down the center of the main street. I talked to a local and he said that several trains come through daily and St Marys is one of only 2-3 towns in the US with this rare situation. When a train approaches, lights flash to warn motorists to move to the side and make way for the train. An opportunity for a quick stop and photo op.
WV 7 was the real deal and it restored my faith in WV roads. Light traffic and endless curves.
Overall, these roads in the WV mountains were a enjoyable ride. Look forward to getting back to this area and explore other roads.
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