​Follow the Seneca Trail through the heart of West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands and Greenbrier Valley.

WRITTEN BY Nikki Bowman Mills, Pam Kasey & Devin Lacy
PHOTOGRAPHED BY Nikki Bowman Mills & Carla Witt Ford

If you’re craving picturesque peaks and a little bit of mountain magic, take the Seneca Trail (U.S. Route 219). This legendary route brings you through the heart of West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands and Greenbrier Valley—from the artsy, laid-back town of Thomas to the storybook streets of Lewisburg. Along the way, you’ll find jaw-dropping vistas, quirky small towns, and plenty of reasons to pull over and stay awhile.

TUCKER COUNTY

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This is West Virginia’s outdoor playground. Hikers and cyclists will find a network of trails suitable for all levels. Blackwater Falls is an iconic must-see. Discover wildlife and natural beauty at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and enjoy a range of family fun at Canaan Valley Resort State Park, including sporting clays, a scenic chairlift ride, golf, and more. If shopping is your happy place, in Thomas, explore Nellie Rose Textiles for handmade clothing and jewelry and Ella & Company for botanical-inspired home goods. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the vibrant and eclectic pieces at Invisible and Creature. Over in Davis, The Davis Depot has the gear you need, and Blackwater Bikes is one of the state’s premier bike shops. WV Highlands Artisan Gallery showcases regional artisans, while Wild Ginger & Spice offers natural products and unique gifts.

DINE & DRINK

Grab a coffee at TipTop Coffee. For eclectic ethnic tapas-style dishes, visit ISH Kitchen at The Billy Motel. In Thomas, The Purple Fiddle serves up American fare alongside live performances. Stop at Mt. Top Convenience for Best of West Virginia–winning pepperoni rolls. In Davis, cozy Milo’s Cafe provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, plus specialty cocktails. Sirianni’s Cafe is a local favorite, known for its pizzas and warm veggie hoagies. In need of a good pour, head to Stumptown Ales and New Heritage Distillery in Davis and Mountain State Brewing Company in Thomas.

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RANDOLPH COUNTY

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Outdoor enthusiasts can find a world of hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation in the Monongahela National Forest. Ride the rails with a scenic trip aboard the New Tygart Flyer excursion train. Or time your visit to the Augusta Heritage and Craft Fair in July or the massive celebration of all things fall at the Mountain State Forest Festival. The Delmonte Market on Railroad Avenue features jewelry, clothing, and arts and crafts. Artists at Work is a cooperative gallery showcasing local art, and beloved local artist Rosalie Haizlett’s charming studio and shop, Meander, will be opening in late spring beside the Tygart Hotel downtown.

DINE & DRINK

Smoke on the Water BBQ is renowned for flavorful BBQ, Clementine’s Cantina serves up fresh Tex-Mex, and El Gran Sabor dishes out amazing authentic Venezuelan food and live music on weekends. C.J. Maggie’s features casual American classics. On the Davis & Elkins College campus, Graceland Inn & Restaurant offers dinner and Sunday brunch in an elegant Victorian mansion. For upscale dining and an unbeatable view, head to The Forks Restaurant & Inn.

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POCAHONTAS COUNTY

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The crown jewel of the Potomac Highlands is Snowshoe Mountain Resort, and the drive to this treasure is worth every turn—you can easily fill several days adventuring here, with mountain biking, hiking, ziplining, scenic lift rides, and afternoons at Shavers Lake. Marlinton is a charming town along the Greenbrier River, perfect for a riverside stroll. If you have time, rent a bike or kayak from Appalachian Sport and ride or float a stretch of the Greenbrier River Trail. West Virginia’s largest state park, Watoga State Park, isn’t far away, but you’ll feel a lifetime removed from modern stresses. Visit the site of West Virginia’s largest Civil War battle, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. The observation tower gives you an amazing panoramic view of the rolling hills. One of the state park system’s tiny treasures is Beartown State Park, where you’ll enjoy boardwalk trails through fascinating rock formations.

DINE & DRINK

There are a plethora of food options in the village at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, like the Junction Ale House and Sunset Cantina. The Raven Grille at the golf course offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For an upscale dinner, 10 Prime at Soaring Eagle or The Appalachian Kitchen in Corduroy Inn & Lodge are the places to go. Wind down in the evening with a craft brew at Old Spruce Brewing. Looking for a good hot dog or ice cream cone before heading to the river? Check out Jack Horner’s Corner in Seebert. Alfredo’s Italian and Greek in Marlinton is a local fave. Dirt Bean Cafe and Bike Shop is a great place to fuel up before hitting the trails, and you’ll enjoy comfort food overlooking the Greenbrier River at the Greenbrier Grille in Marlinton. For delicious farm-to-table inspired food in Hillsboro, visit Hillsboro Public House.

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GREENBRIER COUNTY

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Change your mode of transportation and kayak or canoe the Greenbrier River for a peaceful ride through the mountains. But if you prefer to stretch your legs in a different manner, take a walk in historic Lewisburg, ranked as one of America’s coolest small towns. Downtown Lewisburg is brimming with great shops, so block off a couple of hours to peruse them. Add a dash of culture to your trip with a show at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre or Carnegie Hall, and take a trip to the past with a self-guided tour of the North House Museum. If you’re up for one last adventure, explore Lost World Caverns—a spectacular underground cave system.

DINE & DRINK

The stretch of the Seneca Trail that runs through Greenbrier County could be renamed the Tasty Trail. For a freshly baked hand pie or pepperoni roll, stop at Good Roads Bakehouse in Frankford, and save room for a made-to-order sandwich or fresh bread from Taste of Heaven Bakery in Maxwelton. While in Maxwelton, visit the award-winning Smooth Ambler Distillery and Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company. With choices like farm-to-table superstar Star Dust Cafe or longtime institution Food & Friends, downtown Lewisburg is a foodie’s dream. For Italian-inspired food and a charming outdoor courtyard, try Humble Tomato. Down the street, Hill & Holler also serves up pizza, calzones, and sandwiches. For French food at its finest, The French Goat is the place to go for dinner, or try Livery Tavern for amazing steak or lamb shank. If you are wanting a great burger and beer selection, head to The Asylum or enjoy a brew or two at Briergarten, an open-air beer garden.

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