Motor the Midland Trail for an unforgettable West Virginia road trip.

marshall university — **BLENKO GLASS COMPANY** What better way to commemorate a West Virginia journey than with a beautiful piece of Blenko glass?

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

Running from Kenova to White Sulphur Springs—from one state border to the next—the stretch of road known as the Midland Trail takes you through some of the state’s most vibrant cities and breathtaking outdoor recreation opportunities. This Route 60 road trip covers a small portion of the trail, taking travelers through colorful Midland Trail towns like Huntington and Barboursville, Milton down through St. Albans and Charleston, and over into the beautiful Gauley Bridge and Ansted. The adventures are endless, with plenty of places to discover and core memories to make in the heart of the Mountain State.

Travel Times

via Route 60
Huntington to Milton 40 minutes
Milton to Hurricane 15 minutes
Hurricane to St. Albans 20 minutes
St. Albans to South Charleston 15 minutes
South Charleston to Charleston 15 minutes
Charleston to Gauley Bridge 1 hour
Gauley Bridge to Ansted 20 minutes

HUNTINGTON TO HURRICANE

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Huntington is a thriving and bustling community hub in the Metro Valley region. The Huntington Museum of Art offers stunning exhibits, workshops and classes, and the state’s only plant conservatory. Pullman Square is a prime destination for shopping and entertainment. If you’re looking for gifts made by talented West Virginian artisans, you won’t leave The Red Caboose or Full Circle Gifts and Goods empty-handed. For family-friendly fun, head to Heritage Farm for adrenaline-pumping outdoor recreation, a hands-on nature center, and more. No one should drive by Milton without visiting the gift shop at the iconic Blenko Glass Co. By the time you hit Hurricane, you’ll probably want to stretch your legs. Valley Park offers scenic walking trails, picnic shelters, a dog park, and the Zoology Zone Science Center, where you can have a hands-on immersive experience with all kinds of critters. And if you need to cool down, visit Waves of Fun. Route 60 takes you right through St. Albans, where 13 buildings and districts are on the National Register.

DINE & DRINK

bit of heaven cupcakes — **LIL’ BIT OF HEAVEN CUPCAKES** This bakery’s swirled rolls ensure pepperoni goodness in every bite.

Find haus-cranked sausages, varied libations, and so much more on the menu at Bahnhof WVrsthaus & Biergarten. If you’re looking for more classic American fare, nothing says summer more than Frostop Drive-In. Over on 3rd Avenue, Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar serves up the best of both worlds: Crab Rangoon Pizza, anyone? Speaking of pizza, Christopher Eats, located right off Route 60 in Barboursville, is known for its coal-fired, artisan flatbreads. Nearby, Fat Patty’s and Oscar’s Breakfast, Burgers & Brews are must-trys. In St. Albans, swing by The Tap for seasonal cocktails or even Sunday brunch!

CHARLESTON

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The capital city with a dome of gold, Charleston is a landmark stop along Route 60. Explore the city’s Downtown Historic District, full of notable landmarks, culture, and history. Time spent wandering through the West Virginia State Museum is never wasted—and the experience is free! And since it’s located on the Capitol Complex, you’ll have unfettered views of our beautiful Capitol building. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, catch free concerts every Friday at Haddad Riverfront Park’s outdoor amphitheater. Find local wares, fresh produce, and delicious meals at Capitol Market. Beyond the market, ample shopping opportunities are available at local favorites like Kinship Goods, Taylor Books, and Eggplant. For more family fun with an educational twist, plan to spend a day at the Clay Center.

DINE & DRINK

Wet your whistle on Charleston’s Brewers Row, made up of three local breweries—Fife Street Brewing, Bad Shepherd Beer Co., and Short Story Brewing—or hop on over to The Bullock Distillery for Appalachian craft spirits. Created by James Beard Award winner Paul Smith, 1010 Bridge Restaurant and Catering is a must for any West Virginian. Add Hale House, a bistro with an extensive list of bourbons and whiskeys, to your itinerary. For delicious, laid-back fare packed with flavor, try Black Sheep Burritos. Satiate your sweet tooth with an out-of-this-world treat from the creative minds at Rock City Cake Co., or cool down with the creamy goodness that is Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream. But the dining possibilities don’t end there. With a location in Charleston and next door in South Charleston, Café Appalachia offers up a fresh and tasty menu while supporting women in recovery. Olive Tree Cafe and Catering brings Mediterranean flavors to South Charleston that are sure to wow. If you’re still hankering for a sugar rush, Spring Hill Pastry in South Charleston will fix you up in no time.

Other Memorable Experiences

Visit the Memorial Fountain at Marshall University.
Meet the vendors at the Milton Flea Market.
Catch a game at GoMart Ballpark, home of the Charleston Dirty Birds—the fireworks shows are not to be missed!
Explore the Contentment Museum, also known as the Colonel George Imboden House.
Hang out on Olde Main Street in St. Albans for the annual Yak Fest, celebrating the city’s Tour de Coal!
J.Q. DICKINSON SALT-WORKS The history of salt-making in the Kanawha Valley is an old one. Learn more from the people who are maintaining the legacy.

GAULEY BRIDGE TO ANSTED

bus on a rock — **BUS ON A ROCK** As you cross the Gauley River Iron Bridge, look out over the water to see “Bruiser” Cole’s beloved fishing camp.

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As you cross into Fayette County, keep an eye out for beautiful natural landmarks. Along this path, you’ll find several waterfalls—big and small—that will make you pause and appreciate the beauty of our state. Kanawha Falls is one such place, visible just off the road. Nearby Cathedral Falls is one of the highest in the state. At Gauley Bridge, the New and Gauley rivers meet to form the Kanawha River, and all provide ample fishing opportunities. On your way to Ansted, you have to add a stop at Mystery Hole to your itinerary—a classic West Virginia experience. Further down the road, you’ll find Hawks Nest State Park—make sure to snag some photo mementos at the iconic overlooks. Explore the park’s Nature Center, or view the area from the water during a jet boat tour. Hike to Turkey Creek Falls to see more of the area’s stunning feats of nature.

DINE & DRINK

In Ansted, enjoy great food with great views at The Overlook Restaurant at Hawks Nest. Get it to go and enjoy a picnic out in nature! The Historic Glen Ferris Inn is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a take-out option for dining on the go.

Local Stays While You Play

Heritage Farm
Huntington

Plot Twist Books’ Bookshop Bungalow
South Charleston

The Historic Glen Ferris Inn
Glen Ferris

Hawks Nest Lodge
Ansted

Trail Mix Road Trip