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Highland Scenic Highway Trail

Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia · 3 min read

Distance
4 mi
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
4 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • High-elevation trail along the Allegheny Front at 4,000+ feet
  • Views across the Cranberry Glades and surrounding wilderness
  • The Highland Scenic Highway is a National Scenic Byway
  • Access to the Cranberry Wilderness trailhead system
  • Red spruce and northern hardwood forest at high elevation

Overview

The Highland Scenic Highway Trail runs along the ridgeline of the Allegheny Front in the Marlinton Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest, staying at elevations between 3,800 and 4,400 feet throughout the 4-mile out-and-back route. The trail shares the corridor with WV Route 150, the Highland Scenic Highway, one of West Virginia's most spectacular drives. The highway closes in winter, but the trail can be hiked year-round with appropriate preparation.

The trail serves as both a standalone hike and a gateway to the broader Cranberry Wilderness, which at nearly 36,000 acres is the largest designated wilderness in any eastern national forest. The Cranberry Wilderness trail network begins at trailheads along the highway and offers multi-day backpacking routes through the most remote terrain in the Monongahela.

The high-elevation forest here is dominated by red spruce and yellow birch, with an understory of wild azalea, Catawba rhododendron, and blueberry scrub. The character is more boreal than the mixed Appalachian forest at lower elevations, and the weather is correspondingly more variable. Temperatures at 4,000 feet run significantly cooler than the Greenbrier Valley below.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2: From a parking pullout along Route 150, the trail heads north along the ridge. The route alternates between the road shoulder and a parallel footpath through the spruce forest. Several viewpoints over the Cranberry drainage are marked with interpretive signs. The Cranberry Glades area is visible in the valley below from one overlook around mile 1.5.

Miles 2 to 4 (return): The turnaround point is at a Cranberry Wilderness trailhead. The return trip follows the same route.

When to Visit

May through October for hiking. May brings spring wildflowers at the high elevation trailing arbutus and trillium persist late into May here. September offers excellent views before leaf fall. October is spectacular for fall color, though frost is possible at any time after early October.

Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent June through August at this elevation start early. Check conditions for road status in spring. Route 150 typically reopens to vehicles in late April or May.

What to Bring

  • Many hikers carry 1.5 liters. No water sources on the trail itself. Individual needs vary.
  • A warm layer: temperatures at 4,000+ feet can be substantially cooler than the valley
  • Rain jacket: afternoon storms develop quickly at this elevation
  • Sunscreen: UV exposure increases at elevation

Practical Details

A vault toilet at the Cranberry Glades boardwalk area, which is a short distance from the trailhead. No fee (as of 2026). Follow Leave No Trace principles. The Cranberry Wilderness connections require wilderness etiquette if explored beyond the trailhead.

See the America the Beautiful pass guide for pass coverage at Monongahela recreation areas. The veteran benefits guide covers military and veteran pass options.

Getting There

From Marlinton, West Virginia, take US-219 north approximately 8 miles to the junction with WV Route 150. Turn north on Route 150 (Highland Scenic Highway) and follow it approximately 10 miles to parking pullouts on the ridge. Marlinton is in Pocahontas County on US-219, approximately 55 miles south of Elkins. GPS coordinates for the primary trailhead pullout are approximately 38.28°N, 80.22°W.

Trailhead Parking

Trailhead parking pullout along WV Route 150 (Highland Scenic Highway), Marlinton Ranger District. Several pullouts available.

← Back to Monongahela National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Highland Scenic Highway?
WV Route 150, the Highland Scenic Highway, is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that traverses the Allegheny Highlands through Monongahela National Forest. The highway stays above 3,500 feet for most of its length. It is closed to through traffic in winter.
What are the Cranberry Glades?
Cranberry Glades are a series of sphagnum bogs on the Allegheny Plateau that represent the southernmost boreal bog ecosystem in the eastern United States. The glades are accessible by a short boardwalk loop trail off the Highland Scenic Highway.
Is the Highland Scenic Highway open year-round?
No. WV Route 150 is closed to vehicles in winter, typically from November through April, due to snow. The road reopens in spring when snow melts and conditions allow. Hiking along the closed road is possible.
Can I access the Cranberry Wilderness from this trail?
Yes. The Highland Scenic Highway trailhead connects to the trail network entering the Cranberry Wilderness, the largest designated wilderness in any eastern national forest at nearly 36,000 acres.