Sometimes taking the “high road” can be a good thing. Especially here in West Virginia since our state is chock full of elevated, twisting roads that lead you up and around beautiful mountains ranges. These roads are perfect for taking in some of the most incredible scenery in the Mountain State. One of the most incredible of these roads is Route 32, a twisty mountain road that takes you right through some of the most gorgeous parts of the state. You’ll definitely find that putting in the extra effort on this “high road” was well worth it.
Route 32 winds for 20 miles, starting in Harman and ending in Thomas. The road gains in elevation substantially throughout the drive, providing the perfect viewpoint for some of the most breathtaking West Virginia vistas you’ve ever seen.
GoogleMaps
On your journey, you’ll be led through two state parks, a multitude of waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and some of the most charming small towns in the state. Route 32 has it all and is perfect for your next road adventure.
Famartin/Wikimedia Commons
The drive begins in the quaint town of Harman. With a population of just 143 people, this scenic mountain town is bursting with that “small town living” charm.
Jack Toolin/Flickr
You’ll first pass by Canaan Valley State Park, where the beauty is unending no matter what time of year it is. You won’t be able to resist stopping for a bit to explore this popular state park, which contains the second largest wetland area in the entire country.
Canaan Valley State Park Foundation/Facebook
Next, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of Blackwater Falls State Park. At nearly 3,000 feet in elevation, the view doesn’t get much better than this! The fall months are a particularly excellent time for this leg of the drive since the park is bursting with beautiful shades of crimson, gold, and orange.
Judy Gallagher/Flickr
Again, you’re definitely going to want to take a quick stop in order to get a peek at one of the most majestic waterfalls in West Virginia. The iconic Blackwater Falls cascades for 62 feet before making its way to Blackwater Canyon.
Jeff Turner/Flickr
On the last stretch, you’ll drive right by Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This 16,000 acre refuge in the Allegheny Mountains is located in the largest high elevation valley in this region of the United States.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
You’ll definitely want to take a detour onto one of the refuge’s scenic roads in order to take in all of the beauty that this place has to offer.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
In this case, the high road is most definitely the road you’re going to want to take! What’s your favorite mountain drive in West Virginia?
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Famartin/Wikimedia Commons
Jack Toolin/Flickr
Canaan Valley State Park Foundation/Facebook
Judy Gallagher/Flickr
Jeff Turner/Flickr
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
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