RV Traveler's Roadmap to Potomac Highlands If West Virginia is, as its residents rhapsodize, "almost heaven," then the hills and hollows of the Potomac Highlands are surely on the outskirts of Eden. Isolated by rugged mountainous terrain, it rewards visitors with towns that are few and far between, with roadways made for wandering. 1 Highlights & Facts For The Ideal Experience Cass Scenic Railroad Trip Length: Roughly 200 miles, plus side trips Best Time To Go: Year round. What To Watch Out For: While driving, watch out for cyclists and deer. Must See Nearby Attractions: West Virginia Day Celebration - Canaan Valley State Park (June) Leaf Peepers Festival - Davis (September) Mountain State Forest Festival - Elkins (October) Seneca Rocks Rec Area (near Franklin) American Mountain Theater (Elkins) 2 Traveler's Notes Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park Starting out from Elkins, the scenic drive heads in a northeasterly direction through the Monongahela National Forest on U.S. Route 48/219. The first stop is one of the most picturesque destinations in the state. For steam-driven locomotive fans, several train excursions leave from Cass and vary from two to four hours. If you're not into trains or train rides, you may wish to tour the historic town of Cass and grab a bite of lunch. The Green Bank Observatory in Pocahontas County continues its search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Visitors are treated to guided bus tours of the telescopes, including the largest moving telescope in the world. Although it's possible to drive this byway route under six hours, with so many parks, serendipitous stops and historic sites to enjoy, byway travelers should plan on spending multiple days in the Potomac Highlands. 3 What To See Along the Way Monongahela National Forest Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Blackwater Falls State Park Greenbrier River Trail Canaan Valley Resort State Park Watoga State Park Dolly Sods Scenic Area Droop Mountain Battlefield SP Elkins Beartown State Park Gaudineer Scenic Area Lewisburg Snowshoe Mountain 4 Facts & More Information To Plan Your Trip! Gaudineer Scenic Area Monongahela National Forest: Developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers. Blackwater Falls State Park: Named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber- colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge. Canaan Valley Resort State Park: The park boasts 6,000 acres of the most divers and unspoiled terrain in the highlands. Dolly Sods Scenic Area: For avid explorers, an extensive web of trails are interlaced throughout the wilderness area. Gaudineer Scenic Area: A scenic area and National Natural Landmark in the Monongahela National Forest. Snowshoe Mountain: Home to 251 acres of skiable terrain, 1500 vertical feet, 57 trails and the best snow around. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Runs eleven miles from Cass to Bald Knob. Greenbrier River Trail: A 77-mile long former railroad, now used for hiking, bicycling, ski- touring, horseback-riding, and wheel-chair use. Watoga State Park: 10,100 acres of recreational activities including hiking, swimming, fishing and boating. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park: The site of West Virginia's last significant Civil War battle. Beartown State Park: 107 acres located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain Ready, set, go! Presented by: Great RV Escapes 7071 Warner Ave. Suite F120, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (888) 727.1118.