This full-day trip is truly unique and offers a fantastic range of experiences and is absolutely worth it! I prefer this ride on a motorcycle but a car would be just as good. Start at Old Brownsburg Store, B&B (have breakfast first or just a coffee or tea). Then navigate to Hot Springs, Virgina and stop by the Omni Old Homestead for breakfast, if you’ve not eaten yet. There are also other good options in the area as well however, the Old Homestead must be visited if you’ve not visited before. Then make a quick stop in nearby Warm Springs just to experience this cool little village. Then navigate to Marlington, WV and stop in the Visitors Center where you’ll find great information about the area and it’s a nice stop to stretch-the-legs or grab a drink and/or snack. Next navigate to the Snowshoe, WV ski resort, during Spring to Fall is preferred unless you plan to go skiing, and stop in the ski village where there are nice options for lunch or an early dinner and it’s also great for scenery and picture taking.
This full-day scenic drive through Virginia and West Virginia is a truly unique experience and well worth the time. Perfect for motorcycle riders (especially) and equally enjoyable by car, this carefully curated mountain road trip offers historic towns, iconic landmarks, dramatic scenery, and unforgettable stops across the Allegheny Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.
Start: Old Brownsburg Store B&B (Brownsburg, Virginia)
Begin your day at Old Brownsburg Store Bed & Breakfast with a relaxing breakfast, coffee, or tea before hitting the road. An early start—around 8:00 a.m.—is recommended to make the most of the day.
Stop 1: Hot Springs, Virginia
Head toward Hot Springs, Virginia, and stop at the legendary Omni Homestead Resort. Even if you’ve already eaten, the Homestead is a must-see historic destination, especially for first-time visitors. Additional breakfast and café options are also available nearby.
Stop 2: Warm Springs, Virginia
Make a short stop in Warm Springs, a charming and historic village that offers a quick but memorable glimpse into early Virginia mountain life.
Stop 3: Marlington, West Virginia
Continue into Marlington, WV, and stop at the Pocahontas County Visitors Center. This is an excellent place to stretch your legs, use facilities, grab a drink or snack, and learn more about the surrounding region.
Stop 4: Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia
Next, ride on to Snowshoe Mountain Resort, best visited spring through fall unless you plan to ski. The ski village offers great options for lunch or an early dinner, stunning mountain views, and excellent photo opportunities.
Stop 5: Cass, West Virginia
Continue past Snowshoe and over the mountain to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Cass is a remarkable living time capsule of an early railroad town.
Optional tip: Nearby steam and coal train excursions offer a fascinating change of pace and are well worth considering if time allows.
Stop 6: Green Bank Observatory, West Virginia
Travel on to the incredible Green Bank Observatory, home to the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope—so massive it rivals the surrounding mountain range. The area feels like a 1950s sci-fi movie set, complete with government vehicles and a radio-quiet checkpoint reminiscent of Area 51.
Notably, the town of Green Bank has no Wi-Fi or cellular service, as wireless signals could interfere with deep-space listening equipment—making this a truly rare and unforgettable experience.
Stop 7: Monterey, Virginia
Re-enter Virginia and stop briefly in Monterey, a picturesque mountain town.
Food tip: If you’re hungry, High’s Restaurant is a local favorite.
Stop 8: McDowell, Virginia
Continue to McDowell, VA, and make a must-stop visit to the legendary Sugar Tree Country Store, famous for its pure maple syrup and preserved 19th-century atmosphere.
Return Route: Scenic Backroads to Brownsburg
From McDowell, take Indian Draft Road to Route 39 East, then Route 252 North back to Brownsburg. Enjoy the winding roads, pastoral landscapes, and mountain views before returning to Old Brownsburg Store B&B for a restful and relaxing afternoon.
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips
This is a rare and exceptional day trip defined by dramatic topography, historic depth, and extraordinary variety. In addition to the highlighted stops, you’ll encounter hiking trails, historic markers, Civil War sites, farmland vistas, and small-town shops throughout the route.
Estimated drive time: ~4.5 hours (minimal stops)
Recommended total time: 6–7 hours with 2–3 normal stops
Best start time: Around 8:00 a.m.
Return time: Approximately 3:00 p.m., leaving plenty of time to enjoy the B&B
Best for: Adults, couples, and experienced travelers
Note: This trip is not ideal for small children due to length and pacing
If you love scenic drives, mountain roads, historic towns, and unforgettable landscapes, this Virginia–West Virginia loop is one of the finest day trips in the region.