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The Atlas/West Virginia/WV-28 Potomac Highlands

WV-28 Potomac Highlands

WV-28 runs 151 miles north-south through the Potomac Highlands from its southern terminus at WV-39 in Huntersville (Pocahontas County) to the Maryland state line at Wiley Ford (Mineral County), passing the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank, the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, and the confluence of the North Fork South Branch Potomac River. The middle section north of Seneca Rocks through Smoke Hole Canyon hugs the South Branch Potomac River through a dramatic limestone gorge with tight turns between cliff walls — one of the most celebrated canyon-road experiences in the mid-Atlantic.

151 mi
Length
0
Verified stops
—
High point
Scenic
Road type
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// Nearby & related
StopWest Virginia
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
West Virginia
The NPS Canyon Rim Visitor Center (162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing) is the premier above-deck vantage point for the New River Gorge Bridge — the longest single-arch steel bridge in the Western Hemisphere at 3,030 ft and 876 ft above the river. Two overlook tiers: a panoramic upper platform and an arch-level lower boardwalk. The visitor center has ranger exhibits, restrooms, and a bookshop. Open 9 am–5 pm. Bridge Day, held every third Saturday in October, draws 100,000+ visitors including a huge motorcycle contingent.
RouteWest Virginia
7.8/10
Coal Heritage Trail (US-52 / WV-16)
West Virginia
The Coal Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway follows US-52 from Bluefield north to Welch along Elkhorn Creek, then transitions to WV-16 north through McDowell and Raleigh counties for a total of 187 rugged miles across 13 counties to Ansted. The ride alternates between tight creek-valley two-lanes with switchbacks up and over ridges and sweeping valley stretches through former coal-camp communities. Pinnacle Rock State Park, the Bramwell National Historic District, and a concentration of surviving company stores and miners' housing make this WV's most historically distinctive motorcycle route.
112
miles
StopWest Virginia
Harper's Old Country Store
West Virginia
West Virginia's oldest continuously operated store in its original building (est. 1902, fifth-generation Harper family) sits at the junction of Routes 28, 33, and 55 directly in front of Seneca Rocks. The oiled hardwood floors and pressed-tin ceiling are unchanged; upstairs the Front Porch Restaurant serves hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, and local WV beers. The store owner describes motorcyclists as 'probably the fastest growing part of the tourism business.' Open Wednesday–Sunday.