West Virginia highlands: Dolly Sods to Cass
High plateaus, a waterfall canyon, Seneca Rocks and steam trains in the Monongahela National Forest.
- Distance
- 137 km (85 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 31 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- States
- WV
- Updated
- May 3, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 137 km (85 mi) with 7 stops, from Davis to Cass Scenic Railroad. About 1 h 31 min of driving in total.
More road trips in West Virginia
Route description
Start in Davis, a small mountain town at nearly 3,100 feet next to Canaan Valley. Blackwater Falls State Park is right on the edge of town, with the amber waterfall and the Lindy Point overlook over the canyon.
Dolly Sods is reached from Canaan Valley on gravel forest roads; Forest Road 75, which crosses the plateau to Bear Rocks, is open roughly May to November. The plateau of heath and rock looks like northern Canada; blueberries ripen in August. Then descend to the North Fork valley and follow State Road 28 south to Seneca Rocks, a quartzite fin with a trail to an observation platform.
From Riverton, a long, partly gravel road climbs to Spruce Knob, the state’s highest point, with a tower above the spruce. Back on State Road 28, continue south into the Allegheny Mountains; the roads are two-lane and curvy but fine for RVs driven slowly.
At Green Bank the observatory’s giant radio telescope sits in a quiet zone where phones barely work. A short drive leads to Cass, a preserved company town where Shay steam locomotives haul passengers up the mountain. Fall color peaks in early October at the higher elevations.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Davis
WV - 23 km
Blackwater Falls State Park
NatureDavis, WVAmber-colored water drops 62 feet into a deep canyon; a boardwalk with stairs leads to the viewing platform. Lindy Point overlook is a short walk away.
- 320 km
Dolly Sods, Bear Rocks
NatureDavis, WVA high plateau of heath, bogs and wind-flagged spruce that feels more like northern Canada than West Virginia. Forest Road 75 is gravel and closed in winter.
- 431 km
Seneca Rocks
NatureSeneca Rocks, WVA thin fin of quartzite rising 900 feet above the North Fork valley. A trail climbs to a viewing platform just below the crest.
- 525 km
Spruce Knob
ViewsRiverton, WVWest Virginia’s highest point, with a stone observation tower and a short loop trail through wind-shaped spruce. The access road is long and partly gravel.
- 648 km
Green Bank Observatory
OdditiesGreen Bank, WVThe world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope, in a radio quiet zone where phones and wifi are restricted. Switch devices off before entering the site.
- 79 km
Cass Scenic Railroad
HistoryCass, WVGeared Shay steam locomotives climb switchbacks from an old logging company town to mountain overlooks. Book ahead for fall trips.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Davis → Dolly Sods, Bear Rocks · 15 mi · 0 h 16 minOn the way: Blackwater Falls State Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Canaan Valley Resort Campground (9 mi); Red Creek Campground (2 mi).
- Day 2: Dolly Sods, Bear Rocks → Spruce Knob · 35 mi · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Seneca Rocks.Overnight nearby, for example: Wrangler Meadow Campground (4 mi); Back Ridge Shadows campground (3 mi).
- Day 3: Spruce Knob → Green Bank Observatory · 30 mi · 0 h 32 minOvernight nearby, for example: East Fork Campground & Horse Hotel (8 mi); Island Campground (12 mi).
- Day 4: Green Bank Observatory → Cass Scenic Railroad · 6 mi · 0 h 06 minOvernight nearby, for example: East Fork Campground & Horse Hotel (11 mi); Island Campground (17 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is West Virginia highlands: Dolly Sods to Cass?
4-day road trip of about 137 km (85 mi) with 7 stops, from Davis to Cass Scenic Railroad. About 1 h 31 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for West Virginia highlands: Dolly Sods to Cass?
We suggest 4 days: about 1 h 31 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does West Virginia highlands: Dolly Sods to Cass start and end?
It starts in Davis and ends in Cass Scenic Railroad.
Which states does West Virginia highlands: Dolly Sods to Cass pass through?
West Virginia.
Where can you camp along West Virginia highlands: Dolly Sods to Cass?
OpenStreetMap lists 30 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Canaan Valley Resort Campground, Wrangler Meadow Campground and East Fork Campground & Horse Hotel.
When is the best time for West Virginia highlands: Dolly Sods to Cass?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
