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Fifth route launched in new scenic drives program
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GHENT, WV - Gov. Justice held a celebration today to debut Heritage Highway, the newest route of the West Virginia Mountain Rides program.
Heritage Highway, a scenic loop that leads travelers throughout the southern region of the state, marks the fifth route of the West Virginia Mountain Rides program, a collaborative partnership between the West Virginia Department of Transportation and the West Virginia Department of Tourism to designate and promote the Mountain State's most scenic country roads.
"Southern West Virginia holds a very special place in my heart, and I'm excited that our newest Mountain Ride route will give folks an opportunity to see its beauty firsthand," Gov. Justice said. "Right now is the perfect time to get out and hit our country roads because the fall views are unlike any other. There's nothing quite like taking the scenic route, and West Virginia has some of the most beautiful ones around."
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Heritage Highway takes travelers on a 200-mile journey through Southern West Virginian and can be completed in around a 5-hour round trip via car or motorcycle. The scenic loop begins and ends in Beckley with picturesque Hatfield-McCoy and New River-Greenbrier Valley regions along the way.
This route includes charming mountain towns rich in history, like Princeton, Bluefield, and McDowell County. Natural beauty is abundant along the way, with places like Pinnacle Rock State Park and Twin Falls State Park on the route. On this path, travelers will find themselves within a short drive of one-of-a-kind West Virginia activities such as Tamarack, the Exhibition Coal Mine and several of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
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"We are thrilled to be adding another scenic route to this amazing program," Secretary Ruby said. "Heritage Highway explores West Virginia's rich culture, heritage and history and also makes for the perfect leaf-peeping road trip this season! I would like to thank Governor Justice for his dedication to bringing this vision to life and to the folks at the Division of Highways who continue to ensure our roads are in tip-top shape for each new route."
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"The West Virginia Department of Transportation recognizes that, in addition to being safer, drivers also feel better when they're on smooth roads," Secretary Wriston said. "Driving can be an uplifting, awe-inspiring experience and thanks to the leadership of Governor Jim Justice and Secretary of Transportation Jimmy Wriston, we've turned around years of underfunded road maintenance. Our workforce is proud to bring out the beauty of each curve in our roads and share the breathtaking views."
The Mountain Rides program was created as a partnership between the Departments of Transportation and Tourism in 2022.
Heritage Highway is the fifth official route of the West Virginia Mountain Rides program to be unveiled so far. Plan your road trip along Heritage Highway and the other Mountain Rides, Seneca Skyway, Capitol Circle, Cranberry Corridor, and Birds Eye Bend.
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