Whether it’s a local or a visitor from a far, navigating the Paint Creek Scenic Trail just got easier. The Paint Creek Trail Association has just installed sixteen mile marker signs along the Trail designed to correlate with the new Self Guided Driving Tour Brochure now available at visitor centers across the southern part of the state. Each sign is placed at a “point of historical significance” and provides a brief explanation about its importance. Visitors can pull over for a short history lesson at each location.
Paint Creek Scenic Trail, Southern West Virginia’s newest scenic byway/backway begins at Tamarack in Beckley and travels 44 miles to Pratt. Prior to the construction of the West Virginia Turnpike, this road was the main route of travel between Beckley and Charleston. Today the Paint Creek Scenic Trail offers travelers a leisurely and scenic alternative to travel on the Turnpike. Tourist opportunities abound along Paint Creek Scenic Trail. As part of the National Coal Heritage Area, the Paint Creek Scenic Trail is a diverse area providing recreational opportunities rarely found elsewhere. Visitors can learn about the natural, cultural, and historic heritage of this storied landscape as well as enjoy some of southern West Virginia’s best trout fishing.
Development of Paint Creek Scenic Trail grew out of the work of the Upper and Lower Paint Creek Watershed Associations to restore the Paint Creek Watershed and to revitalize the spirit of community pride. As a result of these efforts, the Paint Creek Scenic Trail steering committee formed and was successful in securing designation of the route as a West Virginia Scenic Byway from the West Virginia Division of Highways.
The Paint Creek Scenic Trail is both a byway and a backway. Two byway sections offer a well maintained single lane road that is accessible to all vehicles. One backway segment is a remote and narrow paved roadway that is unsuitable for tour buses and RV’s, but will appeal to those in search of a true off the beaten path adventure. For more information or for a brochure you can call the Coal Heritage Highway office at 304-256-6941. Brochures are also available at all local travel plazas.