Potomac Highlands - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 1006

1. Monongahela National Forest
Soon after crossing the Maryland-West Virginia border, Rte. 219 ventures southwest into
theMonongahelaNationalForest.Sovastisthisforest—itspreadsovermorethan900,000
acres—that for all but a few miles, this drive stays within or near its borders. Reclaimed
from once overharvested timberland, the forest boasts three swimming beaches, 19 camp-
grounds, more than 700 miles of hiking trails, and over 600 miles of trout-inhabited and
angler-inviting cold-water streams.
West Virginia has been dubbed the Mountain State, and perhaps nowhere does that
nickname seem more apt than in Monongahela National Forest, where over 100 peaks soar
to 4,000 feet or more. Together they make up the Allegheny Front of the Appalachian
Mountains, which forms a natural barrier to passing weather systems. The mountains di-
vide the forest into two distinct climates: On the wetter, western side of the front, northern
hardwoods mingle with oak and tulip trees, while to the east look for oak, cedar, and even
cactus. No fewer than five major river systems originate within the forest, giving rise to
hundreds of miles of waterways. East of the divide you'll find the Potomac and James
rivers, while the Ohio River and its tributaries wind to the west.
2. Blackwater Falls State Park
Where rivers and mountains meet, waterfalls are certain to result, and the Potomac High-
lands are blessed with cascades aplenty. One of the most picturesque spots in the state is
Blackwater Falls, the crown jewel of 1,688-acre Blackwater Falls State Park, located just
west of Davis off Rte. 32.
Looking at the glassy Blackwater River as it lazes through a deep, half-mile-wide
crevice, you would never know that it's about to make a six-story plunge to the riotous
gorge below. The river's name has more to do with science than with poetry: Darkened by
tannicacidfromthefallenneedlesofredsprucesandhemlocks,thewaterglowswithadis-
tinct amber tint as it pours over the falls, echoing the autumnal display of the surrounding
hills. A staircase leads visitors to the base of the falls, and a gentler path allows accessibil-
ity for everyone. The park also features a network of trails and overlooks offering glorious
vistas of the upper and lower gorges and the hills beyond. A second cataract, Pendleton
Falls, connects the river with Pendleton Lake.