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The Little Kanawha Parkway

The weather was a brisk 50-degrees, but a bad case of cabin fever struck us one Saturday in March. We opted for a local run along the Little Kanawha Parkway. This route is considered a Scenic Byway, and is surrounded by much controversy as various organizations are appealing for official Parkway status. If the Parkway becomes a reality, what is now Route 5 from Burnsville to Mineral Wells will become a bustling four-lane highway, connecting Interstates 79 and 77.

The 78-mile through trip is a highly recommended ride which follows the Little Kanawha River.

Currently the route is all two-lane blacktop road. Beginning in Burnsville, you'll pass through the small town of Sand Fork before reaching Glenville.

Copyright © September 2000 National Scenic Byways Online

Burnsville Lake is located near the eastern edge of the Parkway.

Glenville has several gas stations, a McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Blimpie's Subs; plus home-cooked meals at the Common Place Restaurant on Main Street. It is home to Glenville State College and the West Virginia State Folk Festival in June. And don't forget the Marsh Poker Run in July!

You might enjoy attending the West Virginia State Folk Festival held June 20-23

After Glenville, you'll pass historic Job's Temple. Stop and take a look at the church built in the early 1800's. Then, it's onto Grantsville. A nice stop here is the Coffee Cup Restaurant along Main Street.

All you ever wanted to know about Calhoun County can probably found in the Hur Herald a unique online newspaper.

Many twists and turns keep you on your toes as you travel through the former Union stronghold of Burning Springs. It's hard to imagine that in the 1800's, over 10,000 people lived in this little community. An interesting spot of history -- In 1863 this was one of the three largest oilfields in the country. Because of this town's value to the Federal troops (oil for machinery and illumination), it was burned by Confederate troops under the direction of General Robert E. Lee. Over 300,000 barrels of oil were destroyed in what was described as "sheet of fire" as the river was even filled with flames. All businesses, sawmills and residences were burned, leaving the town a smoldering ruins.

The Rathbone Oil Well is noted as the world's oldest continuously producing well. It was rejuvinated in late 1980 and continues production today. For more information about Burning Springs, visit the Oil & Gas Museum in Parkersburg.

The Little Kanawha Parkway ends at Mineral Wells, where you can hop onto the four-lane, or just have a refresher before heading back up the river.

For more information about the Little Kanawha Parkway, visit West Virginia Byways

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