Tour explores four-county region rich in coal mining history. Winds past company stores, Victorian mansions built by coal barons, railroad yards, old mining villages, and Beckley and Pocahontas exhibition coal mines. Also along route are Eastern Regional Coal Archives, hiking trails and scenic vistas. Many restored colonial buildings characterize drive through panhandle at confluence of Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Points of interest include Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, scenic small towns, historic inns and mineral waters of Berkeley Springs State Park.
Area is mainly limestone plateau of karst-region of underground springs, sinks and caverns.
Notable seasonal wildflowers. Wilderness drive gains 2,200 feet in elevation as it weaves through Allegheny highlands. Accesses Cranberry Glades Botanical Area and three waterfalls at Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area. Panoramic views at four scenic overlooks. In 1790, US President George Washington ordered this, scenic route from Chesapeake Bay to Kanawha Falls to be cleared.