We’re thrilled to announce that the second edition of Jim Van Gundy’s celebrated book, The Nature and Scenery of the West Virginia Highlands: With a Motorist’s Guide, is now available for purchase on the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy’s online store! This eagerly anticipated release combines decades of Jim’s passion and knowledge with newly added scenic routes, expanded natural history sections, and stunning photographs by Kent Mason.

Originally self-published in 2022, Van Gundy’s guide sold out due to high demand over its initial release period. Now, The Nature and Scenery of the West Virginia Highlands returns with even more ways to explore this beautiful region. Organized into two parts, the book begins with a comprehensive look at the region’s natural history, covering geology, ecosystems, flora, fauna, and human impact. Following this is a detailed Motorist’s Guide through 33 scenic highway segments, each packed with insights on must-see locations, historical sites, and scenic turnouts that will delight both local residents and out-of-state adventurers.

For those who love the Highlands or are eager to uncover its secrets, this book is an ideal companion. The Nature and Scenery of the West Virginia Highlands is designed to complement our popular Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide. While the Hiking Guide gets you exploring on foot, Van Gundy’s guide takes you deeper into the Highlands by car, offering a window into the forces that shaped its unique landscape, its rare wildlife, and its cultural history.

Whether you’re tracing the route of the Cheat River, marveling at a dark sky in Watoga State Park, or taking a detour to the hauntingly beautiful Cranesville Swamp, this book brings the Highlands to life with every page.

Order your copy today from our online store and prepare to set out on an unforgettable journey. Every purchase helps support the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy’s mission to preserve the beauty, character, and ecological health of the Highlands for generations to come!