Fayette County, West Virginia is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the eastern U.S., and since the New River Gorge was designated a National Park and Preserve, more travelers than ever are visiting our winding mountain roads. Whether you are a local heading out for a weekend hike or a visitor seeing the NRG Bridge for the first time, navigating this terrain requires a bit of West Virginia “know-how.”
At DTE Repair & Towing, we are proud to be Fayette County’s go-to for keeping drivers safe and mobile. From our base in Oak Hill to the backroads of Montgomery and the steep grades of Fayetteville mountainsides, we’ve seen it all. Here is our guide to exploring the Gorge with confidence.
Iconic Drives You Can’t Miss
Fayette County offers scenic routes that are as challenging as they are beautiful. Here are the must-see spots and what your vehicle needs to know before you go:
- The New River Gorge Bridge & Fayette Station Road A trip to the park isn’t complete without seeing this engineering marvel. You can view it from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, but for a real adventure, take the historic Fayette Station Road. This road is fully paved and well-maintained by the state, but it features the original hairpin turns that wind all the way to the bottom of the Gorge.
- Pro Tip: This is the only way to see the bridge from directly beneath it, but the steep descent can easily overheat your brakes. Don’t “ride” your brake pedal the whole way down; use a lower gear to let your engine control your speed, and ensure your coolant is topped off before you start the climb back up the mountain on a hot day.
- Hawks Nest State Park Located just a short drive north of the bridge, Hawks Nest provides some of the most famous panoramic vistas of the New River far below. You can also access the river from the park’s lower section to see the canyon walls up close.
- Pro Tip: The drive along Route 60 to Hawks Nest is scenic but curvy. This is where good tire tread and proper alignment matter most. If your car feels like it’s “pulling” on these mountain turns, stop by our Oak Hill shop for a quick check-up before you continue your loop through the county.
- Thurmond Historic District Often called a “ghost town,” Thurmond was once a booming railway hub. Today, the remaining structures and active train depot offer a striking look at our industrial past.
- Pro Tip: The road down to Thurmond follows the river and active tracks. It’s a narrow, riverside drive that can be tough on your suspension. If you haven’t had your shocks or struts inspected lately, you’ll definitely feel the bumps on this historic trek.
- Nuttallburg Historic Mining Site For those looking to get off the beaten path, Nuttallburg features a massive coal tipple and old coke ovens.
- Pro Tip: The road to Nuttallburg is narrow and steep with some gravel sections. We recommend leaving large trailers or oversized commercial vehicles behind for this one. Because of the remote nature of this drive, ensure your battery and charging system are healthy—you don’t want to be stranded where cell service is spotty!
Fayette County’s All-Season Support Team
While we love seeing people enjoy the beauty of our home, we know that breakdowns can happen at the most inconvenient times. Whether you are passing through in a rental car, hauling a camper, or driving a commercial rig, DTE Repair & Towing is here to ensure a breakdown doesn’t ruin your trip.
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Whether you have a flat tire on Route 19 or need a heavy-duty tow from a remote trailhead, our roadside assistance and towing services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Full-Service Repairs: Our Oak Hill shop is your local source for everything from official West Virginia state inspections and oil changes to complex engine diagnostics and battery replacements.
Enjoy your time in the New River Gorge! We hope your trip is smooth and scenic, but remember that if the road gets a little bumpy, DTE is just a phone call away.
