For many years, motorists crossing the West Virginia-Virginia state line followed old US-52 up and over East River Mountain on a scenic but narrow and twisting route. At the top of the mountain were a visitor information center and overlook, the Museum of the Hills, the East River Mountain Craft Shop, and the Ridge Runner railroad attraction. In the 1960s, state engineers called for Interstate 77 to pass through tunnels at East River Mountain and Big Walker Mountain to save motorists time and reduce travel hazards. The East River Mountain Tunnel cut travel by 13 miles and bypassed the developments at East River Mountain Overlook. Although the visitor center, craft shop, and museum closed and the Ridge Runner moved elsewhere, the overlook still offers scenic views of Bluefield and remains a popular tourist destination.