Beckley to Summersville Road Trip Guide: Scenic Stops & Tips

The 35-mile stretch of US-19 North from Beckley to Summersville is a geologic timeline carved through the Appalachian Plateau. This road follows the ancient path of the Great Buffalo Trail, later widened for coal trucks, and now offers drivers a window into West Virginia's rugged heart. At mile marker 12, you'll cross the Gauley River, whose dramatic gorge was formed by the last Ice Age's meltwaters. The drive typically takes 40 minutes without stops, but the region's best stops Beckley, WV to Summersville, WV demand at least a full day. For those wondering how long to drive Beckley, WV to Summersville, WV, the actual travel time is short, but the question is it worth driving Beckley, WV to Summersville, WV? Absolutely—every mile is packed with natural beauty, history, and local flavor. This guide follows the principles outlined in how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Route: US-19 North (complete 4-lane divided highway)
• Distance: 35 miles (56 km)
• Driving time: 40 minutes (non-stop)
• County: Raleigh (Beckley) to Nicholas (Summersville)

The corridor is well-maintained with four lanes and a 65 mph speed limit. However, coal truck traffic can slow progress, especially near the mining areas around Pluto Road. Gas stations cluster at the Beckley and Summersville ends, with only one reliable stop mid-route: the GoMart at the US-41 intersection. It's wise to fill up in Beckley (cheapest) or at the Summersville exit (Shell). Toll booths? None on US-19. Parking is ample at all major attractions, but the Grandview Overlook lot fills by 10 AM on weekends.

• Fuel stop density: 2 per 10 miles (average)
• Recommended fuel: Regular unleaded (87 octane)
• Average price in Beckley: $3.15/gal; Summersville: $3.25/gal
• Restrooms available at: Grandview Visitor Center, GoMart (US-19/US-41), Summersville Lake Marina

Road Quality and Infrastructure Safety

US-19 is a high-quality divided highway with lighting only at interchanges. Night driving is safe but watch for deer (especially dusk to dawn). No steep grades—the maximum gradient is 4% near the Gauley Bridge area. Cellular coverage is excellent from Beckley to the Gauley River, then spotty for 7 miles through the gorge, returning strong at Summersville. Emergency call boxes are present every two miles. For breakdowns, AAA has affiliates in both cities.

• Road surface: Asphalt, resurfaced in 2020
• Shoulder width: 10 feet (wide, safe for pull-offs)
• Lighting: Only at interchanges
• Deer crossing zones: Mile markers 8-15 and 28-35

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The route transitions from the Appalachian coalfields to the sandstone Gauley River Gorge. At the New River Gorge National Park's northern edge, the Grandview Overlook offers a 1,400-foot-deep vista into the gorge. Further north, the Gauley River bridges provide views of Class V rapids—the heart of the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia, boasts clear waters and rock climbing on its sandstone cliffs.

• Grandview Overlook: Trail of 1.2 miles to the best viewpoint
• Gauley River put-in at Mason's Branch: Kayak rentals available
• Summersville Lake: 2,700 acres, boating, swimming at Bayside Park
• Hidden gem: The walkway under the US-19 bridge at the gorge—a short path to an old railroad bed

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While no UNESCO sites lie directly on the route, the nearby New River Gorge region is part of the Appalachian Coalfields Industrial Heritage provisional listing. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine (operated until 1971) is a candidate for future recognition. The route intersects the historic Midland Trail (US-60), which was a Native American path and later a Civil War supply line. A detour of 12 miles west on US-60 at the US-19 junction reaches the Hawk's Nest State Park, site of the infamous Hawk's Nest Tunnel disaster (1930s)—a dark industrial heritage spot.

• Related: Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine (on-site museum)
• Nearby: Thurmond Depot (New River Gorge NP, 8 miles off route)
• Upcoming: Gauley Bridge has plans for a cultural heritage center

Culinary Infrastructure

Food options are limited to fast food and family diners. In Beckley, the Corner Shop serves Appalachian comfort (meatloaf, mashed potatoes). Exit 48 on US-19 has a Tudor's Biscuit World (regional chain) for breakfast biscuits. The mid-route highlight is the GoMart's deli—surprisingly good fried chicken and fresh sandwiches. In Summersville, the Riverside Station offers wood-fired pizza and local craft beers (Big Timber Brewing). For a splurge, the Glade Springs Resort near Beckley has an upscale restaurant. Vegetarians will find limited options—the only salad bars are at the fast-food chains.

• Breakfast: Tudor's Biscuit World (Mabscott exit)
• Lunch: GoMart deli (mile marker 18)
• Dinner: Riverside Station, Summersville
• Local specialty: Pepperoni rolls (available at any gas station)

Local Commerce & Culture

The economy is driven by coal, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Beckley's Tamarack Marketplace (off route on US-19 south) showcases Appalachian artisans—quilts, pottery, and handcrafted furniture. Summersville's downtown has antique shops and the Nicholas County Farmers Market (Saturdays May-October). The region's culture is deeply tied to mining; the Beckley mine tour includes a ride into an actual drift mine. In Summersville, the annual Bridge Day (October) celebrates the New River Gorge Bridge, but that's 20 miles south. For a true local experience, visit the Little Beaver Church (mile marker 22) for their monthly potluck dinners.

• Tamarack: Open daily 9 AM-6 PM
• Summersville Farmers Market: 8 AM-noon Saturdays
• Mine tour: Daily 10 AM-4 PM, $20/adult

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

The highway is consistently smooth but narrows to two lanes through the Gauley Bridge area (4 miles). Construction zones are rare; the last major project ended in 2022. Speed limits are enforced via radar and occasional cruisers. The only dangerous intersection is US-19/US-41 junction—a stoplight with poor visibility due to a hill. Proceed with caution. In winter, the road is plowed quickly (salt trucks stationed in Beckley and Summersville). Black ice forms on bridges; reduce speed below 45 mph when temperature nears freezing.

• Crash data: 12 incidents per year average (mostly rear-end at stoplights)
• Construction zones: None currently (updated 2025)
• Winter driving: All-weather tires recommended
• Emergency services: Beckley Fire Dept (3 min response), Summersville Volunteer Fire (5 min)

Family and Child Suitability

The route is very family-friendly with many short, easy walks. Kids love the Grandview Overlook's hands-on geology exhibits and the active train tracks below (though keep a distance). The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine offers a train ride into the mountain—children under 6 must wear hard hats. Summersville Lake has a public beach with lifeguards in summer. The Tamarack art center has craft stations for children. For older kids, the Gauley River's rafting trips (minimum age 12) are thrilling. Restrooms and picnic areas are available at every major stop. No diaper-changing stations except at the Beckley Walmart and Summersville McDonald's.

• Best for under 5: Playground at Bayside Park, Summersville
• Best for 6-12: Junior Ranger program at Grandview
• Best for teens: Rock climbing at Summersville Lake's beauty wall
• Stroller access: Only on paved paths (Grandview boardwalk, Tamarack)

Pet-Friendly Framework

Pets are allowed at most outdoor stops but not inside museum buildings. Grandview Overlook's trails require leashes; poop bags are available at the visitor center. The Gauley River put-in allows dogs but not on rafts. Summersville Lake has a designated pet swimming area at the west end. The GoMart deli does permit leashed dogs on the patio. Overnight stays: most chain motels in Beckley (La Quinta, Quality Inn) and Summersville (Super 8) are pet-friendly (fee $15-25). No vet offices on the route except in Beckley (Animal Care Center) and Summersville (Nicholas County Vet). Carry water as few fountains are available.

• Pet relief areas: Grass strips at each rest area
• Dog-friendly cafes: Tudor's Biscuit World allows dogs on outdoor tables
• Boarding: Camp Bow Wow in Beckley, $35/day
• Restrictions: No dogs on the mine tour or inside Tamarack

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Given the short drive, fatigue is less a concern than boredom. The highway's monotony can lull drivers; take advantage of the two scenic overlooks (mile markers 19 and 26) for 5-minute breaks. The official rest area at mile marker 31 (Summersville Lake exit) has picnic tables and vending machines. For caffeine, the GoMart (mile 18) has a coffee bar. The Grandview Visitor Center has a quiet indoor lounge. If you need a nap, pull off at the New River Gorge NP's Canyon Rim Visitor Center (south of Beckley, extra 10 min). No truck stops with showers exist on this route; the closest is Beckley's Petro station (Exit 48 off I-64). The best strategy is to stop every 20 minutes, even if just to stretch.

• Designated rest area: Mile marker 31 (restrooms open 24h)
• Scenic pull-offs: Grandview (mile 10) and Gauley Bridge (mile 22)
• Coffee stops: GoMart (mile 18), Starbucks in Beckley
• Parking for naps: Grandview lot (quiet, overnight allowed)

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Two detours worth the time: McCreery Trail (unpaved road at mile 15, 1.5 miles east) leads to a secluded waterfall on Piney Creek. And the ghost town of Thurmond (8 miles south of Grandview via Route 25) is a well-preserved company town with a train depot museum. For a short walk, the Lower Loop Trail at Grandview (0.8 miles) follows the rim with views of the New River. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, try the gravel road to the old Nuttallburg tipple (active from 1873 to 1958). These are exactly the kinds of things to do between Beckley, WV and Summersville, WV that most tourist guides miss.

• McCreery Trail: Coordinates 37.9193° N, 81.0234° W
• Thurmond Depot: Open 9 AM-5 PM, free
• Nuttallburg: Hike 1.2 miles from parking area