Blacksburg to Elkins: Mountain Road Trip Guide

This route climbs from the New River Valley at Blacksburg (elev. 2,080 ft) over the Eastern Continental Divide at the Virginia–West Virginia line on US-250 (elev. 4,400 ft), then descends into the Tygart Valley to Elkins (elev. 1,900 ft). The 150-mile drive typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, though you'll want to double that to savor the stops.

The highway crosses some of the oldest mountains in America, with exposed Paleozoic-era rock formations visible in road cuts along US-250. A quirky local detail: near the Divide, you can stand with one foot in the Atlantic watershed and one in the Gulf – a photo op that locals call “two-ocean pose.”

Fuel stations are sparse on the mountain sections. Fill up in Blacksburg or Christiansburg before departing; the next reliable gas is in Monterey (50 miles) and then again in Huttonsville, WV (85 miles). Premium fuel may be hard to find beyond Monterey – plan accordingly.

Road quality on US-250 is generally good but narrows to two lanes with frequent curves east of the state line. Watch for logging trucks and slow farm vehicles near Monterey. Winter conditions (November-March) often require 4WD or chains on the high passes above 3,500 ft. Summer thunderstorms can cause sudden visibility drops on ridges.

• Best fuel stops: Blacksburg (multiple stations), Monterey (single station open 6 AM-8 PM), Huttonsville (24-hr truck stop)
• Road closures: Check WV 511 and VA 511 for landslides or construction on US-250 – sections near the Divide occasionally close for rockfall mitigation
• Cell service: Spotty from Blacksburg to Monterey; reliable again near Elkins. Download offline maps before leaving.

The road’s winding nature demands vigilance: allow extra stopping distance on downhill grades (especially entering Elkins, where US-250 drops 1,200 ft in 10 miles). Rest areas are limited; use the Highland County Rest Area (3 miles east of Monterey) and the Greenbrier River Trail parking lot in Durbin, WV. For families, the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers a scenic “New Tygart Flyer” excursion – a calm, kid-friendly break from driving.

Pets are welcome at most forest service trailheads and the Highland Maple Museum. In Elkins, the Riverwalk Park has a dedicated off-leash area. For fatigue management, the Monterey “downtown” (one block) has two cafes – stop for coffee and a slice of country pie before tackling the Divide. Remember, this route is graded as “moderate to challenging” for drivers, so consider how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for planning breaks.

• Best rest stops: Highland County Rest Area (milepost 35 on US-250), Greenbrier River Trail parking (Durbin, milepost 88)
• Family-friendly dining: Herb’s Barber Shop & Café (Monterey) – burgers and shakes; Fox’s Pizza (Elkins) – iconic local chain
• Pet services: High Country Veterinary (Monterey) for emergencies; Elkins Animal Hospital (appointment only)

The drive crosses three distinct ecoregions: the Ridge and Valley of Virginia, the Allegheny Highlands, and the Tygart Valley. Each offers unique viewpoints, waterfalls, and small-town character. A must-stop is the Highland Maple Museum in Monterey (free, showcases local syrup production).

For hikers, the route passes near several trailheads of the Allegheny Hiking Trail. The Falls of Hills Creek in the Monongahela National Forest (off FR 54 near Elkins) is a three-tiered waterfall accessible via a short, family-friendly walk. Another gem is the ghost town of Ruddle, WV, with ruins of a 19th-century iron furnace visible from US-250 just west of the Virginia state line.

• Bluegrass Valley Farm (Monterey): artisan cheese and grass-fed beef – watch for the roadside stand
• Lake Moomaw (off US-250 via VA 39): a 2,530-acre reservoir with swimming and kayaking
• Seneca Rocks (detour 25 min north from Elkins): iconic quartzite fin with climbing and visitor center