Covington to Summersville Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Scenic Drive

The route from Covington, KY to Summersville, WV follows I-75 S, I-64 E, and US-19 S through the Appalachian foothills. This 280-mile drive takes approximately 4.5 hours without stops, but the real value lies in the detours along the historic Midland Trail (US-60) and the New River Gorge region. A little-known fact: the route crosses the Eastern Continental Divide near Lewisburg, WV, where waters flow to the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. For a deeper dive into finding off-the-beaten-path stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road safety: I-64 has wide shoulders and good signage. US-19 has some sharp curves and narrow lanes – reduce speed in rain. Families will enjoy the West Virginia State Museum in Charleston and the Summersville Lake (boating, swimming). For fatigue, rest areas on I-64 at Mile Marker 23 (eastbound) and Mile Marker 111 (westbound). Pet-friendly stops: Kanawha State Forest has hiking trails where dogs are allowed.

• Best family stop: Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant (30-min detour off I-64)
• Pet-friendly accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Charleston (pet fee)
• Rest zone: I-64 Welcome Center near Huntington (clean facilities, picnic area)

Major highways: I-75 South from Covington to Lexington, KY, then I-64 East to Charleston, WV, and finally US-19 South to Summersville. The most direct route avoids tolls. Fuel stations are abundant along I-64, with clusters every 20 miles. In West Virginia, stations become sparser, especially on US-19 – fill up in Charleston or Beckley.

• Average gas price: $3.20/gal (KY), $3.40/gal (WV)
• Vehicle range: Ensure at least 300 miles of range; EVs should charge in Lexington (multiple fast chargers) and Charleston
• Road quality: I-64 is well-maintained; US-19 has some winding sections with lower speed limits

The drive transitions from the Ohio River valley to the rolling hills of the Bluegrass region and then the rugged Appalachian Mountains. Near Lexington, horse farms dot the landscape. Entering West Virginia, the Kanawha River valley offers scenic views. The New River Gorge Bridge area is a must-stop – this engineering marvel spans 3,030 feet. Local commerce along the route includes artisan markets in Lewisburg (Downtown Farmers Market) and handmade crafts at Tamarack in Beckley.

• Natural highlight: Hawks Nest State Park (overlook of New River Gorge)
• Local food: Pepperoni rolls in West Virginia (try at Tudor's Biscuit World)
• UNESCO sites: None directly on route, but the nearby Serpent Mound (Ohio) and Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater (PA) are day-trip options