Hershey to Summersville: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This 312-mile journey from Hershey, PA to Summersville, WV follows the US-522 and US-19 corridors, crossing the Eastern Continental Divide at an elevation of 2,300 feet near Mountain Grove, VA. The drive takes approximately 5.5 hours without stops, but the winding Appalachian roads demand attention—especially the 12-mile descent from Big Walker Mountain into West Virginia.

Why take this route? It threads through three distinct physiographic provinces: the Piedmont, the Blue Ridge, and the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. For those asking how long to drive Hershey, PA to Summersville, WV, plan for 6–7 hours with brief stops. The real question, is it worth driving Hershey, PA to Summersville, WV, is answered by the unscripted beauty of rural valleys and mountain gaps.

For more on optimizing your journey, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The route crosses the George Washington National Forest near Winchester and enters the Monongahela National Forest south of Marlinton. Key vista: the view from Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway (VA-717) at mile 158, elevation 3,400 feet.

• Seneca Rocks (detour 15 miles east from US-33): 900-foot quartzite crag.
• Summersville Lake: 2,800 acres, features the largest lake in WV for boating and hiking.

Climatic Conditions: Summers are humid; July averages 85°F with afternoon thunderstorms. Fall foliage peaks mid-October, especially in the Greenbrier Valley. Winter driving hazards include black ice on north-facing slopes near Richwood—check weather before departure.

Local Commerce & Culture: In Marlinton, WV (mile 210), the Pocahontas County Opera House hosts live bluegrass every third Friday. The town’s McClintic General Store has operated since 1914, selling local honey and hand-dipped candles.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: US-19 in WV has narrow shoulders and occasional landslides after rain—drive at posted speeds (55 mph). Emergency services are sparse: the nearest trauma center is in Morgantown (3 hours north). Carry a first aid kit and extra water.

Family and Child Suitability: The journey is kid-friendly with ample diaper-changing stations at rest areas (e.g., VA Rest Area at mile 94 near Strasburg). The Grand Caverns in Grottoes, VA (detour 20 minutes) offers guided tours suitable for ages 3+.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most rest stops allow pets on leashes. The Covington Welcome Center (mile 190) has a designated pet relief area with waste bags. Hotels in Summersville like the Country Inn & Suites allow dogs for a $25 fee.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Plan to stop every 2 hours. Ideal rest points: the Front Royal Visitor Center (mile 80) with shaded picnic tables, and the WV Welcome Center at the I-64/US-19 interchange (mile 230). Use the 5-minute nap rule if drowsy—park in a well-lit area.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: At mile 144, take VA-42 south to the town of Monterey, where the Highland County Maple Festival (March) serves maple syrup straight from the tap. Another gem: the Swago Creek Falls near Richwood, accessible via a 0.3-mile trail.

Fuel costs average $0.15/mile; a full tank from Hershey to Summersville costs about $47. Gas stations cluster around towns—plan refuels at Winchester, VA (mile 112) and Lewisburg, WV (mile 230).

• Toll roads: None on US-522/US-19; use I-81 briefly near Winchester.
• Road quality: Mostly two-lane highways; pavement is good except rough patches in WV near Richwood.
• Peak traffic: Avoid 4-6 PM on Fridays near Winchester due to commuters.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on route, but the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway (access at exit 16 on I-64) becomes a World Heritage candidate. For a detour, visit the historic town of Lexington, VA (mile 185), home to Washington and Lee University and VMI.

Culinary infrastructure: Local diners and BBQ joints dominate. Try the apple butter at the Winchester Apple Blossom Cafe (open 6 AM-2 PM) or the trout at The Humble Tomato in Marlinton, WV.