New Castle to Morgantown: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This 280-mile drive from New Castle, DE to Morgantown, WV crosses the Fall Line, where the Atlantic Coastal Plain meets the Piedmont, and then climbs into the Allegheny Plateau. The route follows the ancient National Road, America's first federally funded highway, passing through Civil War battlefields and coal-mining towns.

From I-95 South, take I-495 West to I-95 North, then US-40 West to I-70 West, and finally I-68 West to I-79 North. Expect tolls on I-95 and I-70 in Maryland.

• Fuel: Gas prices drop significantly in West Virginia; fill up there for the return trip.
• Road Quality: I-68 is a scenic, well-maintained highway with limited services; plan fuel stops.
• Rest Areas: Maryland has modern rest areas; West Virginia side has fewer, but adequate.

The landscape transitions from flat coastal plains to rolling hills and then rugged mountains. Sideling Hill in Maryland offers a dramatic rock cut and a rest area with interpretive exhibits. The route is rich in local commerce, from Pennsylvania Dutch markets in Lancaster to artisan shops in Frostburg.

For a cultural detour, visit Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland, the site of America's bloodiest one-day battle. Also, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers towpath trails for hikers.

Road conditions vary: I-70 through Baltimore can be congested; I-68 is twisty with frequent fog patches. Check the weather before you travel, especially in winter.

For families, the Sideling Hill rest stop has picnic areas and exhibits. Kids will enjoy the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland. Pets are welcome at most rest stops, but note that some attractions have restrictions.

To fight fatigue, use the full-service plaza at the Midland Trail (US-40) in Breezewood, PA. Hidden gems off the route include the Grand Canyon of the East at Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County. For more tips, how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.