Norfolk to Elkins: Ultimate Road Trip Guide via I-64 & US-33

Norfolk, VA to Elkins, WV: a 327-mile drive that crosses the Fall Line, climbs the Blue Ridge, and descends into the Allegheny Highlands. The route is notable for its dramatic elevation gain — from sea level at Norfolk to 2,000 feet in Elkins, with a peak of 6,647 feet on Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive (if you detour).

The recommended path: I-64 W to US-250 W near Staunton, then US-33 W into Elkins. Estimated driving time without stops: 5 hours 45 minutes. But is it worth driving Norfolk, VA to Elkins, WV without exploration? No — the best stops Norfolk, VA to Elkins, WV lie off the interstate in the Shenandoah Valley and Monongahela National Forest.

For a deeper method of planning stops, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel costs: A typical sedan averaging 30 mpg will need approximately 10.9 gallons. At $3.30/gallon, that's $36. But prices vary — gas near Norfolk is cheaper ($3.10) while mountain stations in WV often hit $3.60. Fill up in Harrisonburg or Staunton before the final leg.

Electric vehicle charging: Tesla Superchargers in Charlottesville (230 mi from start) and Staunton (270 mi). Route through I-64 has abundant Level 2 chargers at rest stops.

Tolls: None on I-64 or US-33 beyond the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel ($0 for cars) — but Skyline Drive ($30/vehicle) if you detour through Shenandoah.

Road quality: I-64 is smooth asphalt until west of Charlottesville where construction zones appear. US-33 from Harrisonburg to Elkins is winding two-lane with limited shoulders — drive slower than posted curves.

Navigation tips: Cell service drops from mile marker 20 on US-33 near Franklin, WV. Download offline maps for Monongahela National Forest. GPS coordinates for a critical junction: 38.3867, -79.0712 (intersection of US-33 and WV-28).

The route traverses five distinct ecoregions: Coastal Plain (Norfolk), Piedmont (Richmond), Blue Ridge Mountains (Shenandoah), Ridge and Valley (Staunton), and Allegheny Plateau (Elkins). The most visually striking segment is the climb over Shenandoah National Park (Skyline Drive) where fall foliage peaks in mid-October.

Natural attractions along the way:

• Blue Ridge Parkway near Afton Mountain (milepost 0) — overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley.
• Seneca Rocks (30 mi north of Elkins): a 900-foot quartzite fin, prime for hiking via the Face Trail.
• Spruce Knob (highest point in WV): 4,863 feet, with panoramic views from a rocky summit accessible via FR-112.
• Dolly Sods Wilderness: unique arctic-like terrain with stunted spruce and blueberries.

Local commerce: Staunton's historic downtown offers independent bookshops (The Bookshop), antique stores, and the famous Cranberry's Grocery & Eatery for sandwiches. Harrisonburg's farmers market (Saturdays) sells locally made apple butter and molasses.

Culture: Elkins hosts the Augusta Heritage Center for traditional Appalachian music and crafts. Check for workshops or evening concerts.

Safety concerns: The mountain portion (US-33 from Harrisonburg to Elkins) has steep grades of up to 8%, sharp curves, and potential for fog or ice from October to April. Watch for deer and black bears at dawn/dusk. Carry WVP-issued emergency kit including blanket and flashlight.

Rest zones: I-64 rest areas at mile markers 99 (eastbound) and 148 (westbound) feature clean restrooms and vending. For drivers needing sleep, a designated rest area is at the junction of US-33 and WV-28 (parking lot with no services — safe for short naps).

Family suitability: Kids love the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton (open-air history), the Virginia Discovery Museum in Charlottesville, and Seneca Caverns near Riverton (cave tours). Pack snacks for the last two hours — minimal fast food after Harrisonburg.

Pet-friendly framework: Most rest areas allow leashed dogs. The Spruce Knob trail is dog-friendly. Motels in Staunton and Elkins (Red Roof Inn, Fairfield Inn) accept pets with fees. Carry water and a portable bowl for mountain hikes.

Fatigue management: The 327-mile drive is best split into two segments — stop in Charlottesville for lunch or Staunton for an overnight. Things to do between Norfolk, VA and Elkins, WV include a hike at Humpback Rocks (2.1 miles round trip near milepost 5 on Blue Ridge Parkway).

Alternative stop: The town of Monterey, VA (at the junction of US-250 and VA-84) has a general store and picnic tables — a quiet break before the final push.