Spring Lake to Summersville Road Trip Guide

The GSP, I-287, I-78, I-81, and US-19 connect Spring Lake, NJ to Summersville, WV – a 420-mile drive through the Delaware Water Gap and Appalachian Mountains. A little-known fact: the route crosses the Eastern Continental Divide near the West Virginia line, where rain falling on one side flows to the Atlantic, on the other to the Gulf of Mexico. This road trip reveals how a single highway can transition from coastal flatlands to rugged highlands.

This guide answers key questions: is it worth driving Spring Lake, NJ to Summersville, WV? Absolutely – for the waterfalls, mountain vistas, and small-town charm. How long to drive? Plan 6.5 hours without stops, but budget a full day to explore. We'll highlight things to do between Spring Lake, NJ and Summersville, WV, including how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Start on the Garden State Parkway (GSP) north to I-287 west, then I-78 west across New Jersey. Cross the Delaware Water Gap into Pennsylvania on I-80 west briefly to I-81 south. Follow I-81 through the Susquehanna Valley to Harrisburg, then continue south to the Maryland panhandle. Near Hagerstown, take I-70 west to I-68 west into West Virginia. At Morgantown, pick up US-19 south to Summersville.

• GSP tolls: ~$5 (pay-by-plate works).
• I-78: toll-free, well-maintained.
• I-81: heavy truck traffic between Carlisle and Harrisburg, but good pavement.
• I-68: scenic mountain interstate with 65-mph speed limits, moderate curves.
• US-19: two-lane highway through the Monongahela National Forest; watch for deer at dusk.

Fuel economy peaks on the flat stretches of I-78 and I-81. Expect average combined mpg of 28 for a typical sedan. Gas prices in Pennsylvania are often $0.20/gallon higher than in West Virginia. Use apps like GasBuddy to find cheap stations around Harrisburg (exit 47A on I-81) and Morgantown (exit 152 on I-68).

• Key fuel stops: Vince's Exxon in Bethel, PA (mile 24 on I-78) - convenient and clean restrooms.
• Sheetz at exit 19 on I-81 in Carlisle - 24/7 with good coffee.
• Little General Store at US-19 and WV-41 in Birch River - last chance before Summersville.

The drive crosses the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (mile marker 1-5 on I-80 in NJ). Eye-level with the Kittatinny Ridge, you'll see the river carving a notch through the mountain – a classic Appalachian water gap. Farther west on I-78, the Lehigh Valley opens into rolling farmlands dotted with covered bridges.

In Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna River at Harrisburg is visible from I-81. The view of the state capitol dome framed by the river is photogenic. As you climb into the Alleghenies on I-68, the road cuts through Sideling Hill – a massive roadcut exposing folded sedimentary layers. Pull into the rest area at mile 16 (eastbound) for a geological display.

• Delaware Water Gap: stop at the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center for 1-mile hike to a waterfall.
• Swatara State Park (I-81 exit 85): short walk to the Swatara Creek.
• Martin's Mountain (I-68 mile 23): panoramic view of the Potomac River valley.

Local commerce thrives around farm stands and artisan markets. In Pennsylvania Dutch country, detour to Lancaster County (exit 286 off I-76) for hex signs and shoofly pie. In West Virginia, the town of Grafton (off US-119) has the International Mother's Day Shrine and homemade apple butter.

The region's culinary infrastructure includes classic diners and pepperoni roll bakeries. Must-try: a pepperoni roll from Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, WV (exit 137 off I-79). For sit-down meals, The Porch in Harrisburg serves farm-to-table with a view of the Susquehanna. In Summersville, The Boardroom Grill offers local trout and craft beers.

Road quality is excellent on interstates but deteriorates on US-19 south of Morgantown, where frost heaves create rough patches. In winter, I-68 frequently has snow squalls between Cumberland and Keyser. Always carry chains or all-season tires with good tread. Deer crossings are common near dusk on US-19, especially between Richwood and Summersville.

For family travel, plan stops every 2 hours. The Hershey Story Museum (I-81 exit 77) offers chocolate tasting for kids. The Strasburg Rail Road (exit 283 off US-30) has 45-minute steam train rides through Amish country. In Summersville, the Summersville Lake Lighthouse is a kid-friendly climb to a 360-degree view. Pet owners can stretch legs at the Swope Park leash-free area in Harrisonburg, VA (off I-81 exit 243).

• Rest zones: I-78 rest area at mile 19 (NJ side) with vending machines and clean restrooms.
• I-81 Buchanan Rest Area (mile 66) has picnic tables and a dog walk.
• I-68 Sideling Hill Rest Area (mile 16) offers interpretive signs and a short walking trail.

Fatigue management is crucial on long hauls. The drive from Spring Lake to Harrisburg takes 3 hours – a natural break. For caffeine, the Wawa on I-78 exit 29 in PA has 24-hour service. After Harrisburg, the stretch to Morgantown is 2.5 hours; consider a quick nap at the Flight 93 National Memorial (I-71 exit 91). Bring cool water and healthy snacks; the only drive-through options around Cumberland, MD are limited to McDonald's on exit 43.

Hidden off-route spots include the abandoned town of Centralia, PA (off I-61 near Ashland) – watch for smoke rising from the mine fire. In West Virginia, the Canyon Rim Center at Gauley Bridge (off US-19) offers a platform over the New River Gorge. For a truly unique stop, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston (off US-33) offers ghost tours.