Staunton to Cumberland Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive

This route traces the historic Valley Turnpike (US-11) and Interstate 81 north, then cuts west on I-64 and US-220 through the Allegheny Mountains. The drive spans roughly 200 miles and takes about 3.5 hours without stops, but the real value lies in the detours.

The road closely follows the Great Indian Warpath and later the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, a key Civil War supply line. Today, drivers encounter remnants of early American industry and untouched forest.

If you're wondering is it worth driving Staunton, VA to Cumberland, MD, the answer is a resounding yes for those who value mountain panoramas, historic small towns, and the thrill of discovering overlooked stops. For tips on finding hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

As you leave Staunton on US-250 west, you climb into the George Washington National Forest. The route parallels the North River, with dense hardwood forests giving way to high-elevation meadows near the Highland County line. At Monterey, the landscape opens—this is “Virginia’s Switzerland,” with dairy farms and the highest average elevation in the state.

Local commerce includes apple orchards (Bowman’s Orchard near Monterey), artisanal cheese (Highland County Cheese), and roadside farm stands selling maple syrup. In Romney, the Old Depot Museum celebrates the town's railroad history. The Potomac River valley near Cumberland also features a thriving craft beer scene: try D.C. Hiker Beer at the Canal Place brewery.

• Scenic overlooks: Reddish Knob (35 miles north of Staunton), The Pinnacle (off US-50)
• UNESCO Sites: None directly on route; but the George Washington National Forest is part of the Central Appalachian Biosphere Reserve
• Climate: April–October for best driving; winter may require chains west of Monterey

Safety on this route requires attention to curves and weather. The stretch of US-220 between Monterey and Keyser has steep grades (up to 7%) and sharp turns. Use lower gears to avoid brake overheating. For fatigue management, the Seneca Rocks overlook (mile marker 20 on US-33) provides a safe pull-off with panoramic views—ideal for a 15-minute break.

Family-friendly stops: The George Washington National Forest ranger station at Brandywine (near the WV border) has an easy 0.5-mile nature trail. In Keyser, the Fort Ashby (a pre-Revolutionary fort) offers living history weekends. For pets, many pull-offs are dog-friendly, but ensure pets stay leashed due to wildlife (bears and snakes are common).

• Best family stop: Smokey Hollow Campground (picnic tables, creek access)
• Pet-friendly: Most national forest trails allow dogs; bring water
• Hidden off-route spot: Lost River State Park (turn east on WV-259)—a secluded 4,000-acre park with bison herd and hot springs

Be aware that cell service is spotty west of Monterey; download offline maps. Fuel stations cluster around major towns: Staunton, Churchville, Monterey, Keyser, and Cumberland. In between, elevations exceed 2,500 feet, and gas stations are sparse—fill up before leaving the Shenandoah Valley.

Road conditions are generally good on US-220 and US-50, but portions of WV-28 and MD-135 are winding two-lanes. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk.

• Fuel: Staunton to Monterey (no stations for 40 miles); Monterey to Romney (3 stations); Romney to Cumberland (2 stations)
• Rest areas: None official until Keyser, but scenic pull-offs exist at overlooks