Summersville to Gary: Road Trip Guide Through Appalachia and Midwest

This road trip traverses 500 miles from the New River Gorge region of West Virginia to the industrial lakefront of Gary, Indiana. The drive follows US-19 north to I-79, then I-77, I-70, and I-65, crossing five states. A little-known fact: near Summersville, the US-19 corridor includes a 120-foot-tall concrete arch bridge—the Summersville Lake Bridge—that was the longest of its type when built in 1960.

The journey typically takes 8 to 9 hours of driving time, but plan for a full day with stops. The route cuts through the Appalachian Plateau, the Ohio River Valley, and the flat farmlands of Indiana. For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check the linked guide.

Fuel and Route Economics (note: this is an exception to the no-bold rule? Actually instruction says no bold, but this is just a subheading in text? The instruction says no bold for keywords, headers, or structural emphasis. I will use plain text. But let me follow strictly: no bold. So I'll write as plain text subheading?) The instruction says: "NO BOLDING: NEVER use bold text (** or ) for keywords, headers, or any structural emphasis anywhere in the body." So I must not use or **. I'll use plain text or just a regular paragraph. But the sub-themes need to be elaborated. I'll just start with paragraphs describing fuel, etc.

Fuel prices along I-70 vary: West Virginia stations often 10-20 cents higher per gallon than Ohio. In Columbus, competition drives prices down. Best refueling strategy: fill up before leaving West Virginia and again near Columbus. Indiana has the cheapest gas, especially around Indianapolis.

• Average gas cost (mid-size car): about $55 total at $3.50/gal.
• Rest stops: well-maintained every 30-40 miles on interstates.
• Food options: chain restaurants dominate exits, but local diners exist.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics (Again, avoid bold? Use plain text header?) I'll use a plain line: Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics. Then paragraph. Spring and fall offer the best scenery—wildflowers in WV, foliage in Ohio. Summer can be hot and humid; winter risks snow in WV mountains. The aesthetic shift from green Appalachia to flat Indiana cornfields is stark.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions (again, avoid bold). The New River Gorge area near Summersville features deep canyons and sandstone cliffs. Summersville Lake is a man-made lake with clear water, popular for boating. As you drive north, the terrain becomes rolling hills. At the Ohio River crossing near Wheeling, the valley broadens. Once in Ohio, the landscape flattens into agricultural plains. Industrial Gary sits on Lake Michigan, with dunes and steel mills.

• Summersville Lake: 2,700 acres, swimming and hiking trails.
• New River Gorge Bridge: 876 feet high, scenic overlook.
• Ohio River: crossing at multiple bridges, view of river traffic.
• Indiana Dunes National Park: 15 miles of shoreline near Gary.

Local Commerce & Culture (no bold). Small towns in WV offer handmade crafts and moonshine. In Ohio, Amish communities near Columbus sell quilts and baked goods. Gary has a revitalizing arts scene, including the historic Palace Theater.

From Appalachian comfort food to Midwest classics, the route offers diverse eating. In Summersville, try the fried fish at local diners. Charleston has pepperoni rolls. In Ohio, the Skyline Chili chain is iconic, but for a sit-down meal, Schmidt's Sausage Haus in Columbus offers German fare. Indianapolis is famous for pork tenderloin sandwiches. As you approach Gary, hit the Polish bakeries in Chicago suburbs. For a unique detour, the food hall in Findlay Market (Cincinnati) is close to the southern leg.

• Summersville: The Ponderosa Restaurant for home-style buffet.
• Charleston: Ellen's Homemade Ice Cream.
• Columbus: Thurman Cafe for massive burgers.
• Indianapolis: St. Elmo Steak House for shrimp cocktail.
• Gary: Artesian Restaurant for soul food.

No UNESCO World Heritage sites lie directly on this route. However, a small detour to the Cincinnati area brings you to the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (a 2023 UNESCO addition). These ancient Native American mounds are about 120 miles south of the I-70 corridor. Alternatively, the Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House in Chicago's Hyde Park is a tentative site—only 30 minutes from Gary.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality (no bold). I-70 through Ohio is well-maintained with wide shoulders. West Virginia's mountain sections have steep grades and sharp curves. In winter, check road conditions for I-79. Overall, the route is safe, but watch for deer especially in Indiana at dusk.

• Road quality: Ohio interstates excellent; WV some rough patches.
• Lighting: well-lit near cities, dark in rural areas.
• Cell coverage: good on interstates, spotty in WV mountains.

Family and Child Suitability: Several stops cater to children. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a major attraction, though slightly off-route. In Columbus, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is excellent. Rest areas often have playgrounds. Pack snacks for remote stretches.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most chain hotels along the route welcome pets. Rest stops have grassy areas. Beware of hot pavement in summer. Water bowls are rare; carry your own. Some state parks allow dogs on trails.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Plan stops every 2 hours. Ideal rest points: Beckley, WV; Cambridge, OH; Columbus; Indianapolis. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. For extended breaks, consider a short hike at a rest area.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Detour 10 miles south of I-70 to Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio (caves and waterfalls). Near Gary, the Pullman National Monument in Chicago is worth the extra 30 minutes.