Traverse City to Davis Road Trip: Scenic Mountain Drive

Highway M-37 first appeared on Michigan maps in the 1920s, connecting Traverse City to the state’s southern reaches. Today, that same route leads you through 700 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and Appalachian folds to Davis, WV—a town once known as the “Icebox of the East” for its frosty winters. This guide unpacks how to make the most of the drive, answering is it worth driving Traverse City, MI to Davis, WV with a resounding yes.

Curious about how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities? The key is weaving off the interstates onto state highways like US-31 and US-250. Total driving time is about 12 hours without breaks, but plan for 2-3 days to soak in the best stops Traverse City, MI to Davis, WV.

From Traverse City’s cherry orchards, drive south through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—a 35-mile stretch of bluffs and Lake Michigan views. In Ohio, the Hocking Hills region offers waterfalls and caves, while West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest envelopes Davis with spruce trees and the Blackwater River.

Stop at the Traverse City Farmers Market (seasonal) for tart cherries and local cheese. In Davis, visit Stumptown Coffee Roasters and the Purple Fiddle for live music and Appalachian crafts.

• Sleeping Bear Dunes: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, 7.4 miles of overlooks.
• Hocking Hills State Park: Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave, easy hikes with waterfalls.
• Blackwater Falls State Park: 62-foot falls near Davis, boardwalk accessible.
• Dolly Sods Wilderness: Unique alpine plateau off Route 28, requires high-clearance vehicle.

Road quality is excellent on interstates but variable on secondary roads: US-48 in WV has steep grades and sharp curves, especially near Davis. Cell service is spotty in Dolly Sods; download offline maps.

For families: stop at the Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak, MI) or the interactive COSI museum in Columbus. Child-friendly eateries include Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor for oversized sandwiches.

Pet-friendly framework: Most state parks allow leashed dogs on trails. Rest stops along I-94 have pet relief areas. The Tamarack in Beckley, WV has outdoor seating for dog owners.

Fatigue management: Alternate drivers every 2 hours. Use rest areas like the Ohio Turnpike Service Plazas (mile markers 76, 139). The best fatigue-beating stop is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Brandywine Falls in Ohio—a short walk to a waterfall.

Start on M-37 south to US-31, hugging the Lake Michigan coast for 90 miles. At Muskegon, pick up I-96 east to US-131, then I-94 east to Detroit. Cross into Ohio via I-75 south, then take I-280 and US-30 east through Ohio and West Virginia. In WV, hop on US-48 east (Corridor H) to Davis.

Fuel costs average $110 for regular gas at current prices. Tolls: $5.50 on I-280 in Ohio. Rest stops are plentiful every 30 miles on interstates; on two-lane roads, plan for gas stations in towns like Cadillac, MI and Cambridge, OH.