Williamsburg to Summersville: A Road Trip Through Virginia and West Virginia

The drive from Williamsburg, VA to Summersville, WV is 312 miles and typically takes 5 hours and 15 minutes without stops. Interstate 64 West to Interstate 81 North and US 19 West form the backbone of this journey, crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains and descending into the New River Gorge region. Did you know that the bridge on US 19 over Meadow River, about 30 miles south of Summersville, was once the highest steel-arch bridge east of the Mississippi? That structure, the Meadow River Bridge, offers a nail-biting view for drivers.

This route is worth driving if you crave a blend of coastal Virginia history, Shenandoah Valley pastoral scenes, and West Virginia's rugged, forested terrain. The journey reveals how the landscape morphs from flat tidewater farmland to rolling hills and then to steep, forested mountains. To make the most of your trip, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

As you leave Williamsburg, the flat coastal plain gives way to gently rolling hills around Richmond. By Charlottesville, the Blue Ridge Mountains loom ahead. The ascent on I-64 through Afton Mountain (elevation 2,000 ft) offers a wind-swept view of the Shenandoah Valley. Descending into Staunton, you're in the heart of the valley, where limestone-cured pastures support dairy farms and wineries. The historic downtown Staunton, with its Victorian architecture, is a prime spot for browsing antique shops and local art galleries.

Continuing on I-81 South, you'll traverse the Maury River valley, passing natural wonders like the Natural Bridge (a 200-foot limestone arch). Just before Lexington, VA, you can exit to visit the Natural Bridge State Park. The rock formation is a sacred site for the Monacan tribe and was surveyed by George Washington. Further west on US 60, you'll cross into West Virginia near White Sulphur Springs, home to the historic Greenbrier Resort. The landscape shifts to dense hardwood forests, with elevated views of the Greenbrier River valley.

After Lewisburg, US 19 North climbs into the Monongahela National Forest. The sections near Richwood and Summersville are characterized by steep, winding roads with sharp curves, often called the 'Summit' or 'Sawmill' roads. The New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is about 30 miles south of Summersville and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate. The gorge's sandstone cliffs and whitewater rapids are best viewed from the New River Gorge Bridge, a 1,000-foot steel arch span. Local commerce includes handmade crafts, orchard goods, and West Virginia maple syrup, sold at roadside stands along US 19.

Your starting point is Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. From there, you'll take US 60 West to I-64 West. About 45 minutes in, you'll pass the town of Richmond and then enter the Piedmont region. The route is well-maintained, with ample fuel stations approximately every 20-30 miles along I-64 and I-81. Expect fuel costs around $3.30 per gallon (regular) as of late 2023. Tolls are none on this route.

• Fuel stops: Exxon at mile 80 (Charlottesville), Sheetz at mile 145 (Staunton), Marathon at mile 210 (Lexington), GoMart at mile 270 (Lewisburg), and Speedway in Summersville.
• Recommended break point: Staunton, VA (mile 120) - a historic town with a restored train station and ample parking.
• Alternative break: Lewisburg, WV (mile 240) - quaint downtown with brick streets and independent cafes.

Road quality is generally excellent on interstate highways, but US 19 in West Virginia has narrow shoulders and occasional deer crossings. Cell service is spotty between Lewisburg and Summersville; download offline maps. Winter travel (December-February) may require all-season tires, especially on I-64's Afton Mountain (snow-prone) and US 19's mountain stretches. Summer brings heavy thunderstorms, reducing visibility.

For families, consider a stop at the Virginia Discovery Museum in Charlottesville (exit 118B) or the West Virginia State Wildlife Center near Buckhannon (a detour from US 19). Both have hands-on exhibits and restrooms. The 550-acre Summersville Lake, just north of town, is a prime spot for picnicking, swimming, and boating. The lake's state park offers a sandy beach and a marina with kayak rentals (open May-October). Pets are allowed at the beach area on a leash, and the park has pet waste stations. Off-leash dogs are permitted on the lake trail east of the dam.

Fatigue management: The first two hours (Williamsburg to Staunton) are monotonous interstate driving. Plan a coffee break at the Afton Mountain rest area (mile 99) or at a local diner in Staunton, such as Wright's Dairy Rite for a classic root beer float. The final hour on US 19 is the most demanding due to curvature. Switching drivers or taking a 15-minute break at the Meadow River Bridge overlook is advised. Restrooms are available at the Summersville Lake Welcome Center (open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m.). Hidden off-route spots include the Blue Hole at Babcock State Park (off Route 41, 30 minutes south of Summersville) and the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a photogenic replica often used for Virginia travel brochures.