Forum Discussion

xctraveler's avatar
xctraveler
Explorer
May 27, 2013

Charlottesville VA to Pittsburgh PA

My mapping software DeLorme Street Atlas suggests a route that picks up US 250 through the WV mountains to I 79 to Cannonsburg (our actual destination). Google Maps has some alternatives that appear less "interesting"

We love mountain drives, but for a change we are trying to make a little time. Does anyone have any experience with this trip - we are driving the rig in the signature - 36 foot diesel with Jeep in tow?
  • From a motorcycle post: US 250 provides some very technically challenging switchbacks, tight corners, elevation changes etc. There are a few breaks in between the mountain ascents and descents - the valleys are a nice break. 2 high mountain peaks with some switchbacks.
  • Is Route 19 thru Summersville an option? Just watch your speed in Summersville, WV. Route 250 is great on a bike but would be a slow tow.
  • If you decide to head further north on I81 then west on I70/I76, we have taken US 522 from Winchester. Its not bad and cuts off some distance.
  • 2hams, Thank you for that suggestion. It is what I am looking for. I want to be in Cannonsburg by dinner time so we can set up and wait for service at the Freightliner service bay for the next morning. No desire to be particularly adventuresome on this run. We just drove the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Charlottesville, time for some easier driving.
  • Best route for your rig, IMHO is I-81 to Hagerstown, I-70 to Breezewood, PA Turnpike to New Stanton exit, I-70 towards Canonsburg. If you have a little time Rt. 522 between Winchester and Hancock is a pretty drive with a few little towns and low traffic volume, a lot of it is a two lane road.
  • Actual route followed was I 81 to I 70 to I 68 to I 79. We didn't take 522 because I wanted to stop at Flying J at the VA/MD border. Then the GPS suggested I68 and since it avoided tolls and who's in a hurry anyhow we took it. DW had the wheel for much of that stretch and commented that it was a bit of work maintaining an even speed with all the hills, but this is one of the most beautiful stretched of Interstate we have driven. When I took over the wheel, I agreed with her, especially going around Morgantown!

    If we do that run again, I may take US 40 from I68 to I79, looks intersting.