West VA help needed

Noel and Rose wrote:
Made it to Pipestem, beautiful! Our issue is getting to Canaan Valley. Have 38 ft diesel pusher with toad. Planned to take highway 20 to 64 then 219 to Marlinton then 28 to 33 then 32 to Canaan Valley.

Drove the toad on highway 20 yesterday to Bluestone Dam and Hinton and with the construction and narrow one way street through Hinton ( lots of parked cars) not sure we can make it. Also did not see any large vehicles on highway 20.

Would really appreciate any insight on taking the route indicated - example other areas that would be as challenging or even worse. We need the expertise of others to avoid making a really bad decision!

Also would appreciate any and all suggestions for best route to take from Pipestem to Canaan Valley.

Our first trip to WV and it certainly lives up to its name- wild and wonderful ( beautiful)!

So, which way did you go, and how did it work out for you?:h

Noel and Rose, I may have answered a question for you a few month's ago, concerning coming into WV from I-81. But I live app. 35 miles North of Pipestem just off, I-64 in Ronceverte, and camped in Pipestem one month ago. I have a 30 foot Class C and it is no problem for me to drive the RV down to the Bluestone Dam and get on Route 3 toward Alderson, then toward Lewisburg. At that point, you can go toward White Sulphur Springs, WV and pick up Rt. 92 North. But this way, you would not be on any interstates. I have pulled a vehicle with my class C from WSS app. 80 miles North, then unhook the RV near the rural community of Thornwood, and my wife drive it the rest of the way to the Canaan Valley area(Dolly Sods to be more specific). If you are still in the area, call me on Sunday morning at 304-647-5210 or 304-667-9240. I'm the opposite of many RV'ers-I try to stay off of interstates as much as possible. We just got back an hour ago from the Monterey, VA area which is in the direction of Canaan Valley.

Canaan Valley will NOT disappoint you.

sdianel wrote:
I would take US20 south to I-77, then:
I-77 North of Beckley. Rt. 19 North to I-79. I-79 North to Weston. East on Rt. 33 to Harman. From Harman, take Rt. 32 North to Canaan Valley.
I wouldn't take the shortest route in WV! Ask me how we know.... LOL

Reminds me of the time when I worked in Lincoln County and a salesman asked me the quickest way to get to Charleston. I looked him straight in the eye and told him by helicopter was the only quickest way to get anywhere in WV. :B

Yup - if you took West Virginia by the corners and shook it flat, it would rival our biggest states in size.

sdianel wrote:
I would take US20 south to I-77, then:
I-77 North of Beckley. Rt. 19 North to I-79. I-79 North to Weston. East on Rt. 33 to Harman. From Harman, take Rt. 32 North to Canaan Valley.
I wouldn't take the shortest route in WV! Ask me how we know.... LOL

Anyone who's been to Southern WV knows that, "shortest" isn't always best. I think thats where the term "You can't get to there from here" originated. :B

You do not want to be on 20 any more than you absolutely have to. I recommend taking 20 south through Athens to get to 77N, When you get to exit 48 you have a choice, you can continue on 77N or take 19 to 79. It is more scenic than 77, but you'll want to have a full tank before you get on it. Or you can stay on 77 to Charleston and get on 79 right away. Staying on the interstates is faster, but not as scenic. Do not get off on 33, it is good until you get to Elkins, then it gets rough. Rather, continue north to 50 to Brookside, then 24/219/32 to Canaan Valley.

I would take US20 south to I-77, then:
I-77 North of Beckley. Rt. 19 North to I-79. I-79 North to Weston. East on Rt. 33 to Harman. From Harman, take Rt. 32 North to Canaan Valley.
I wouldn't take the shortest route in WV! Ask me how we know.... LOL