I-77 Between SC And OH in January - What to Expect?

[SuperBus]

I am planning a trip south in late January. I am contemplating returning north using I-77, mainly to see something different than my usual I-75 route. My concern is whether or not this route is subject to higher risk of bad weather, etc. than the straight shot of I-75. If anyone has experience with I-77 during January or February, I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

[ferndaleflyer]

I have driven 77 every since it has been there every couple of weeks. I doubt you would embark on any trip on any road where there is never any snow

[Mayor30]

ken56 wrote:
Be aware that you have a big grade at Fancy Gap at the border of NC and VA. It's 4%-4.5% for 6.5 miles.....and going north that would be up hill for you. It's one of the longest grades in the whole interstate system. 77 through West Virginia is hilly and twisty too. Any snowfall would concern me although the interstate is usually very well maintained. It's also a toll road in WV. Depending on the weather boring 75 might be the safest route if you are towing.

Formerly from Michigan myself.

Yeah,I got a flat on that downhill stretch one time. Of course it's always on the side toward traffic. That was kind of scary changing a tire with cars and truck zooming past at 75mph. Most of the trucks moved into the passing lane but most of the cars passed by me about 4 ft from my back.

[JJnLilly]

Travel I77 from NE Ohio to Florida a lot. Have had some snow in the mountains, but never any issues. They keep the roads clear. Biggest issue we've ever encountered is accidents that block multiple lanes. Is a nice scenic and entertaining drive.

[cbshoestring]

I'm just wondering how you get on I-75 in South Carolina?

As others have said... weather can get a bit more wintery.

lots of lefts and rights north of Charlotte, across VA and WV up to the bottom of Ohio. Think I-75 grades (thru Kentucky), with turns on the bottom. Need to be a bit careful when you "cut it loose" if you plan to run for the next UP grade.

Backs up a lot with construction near Statesville....then again, construction on the TN/KY border has been backing up for miles the last 3 times I went that way.

[ken56]

Be aware that you have a big grade at Fancy Gap at the border of NC and VA. It's 4%-4.5% for 6.5 miles.....and going north that would be up hill for you. It's one of the longest grades in the whole interstate system. 77 through West Virginia is hilly and twisty too. Any snowfall would concern me although the interstate is usually very well maintained. It's also a toll road in WV. Depending on the weather boring 75 might be the safest route if you are towing.

Formerly from Michigan myself.

[agteacher]

177 can be bad at times. The worst is usually in the Charleston Beckley area. They now have US35 open as 4 Lane all the way to I64. We take that from the Dayton Ohio area. Watch the weather. WCHS and WSAZ are a couple of the local stations. Depending on where you are going in Ohio will determine if you stay on 77.

[SuperBus]

Thanks for the replies Matt and Ken. I have avoided this route in the past, earlier in the winter season, based on this assumption. Seems like it was a good one. Late January is asking for trouble I suppose.

[Beverley_Ken]

I fully agree with what Matt says.
I77 goes through the mountains, pretty, but the weather conditions can change quickly, even over the next hill. I’ll repeat, watch the weather forecast for 3 or 4 days ahead and be prepared to wait it out. We’ve taken both routes many times but always I75 in the winter.

Ken

[Matt_Colie]

Super, having done both routes, the first thing I would say is get good weather information and provision for three days so you can hold up somewhere and wait it out. (We have had to do this.)

Next thing I would add is that 77 is a prettier road, but it takes you through the mountains of West Virginia. I can't imagine wanting to be there in the winter.

Be sure your camera is ready in either case.

Matt