West Virigina advice. I-64 out of KY or Rt. 15

[bakerkids]

Next month I will be heading to VA from southern IL. I would prefer to see some of WV on the way, and possibly overnight there (Want to ad my WV sticker! lol) I realize that I-64 through that area is a toll. Having no experience with either of my routes mentioned, I'm looking for feedback. I have a small single axle trailer and have not computed the toll fees yet. If time permits, I would love to see some waterfalls if they're not too far off the path.

I would appreciate any feedback as to the two routes. I can always return via the one I don't choose to take on my way, but will be more pressed for time that day.

[bakerkids]

Chase_WV wrote:
There are only 3 sites in St Albans. They were full some random weekday evening this past March. May want an alternate plan like KOA between Barboursville and Milton. Tolls won’t increase until late 2018.

I noticed that. I always take a Google Maps aerial view. I wonder if they let people stay in that parking lot beside it. I will be there on a weekday, but will also have another plan. Thanks.

[Chase_WV]

There are only 3 sites in St Albans. They were full some random weekday evening this past March. May want an alternate plan like KOA between Barboursville and Milton. Tolls won’t increase until late 2018.

[bakerkids]

melandme wrote:
On our trip from Kentucky to Virginia, we were like you wanting to see more than the view from the interstate. The New River bridge was one thing we wanted to see. Our route was US 60 (Midland Trail) from south of Charleston to WV 16 to US 19 north across the bridge to US 60 east back to I 64. The first section of US 60 follows the Kanawha and New rivers. Before the town of Gauley Bridge, theres is Kanawha Falls which is more like a cascade and just past the town is Cathedral Falls, a real waterfall. Both are right on 60 with place you can pull off. The New River bridge is impressive. The visitors center is a great stop. You do get to see some of WV. The bad part of this route, especially the first part to the the bridge is that it follows the river. It is a 2 lane road and curvy. I did not get to see much of the scenery because of watching the road. Look on Google earth and you can see how curvy it is. If I had to do over again, I would still take US 60 over to the bridge and then US 19 south to I 64 east of Beckley. Can not help with a camp spot for we had reservations in Virginia for the night. Also Flying J at exit 185 on I 64 in KY has RV lanes.

Yes! Exactly the kind of information I was looking for. That's what I will do, time permitting! St. Albans has camping along the river, and that looks to be a good first-day stop. I can then hit the falls the following morning.

[bakerkids]

Vw triker wrote:
And sandstone mountain east of Beckley.....about 7 miles down hill check your trailer brakes before you go down. Otherwise should be a good trip, drove I-64 va to ky a lot

I assume I will miss that since I will continue south connecting with I-77

[jkwilson]

RGar974417 wrote:
When was this tolled? We have driven this route before and never had a toll on I-64.

The toll is on the WV Turnpike section which is I64 between Charleston and Beckley or so. Been a toll road a long time.

[melandme]

Just reread your post. If by Rt 15 you mean KY 15, it is a good road. I have taken that route 3 times in my class c. It is mostly 2 lane with passing lanes on the hills. After you get to US 23 at Jenkins, its 4 lanes south to I 81. Littcarr COE and Carr Creek State Parks are nice campgrounds south of Hazard.

[RGar974417]

When was this tolled? We have driven this route before and never had a toll on I-64.

[Sqdancecaller]

Our local news has been talking about the start of construction on I64 in the Hurricane & Milton areas and to be aware that there will be delays. Just a heads up should you go that route. Also they are raising the toll charges just not sure when that starts. You might consider taking Route 23 south at Ashland, Ky. It's been a few years but the last time we did that it was good road. Gets you off the interstate so you see more of the local stuff. Just a thought.

[melandme]

On our trip from Kentucky to Virginia, we were like you wanting to see more than the view from the interstate. The New River bridge was one thing we wanted to see. Our route was US 60 (Midland Trail) from south of Charleston to WV 16 to US 19 north across the bridge to US 60 east back to I 64. The first section of US 60 follows the Kanawha and New rivers. Before the town of Gauley Bridge, theres is Kanawha Falls which is more like a cascade and just past the town is Cathedral Falls, a real waterfall. Both are right on 60 with place you can pull off. The New River bridge is impressive. The visitors center is a great stop. You do get to see some of WV. The bad part of this route, especially the first part to the the bridge is that it follows the river. It is a 2 lane road and curvy. I did not get to see much of the scenery because of watching the road. Look on Google earth and you can see how curvy it is. If I had to do over again, I would still take US 60 over to the bridge and then US 19 south to I 64 east of Beckley. Can not help with a camp spot for we had reservations in Virginia for the night. Also Flying J at exit 185 on I 64 in KY has RV lanes.

[Vw_triker]

And sandstone mountain east of Beckley.....about 7 miles down hill check your trailer brakes before you go down. Otherwise should be a good trip, drove I-64 va to ky a lot

[Chase_WV]

The toll is $2.50 at the Chelyan and Pax toll plazas. Some much needed construction on I-64 between Milton and Hurricane. Watch for potholes on I-64 from Hurricane to Charleston. The turnpike is very windy from just south of Charleston to Beckley with a 60 mph speed limit but is very good road but even better east of Beckley into VA with a speed limit of 70 mph

[bakerkids]

BurbMan wrote:
When we lived in Louisville we took 64 to Charleston WV and then up 79 back to NY. Not sure about out in VA but 64 is a nice ride through KY.

Oh, I'm frequently on I-64 through KY. I'm 8 miles off I-64 and approx 150 miles from Louisville. It's east of Lexington that's new territory for me, as I cut south at Lexington on my usual trips.

[BurbMan]

When we lived in Louisville we took 64 to Charleston WV and then up 79 back to NY. Not sure about out in VA but 64 is a nice ride through KY.