Driving from Columbus OHIO to Raleigh: how safe is the drive through West Virginia? Any advices? :)

Originally Posted by WordWrangler

I just made the drive back to Raleigh from Charleston, WV a few days ago. Took six hours from there, and despite what Jorrie says about the local yokels in Beckley 15 years ago (are you sure it wasn't more than that??? LOL) I believe you'll find it to be hilly and curvy, but good road and plenty of traffic for company. DEFINITELY stop at the Tamarack exit in Beckley to move around a bit, fuel up, or maybe look at some art. The stretch between Charleston and Beckley will be difficult if you're not used to that, but definitely do-able. And again, for a ways after Beckley up through to Princeton it's a little dramatic with the curves and hills. (If you don't stop in Beckley make SURE you stop for fuel/food/rest in Princeton. It's not nearly as nice, but there's plenty to be had there, whereas after that, it's slim pickins for about an hour.)

Also, make sure you have dollar bills for the toll roads; 3 tollbooths at $2 each from Chelyan to Ghent.

Just check ahead to see the forecast; fog and heavy rain will turn that drive nerve-wracking in an instant, but I find that to be true even to the straight stretch of I-40 headed west to east in NC. If "weather" gets you, slow down, turn on your flashers, or just choose an exit and pull off in a convenience store lot until it lets up. WV is still "wild and wonderful" in some areas, but in most places right off the interstates, especially off 77, it's just like anywhere else but with a little more incline. Enjoy the trip!