US250 - Wheeling, WV to Staunton, VA

[Doc Tinker]

I'm planning our first trip to Virginia Beach. We will be going there in May. DeLorme Street Maps tells me to go via Washington DC and I've been there already. After looking at my map of the east, it appears that US250 might be a good option.

Is anyone familiar with this road?
Should I be concerned about towing my 25' TT through there?
How much will the route add to my trip?
What is the mountain pass like on that highway?
Also, are there any overnight camping spots that you recommend in the Fairmont, WV area.

Thanks for your help

Doc

 

[fortunate1]

Doc, I'm sure that you'll have a great time in Va Beach AND a great time getting there!! I don't know much about US 250 in WV, but after about 60 into VA (after crossing I-81) it parallels I-64. 250 has more "twisting & turning" than 64 since it's the older route that was used before the interstate was built. The biggest hill on 64 is Afton Mt. just east of Waynesboro, VA. 250 is probably a more direct route from Wheeling to Richmond than via DC; probably much more scenic too. If you get tired of the 250-type driving in VA, you can always jump onto 64 to make some time since they're very close together from 81 to Richmond. At Richmond you can take 64 east all the way to Va Beach, or drive south on 95 for about 20-25 miles to Petersburg, then take 460 SW to Suffolk (Peanut Country). Va Beach is a quick run east on 58 and then back onto 64. A "spur" numbered 264 takes you to the oceanfront. This "back way" is usually a lot less crowded that taking 64 all the way. Can't help you a single bit on the campsite situation, though.

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95 2500 SLT, clubcab, 2wd, longbed, a/t, 3. 54, 144K miles, "all the usual refinements"

 

[B.G. Smith]

Doc, I have stayed at Stonewall Jackson State Park just South of Weston twice in the last few years, is on a beautiful lake and has a very nice golf course if you are into that. It is usually pretty full so you might want to call ahead if you go there. I don't think you will have any trouble pulling a 25' trailer through on 250 but it is a little winding and mountainous, we were down through there last fall from Weston to Snow Shoe Mountain but I left the trailer at Stonewll Jackson Park. It is a beautiful drive. bg

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 110 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[RATTLINRAM]

Hey Doc,
We live just down past Petersburg on 460 and pull our 5er up to North 340 Campground (Waynesboro) quite often. I'm not sure about 250 thru WV, but it's mighty twisty coming over Afton mtn. and you never know how bad the fog conditions are going to be. We normaly take 460 to 295 to 64 and get off at Waynesboro. IMO, 64 is the best route over Afton. We pulled our rig to Wisconsin in June and took 64 to Beckly, then 77 up to Cambridge Ohio,and then onto 70 west because it was easier. I don't know if this helped any, but have a good trip. If you decide to take the 460 route, don't forget to toot the horn when you pass thru Downtown Disputanta. *NOTE: Don't blink or you'll miss it!

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Dennis in VA
"RATTLIN" *1999 2500 SPORT QUAD CAB* "RAM"
IntenseBlue/Cummins/4x2/auto/3. 54AS/4whlABS/Camper&TowPkg/
Keyless/Leather/TravelConGrp/SecuritySys/6spkrCD*Cass/Strngwhlcntrls/
WestinTubeSteps/SoftTonneau/15k RBW 5th-WheelHitch/26'Nomad 5er

 

[Doc Tinker]

Thanks for the input guys. After looking over my maps again, I think I've found a faster way to reach Virginia Beach by dropping down through a couple highways from the north. I'll post my route when I have a chance, so you guys can tell me if it's a good enough choice.

Dco

 

[Wiz]

Doc,
DON'T DO IT !! DON'T DO IT.

Every now and then I go down to Culpeper Va, which is 1/2 hour north of Charlottsville. I live 1/2 hour south of Cleveland, and can make it down there in 5 1/2 - 6 hours. Two months ago, I wanted to try a different route, and took 250 from Wheeling (although you can pick it up in Ohio)through Staunton, to Charlottsville. It took me 10 1/2 hours. Route 250 through West Va is narrow, 2 lane snake route ,with a lot of switchbacks, and you end up going through the Allegheny and Monongahela National forests, and their mountains.
A much better northern route, which is the one I usually take, is the Ohio to the PA turnpike, and get off at the Breezewood exit. Then take 522 all the way into Culpeper. You have several options from there, and it looks like 3 to 95 might be the best. On the way back I went 522 north to the turnpike, then back to Cleveland.
I would never take 250 again, since it added 3 1/2 - 4 hours to my drivetime..... Wiz

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2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.

 

[lembaar]

Doc -

We go to WV at least once a year. Most of those back roads are beautiful drives. We pull a 30' travel trailer and absolutely love pulling it with the Ram. The trips do take extra time since the roads are often twisty, to say the least.

Don't know where you're coming from but can suggest a couple of routes.

Rt. 219 is good road with a very twisty section above Marlinton. Easy access off I-77 at 460 (Princeton). Watoga State Park in Marlinton is nice.

Another park off of I-77 is Pipestem. One of WV's "Resort Parks" it sits on the Bluestem overlooking an 1100' gorge with a tram down to the base. Near Athens, WV.

Our favorite is NE of Elkins-Canaan Valley. Another Resort Park it has full hookups and one of the most scenic mountain valleys in the US. It is claimed to be the highest mountain valley in the East. Plenty of deer, bear and other wildlife to entertain the touristas. You can get there from Morgantown or from I-79. We go in from Beckley over the New River Gorge and take route 19 to I-79. Coming from the north you can come down through Oakland, MD. Nearby is Blackwater Falls State Park.

However, you have to enjoy pulling in the mountains or you will be disppointed. We used to make the trip from South Carolina in our '95 Ram 1500 w/ 5. 2. This diesel just makes it effortless, especially with the E-brake.

Wherever you go, happy trailering!

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'01 3500 QC SLT, 5-spd. , 3. 54 LSD, Tow Pkg, Camper Pkg, White w/ Camel. (St. Louis) - Jacobs E-brake, GaugeWorks dual gauge pod, ISSPRO EGT & Boost Gauges.

 

[Doc Tinker]

Hi JN

OK Wiz, I won't attempt US250, although it looks and sounds like fun (with a sports car).

My other route plan is to take Wiz's suggested route, down US-522 into Winchester, then it looks like US-50 to US-17 down to I-95. My map program shows these secondary roads as divided highways, is that true? I might drop down and take the Skyline Parkway on the way down, if you guys think it's worth the extra miles.

On the way home, I've noticed that there is a lot of action in Winchester when I'll be passing through. I think we will camp there coming home and get in on the fun.

Thanks for the recommendations, lembaar. After re-reading your post, I might consider taking the scenic route along I-68 and stop at your recommended resort on the way down. Morgantown area looks to be the halfway point. The scenic route is a little longer, but might be worth the extra effort.

Sorry I didn't have my location dispayed on my profiles. Wiz knows where I am, but the rest of you didn't know where I was coming from.

Lembaar, is that Resort Park a members only place? And what association is it?

Thanks

Doc

 

[Guest00]

HI DOC.

 

[Chris Mullen]

Big advantage with US250, is that you will be able to check your trailers brake lights - while you drive. I agree with 50 to 17 and stay on 17 through VA's northern neck, drops you in Hampton. You see some real nice VA countryside.

enjoy your trip

 

[lembaar]

Doc -

The moniker "resort" is WV park-talk for full-hookup with golf course, swimming pools, cabins, ski area, etc. A "resort" destination.

The two resort parks we have been to, Canaan and Pipestem, are absolutely the nicest public parks we have ever seen. Very clean and, amazingly, under-utilized.

Breathtaking views, lots of wildlife such as deer, raccoons, bears (Canaan), skunks, etc. Makes for a relaxing time sitting in a chair under the awning or around the campfire. The skunks can offer a bit of adventure, though the park staff normally relocates them if they become too familiar with campers.

Except for major holidays, they are rarely full. They do take reservations for a portion of their sites should you choose make one.

Here is a website to take a look at. http://www.wvparks.com/

Safe Traveling!!!

[This message has been edited by lembaar (edited 03-01-2001). ]

[This message has been edited by lembaar (edited 03-01-2001). ]