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Iconic Road Trips: Weaving Through West Virginia And Maryland On Interstate 68
I've driven Interstate 68 more times than I can count. It's one of the main roads I take any time I'm traveling from the east coast to my hometown (Marietta, Ohio) or the town where my family lives now (Morgantown, West Virginia). I am currently engaged in a longstanding love-hate relationship with this road. I love it because the scenery is outstanding. The rolling hills of Appalachia surround you as you drive through, over and around them. I hate it because it's a tough road to drive and being a passenger in the car on this road can be a terrible (and scary) experience if the driver isn't sensible. The hills are steep, the curves are sudden and the cars travel quickly on this road.
I once had an engine die on me on this road and, as I sat on the asphalt waiting for the tow truck to arrive, I admitted to myself that I wasn't surprised. But in regard to a road trip, this is a wonderful road. The fact that it can be a challenging drive makes it more fun if you're in good company.
If you have the time, stop at Cooper's Rock State Forest, Cheat Lake, Rocky Gap State Park and Green Ridge State Forest.
If you have the time, stop at Cooper's Rock State Forest, Cheat Lake, Rocky Gap State Park and Green Ridge State Forest.
Filed under: North America, United States, Budget Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bill N DC May 26th 2012 2:37PM
Love I-68 and Cooper's Rock - my route between DC and Iowa - prettiest part till the cornfields ;-)
Dennis May 26th 2012 10:30PM
There is nothing like riding through these mountains as with my daughter riding "two-up" on my Harley Ultra Classic. The views are just as exciting as the challange of riding the ups, downs, and highway curves, taking our time and riding safely. I would encourage all you local bikers to make this a weekend trip and visit the various overlooks and local 'stop overs' along the way.
Kookie May 28th 2012 9:43AM
You don't have to ride up and down the coast and look at an ocean to see beautiful America. Ride across country, from the flatlands to the mountains, and see the history and beautiful country of ours. How the people lived and worked.
There are historic and interesting sites all across America to see. It can be a great experience.
Alan May 28th 2012 10:19AM
I am a little chagrinned by the tough description of I-68 which for me is an alternate route with much lighter traffic than the PA turnpike for my frequent travels to MI and back. The beauty and grandeur of this route are only exceded (in this area) by getting off on MD Rt 40, the historic "National Pike," arguably our first expressway. By comparison, I-68 is a cradle or rocking chair, albeit, gigantic. Many times I have traveled the byways that leave north and south of these routes to even more breath taking vistas and hair raising roads, some of which are even paved. Up and down the Appalachian range are worthy rides within access to most of the population centers on the East Coast and the East Central United States, a National Treasure.
Paul May 28th 2012 11:10AM
He has trouble with I-68?? Can he drive? I think the writer has this road confused with I-64 that runs through Charleston, WV through Lewisburg, WV - and the real West Virginia mountains.
Janet Morris May 28th 2012 11:39AM
The writer needs to get the information right. It is I-64 not I-68.
Marge May 28th 2012 1:44PM
Been driving I-68 for 40 years (through its building) since it took a number of years to complete, as an alternative to Route 50. Now that's truly "hills are steep, the curves are sudden" especially Cheat Mountain that has about 18 complete "S" curves coming down on the western side. I, too, travel from DC (now Manassas) to Marietta, Ohio and beyond to the village of Beverly, OH about 4 times a year. I-68 could be considered pretty if you haven't seen countryside, but it's really sort of boring countryside once you get past the Sidling Hill cut through.
David Fredrickson May 28th 2012 2:39PM
Nice series, but would be so much better with maps. These days it could even be tied in with Google Earth which is printable and also loaded with donated photos.
Gerry May 28th 2012 3:06PM
I live a short distance from the beginning of I-68 at I-70 near Hancock Md and was born in Erie Pa and it is a beautiful drive from here to I-79 in Morgantown WV ! Fall of the year, I just hop in my vehicle and run west, just for a beautiful ride !
Lee May 28th 2012 3:51PM
I have traveled Interstate 68 many times! I completely agree with the writer, but let me suggest a good diner. On Exit 79, you will find "The 79er." It's almost exacty at the end of the exit, easy to find. The food is great, the prices are very fair, and the waitresses couldn't be more pleasant. I am NOT the owner, just a satisfied patron, give it a try!
In Morgantown, of all places, you'll find a sports and classic car dealer, Mid-Atlantic Sports Cars. Where else could you get your Ferrari serviced in West Virginia? It's fun to just look at his inventory!
Anyway, Happy Motoring on Interstate 68!!
clarence j Jul 24th 2012 7:24PM
while i agree I-68 is a beautiful drive the 79 dinner is not on 68 but the 79 mile marker on I-79
John Jun 24th 2012 11:04AM
I have driven I-68 many times and when I drive to Memphis TN from Harrisburg PA and I prefer it and I-64 to the totally boring I-81/I-40 route. Scenery is great and the grades and curves certainly meet Interstate specifications ( with the possible exception of the passage through downtown Cunberland MD.) I would be wary about driving the western end in the winter due to the high elevation. I can get icy and snowy very quickly.
My only experience with twisting curves and steep grades has been when travelling the parallel US 40 or taking one of the other side roads in the area!