Community Forums

DBTulsa · 06-15-2014, 11:12 AM

I'm planning a trip, and need to know about the stretch of Hwy from Charleston WV to to Winston Salem (Interstate 77). How many mountains, hills, tight turns should I expect?

rssnape · 06-15-2014, 11:38 AM

Drove that headed north in December. My recollection is that there was one pretty long grade but no sharp turns.

JMonroe · 06-15-2014, 01:18 PM

We did that route a couple of years ago. To be honest, I don't remember much about it. If it had been a problem I'm guessing I'd remember that.

ronjhall · 06-15-2014, 01:38 PM

We did it last year when heading to Charlotte for thanksgiving. Do not remember anything bad about the drive. Was a few climbs but no tight turns.

DBTulsa · 06-15-2014, 02:38 PM

Thanks guys!

wnytaxman · 06-15-2014, 03:05 PM

The only real issues we've had with I-77 is that if you are coming down from Cleveland, the stretch through Charleston is a bit windy and somewhat narrow. Other than that stretch your only other long grade is from Fancy Gap down to the Piedmont. We usually come down I-79 to US 19 then to 77 in Beckley. Coming down 79 is pretty winding and some pretty good grades, but nothing excessive. If you were to take 79 to 19, be very aware of your speed and the speed limits, particularly around Sommerville.

TSM · 06-15-2014, 04:06 PM

Growing up in Nitro and driving my coach from Columbus,
I am quite familiar with that part of I 77, there are no concerning issues regarding your route. The other post that referred to Summersville W.Va is entirely accurate

GG1 · 06-15-2014, 04:25 PM

Speaking of the Fancy Gap area on I 77 if you have a large rv and the forecast is for high winds wait for a calm day. We traveled this road for the past several years in April and May heading north from Florida. This year I thought we would chance it with a stormy forecast. 2 tractor trailers blew over behind us it was the worst wind I have experienced. The road is very scenic its like being in an airplane looking out into the distance but it's only enjoyable only if the weather is good. Do a search on line for news articles on a Fancy Gap Va.

cb5300 · 06-16-2014, 11:45 AM

The worst thing about I-77 is that from Charleston, WVA south to Rt 460 the govt will be digging into your pocket for tolls!!

Putting all joking behind, that stretch of I-77 has really improved over the years. I remember driving that road back in the 70's when I was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Fairborn, OH. That was one piece of crap for a road, I think it was rated as one of the most dangerous roads in America at that time. It was a two lane death trap back in the day. I do wish that they would go back to only having toll boothes at each end instead of the 3 that they have spread out now.