Summer Road Trips in West Virginia
Routes
30
Avg Distance
320 mi
Avg Drive
6h 3m
Destinations
19
West Virginia in the summer means long days and access to its many parks, perfect for exploring its winding roads. With 30 routes averaging 322 miles and about 6 hours, you can see a lot. These drives feature gently rolling terrain, with maximum elevations reaching up to 2679 ft, offering a refreshing escape into the Appalachian landscape.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.89/gal
Diesel: $5.60/gal
Typical trip cost
$43–$56
One-way, ~320 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~112 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-08-31
Climate through the year: West Virginia
West Virginia peaks at around 86°F in Jul and cools to 44°F / 26°F in Jan. Wettest month is Jul at ~5.4 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44 | 26 | 3.3 | 10.3 |
| Feb | 48 | 29 | 3.4 | 7.7 |
| Mar | 57 | 35 | 4.1 | 5.9 |
| Apr | 69 | 45 | 3.6 | 0.5 |
| May | 76 | 53 | 4.9 | — |
| Jun peak | 83 | 62 | 4.7 | — |
| Jul peak | 86 | 66 | 5.4 | — |
| Aug peak | 85 | 64 | 3.8 | — |
| Sep | 80 | 57 | 3.5 | — |
| Oct | 69 | 45 | 2.9 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 57 | 36 | 3.2 | 1.5 |
| Dec | 48 | 30 | 3.6 | 5 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for WV — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Martinsburg, WV → Wayne, WV
This route scores a perfect 10, offering a 367-mile exploration through gently rolling terrain. With park access, it's ideal for summer adventures.
Editor's pick
Martinsburg, WV → Ceredo, WV
Another 10/10 drive, this 360-mile option also features gently rolling terrain and opportunities to visit parks, making it a prime summer choice.
Editor's pick
Williamson, WV → Martinsburg, WV
This 360-mile trip, primarily highway, still earns a solid 8/10 score. It navigates gently rolling terrain with park access, a great way to experience the state.
Martinsburg, WV → Kenova, WV
Huntington, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Bolivar, WV → Huntington, WV
Martinsburg, WV → Lesage, WV
Martinsburg, WV → Pea Ridge, WV
Huntington, WV → Charles Town, WV
Through: Buckhannon → Berryville
Gilbert Creek, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg, WV → Eleanor, WV
Mallory, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg, WV → Mount Hope, WV
Through: Charleston
Saint Albans, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Martinsburg, WV → Tornado, WV
Point Pleasant, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Martinsburg, WV → Oceana, WV
Through: Charleston
Coal Fork, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
South Charleston, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Shepherdstown, WV → Charleston, WV
Charleston, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Charleston, WV → Bolivar, WV
Through: Buckhannon → Berryville → Charles Town
Bluefield, WV → Weirton Heights, WV
Through: Summersville → Pa Tpke 576 Toll West: Pittsburgh International Airport → Pa Tpke 576 West
Bluefield, WV → Charles Town, WV
Through: Berryville
Martinsburg, WV → Pinch, WV
Charleston, WV → Ranson, WV
Through: Buckhannon → Berryville
Weirton Heights, WV → Princeton, WV
Clendenin, WV → Martinsburg, WV
Through: Harrisburg
Weirton, WV → Princeton, WV
Martinsburg, WV → Oak Hill, WV
Through: Charleston → Beckley