Road trip help - somewhere to stay between WV and OH

[RoxMonster]

In October we are doing a road trip from central IL to New River Gorge NP area, then down to Peaks of Otter and drive BRP up to our lodging in Shenandoah for a few days. On Friday the 7th, we want to drive from Skyland Lodge in SNP to Harpers Ferry, WV to tour that area for about a half day. I would love to be able to visit Hocking Hills SP on Sat for at least a few hours and then drive to the Indianapolis area that evening to get us a bit closer to home where we return Sunday.

My question is this: I feel like on Friday, driving to Harpers Ferry (two hours to get there from SNP), touring there, then driving 6 hours to Hocking Hills is too much especially with earlier sunsets that time of year. Where would you suggest stopping for the night that’s between Harpers Ferry and Hocking Hills? I’d ideally love someplace that also is of interest in terms of something unique to check out there, but if not possible, just a place to get a hotel is fine too. Google Maps takes me a couple different directions, one cutting through southwestern PA, the other going straight across WV to OH. I'd love someplace that's maybe a midpoint between HF and Hocking Hills so we just have a few hours to drive to HH on Sat. morning.

[Gato]

This might be a little out of your way, but Monongahela National Forest is nice... maybe there's a VRBO in that area?

[notreal]

There's a whole lot of nothing on the shortest route to Hocking Hills from Harper's Ferry. Your best places to stay if you take that way would be Cumberland/ LaVale Maryland, CLarksburg/ Bridgeport WV or Parkersburg, WV. If you choose Parkersburg, there's this place to visit:

wvstateparks.com/park/blennerhassett-island-historical-state-park/

which is connected to the time Aaron Burr most likely tried to start his own country.

[bubbles]

Hi I’m a lurker but a WV native so I didn’t want to read without responding. One route takes you back through the Winchester area and into the eastern WV mountains. Here you can find Blackwater Falls State Park, Dolly Sods which is a nice botanical area, or Seneca Rocks. The Germany Valley is also really nice. All of these places offer great hiking and are close to you Thomas, Davis, or Elkins which are adorable small town that have great restaurants and shopping. Not sure about lodging but you can probably find some Airbnb type places around Davis or Thomas.

Your trip sounds wonderful! Hope your family has a great time in WV!

[RoxMonster]

Thank you! I will start looking into all these places mentioned.

[karinothing]

We just visited Seneca rocks, the Green Bank Observatory, and the Cass scenic railroad last week. We had a great time. We stayed in a Air BnB in bartow (the only one lol). There is also the Smoke Hole Resort which is closer to Seneca rocks. Smoke Hole Caverns was a fun road side attraction.

[deadwing]

I spent a weekend in Harper's Ferry in 2019. It's such a beautiful part of the country! No advice, just jealous of your trip. Have a great time!!

[RoxMonster]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I ended up booking us at Clarksburg/Bridgeport, WV which is a little bit over halfway to Hocking Hills so we don't have as long of a drive the next day. I also cancelled our Indianapolis reservation for Sat. night and we are now staying near Hocking Hills (in Logan) so we have more time to explore that area. It means a longer drive on Sunday, but I'm Ok with it.

[katfco]

I love Hocking Hills! My favorite is Ash Cave.

[somersault72]

Jul 4, 2022 20:01:04 GMT -5 katfco said:

I love Hocking Hills! My favorite is Ash Cave.

Another Hocking Hills lover here!