See the total highway journey right here
This Annapolis to Parkersburg section is the opening leg of The Loneliest Highway, the U.S. 50 highway journey that runs coast to coast, and it’s designed for vacationers who like camping-driven pacing. You’ll cowl about 340 miles from Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River, brushing previous Washington, D.C., earlier than the highway settles into Virginia pastureland, horse farms, and West Virginia ridges. The range is the purpose: colonial streets in Annapolis, a fast metropolis stretch, then lengthy inexperienced miles, small cities, and a last riverfront end. Plan 2 to three days right here, and for the total route, see our full Loneliest Highway highway journey overview.
Section Overview
US 50 adjustments rapidly on this stretch. Close to Annapolis and the Beltway, it’s a busy commuter route, and timing issues. West of the suburbs, the highway settles into open nation, then turns into a slower, twistier drive after you cross into West Virginia. Spring and fall convey the simplest climate for metropolis strolling and brief hikes. Winter is quieter, however ridges can decide up snow and ice, so test highway circumstances earlier than you decide to a protracted mountain day.
Annapolis to Parkersburg Highway Journey Fast Stats
| Journey Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Complete Distance | About 340 miles |
| Estimated Drive Time | About 6 hours (no stops) |
| States | MD, D.C., VA, WV |
| Main Route | US 50 |
| Advisable Length | 2 to three days |
| Cell Service | Good close to cities, spotty in WV valleys |
| Gasoline Stops | Annapolis, D.C. suburbs, Winchester space, Romney, Clarksburg, Parkersburg |
Two Day Annapolis to Parkersburg Highway Journey
Day 1: Annapolis to The Cove Campground
Mileage: about 120 miles. Drive time: 3 to 4.5 hours, plus stops.
Begin with a fast Annapolis loop: Metropolis Dock for water views, then State Circle for historical past. Head west on US 50 earlier than visitors builds, as a result of the D.C. metro portion can stretch a brief drive into a protracted one. For a easy metropolis cease, park as soon as and use Metro for the Nationwide Mall and one museum, then return to US 50 for Virginia. Break up the afternoon in Middleburg for espresso, and in order for you a hike, add Sky Meadows State Park for a average loop to the Piedmont overlooks.
Camp in a single day at The Cove Campground close to Winchester.
Meals and resupply: Top off within the D.C. suburbs or Winchester space earlier than you flip in. As outlined in our The Loneliest Highway highway journey planning information, that is additionally one of the best spot to resolve whether or not you need an additional night time at a state park tomorrow.
Day 2: The Cove to Parkersburg Drive
Mileage: about 240 to 260 miles. Drive time: 4.5 to five.5 hours, plus stops.
US 50 climbs into West Virginia by means of small cities like Romney, then continues west with extra curves and fewer passing zones. Preserve your tempo relaxed and construct in two breaks, one in Romney for espresso and gas, then one other close to Grafton at Tygart Lake State Park for a brief stroll. Earlier than Parkersburg, add a tunnel stroll or a fast bike mile on the North Bend Rail Path for a change of tempo, then plan lunch or a late snack round Clarksburg or Bridgeport. Clarksburg and Parkersburg are your best dependable last-minute grocery stops.
In a single day:Â River Run Campground at North Bend State Park in order for you woods, or keep in Parkersburg for those who want a resort night time.
Meals and resupply:Â When you camp, store in Clarksburg or Parkersburg first, then head to the campground.
Elective detour:Â When you arrive early, take a look at sternwheeler instances for Blennerhassett Island.
Campgrounds to Think about on This Section
- Assateague State Park Campground is the coastal bonus, finest for a pre-trip night time or two earlier than heading inland. Anticipate seashore entry, regular wind, and island wildlife. Test park updates on Maryland DNR.
- Greenbelt Park Campground is without doubt one of the most sensible methods to camp near Washington, D.C. It’s wooded and simple, and it really works effectively as a Metro-assisted basecamp for a museum day.
- Little Bennett Campground is a powerful backup if Greenbelt is full otherwise you need extra developed facilities. Some loops have hookups and the websites are inclined to really feel roomy and effectively spaced.
- Sky Meadows State Park Campground is hike-in tenting with a brief strategy, so pack gentle. The payoff is straightforward entry to trails and a quieter night time than you’ll get close to the Beltway.
- The Cove Campground sits west of Winchester with lakes, swimming, and lots to do on-site. It may possibly really feel energetic on weekends, which works effectively for households and teams touring collectively.
- Tygart Lake State Park Campground is a peaceful West Virginia cease that matches properly into the lengthy Day 2 drive. Use it for a lake-side dinner, a brief stroll close to camp, and a slower begin the following morning.
- River Run Campground at North Bend State Park pairs tenting with the North Bend Rail Path and places you inside a simple drive of Parkersburg. It’s a good decide while you need to finish the day below bushes as an alternative of metropolis lights.
Prime Actions and Sights on This Section
Pure highlights
Sky Meadows State Park is the simple win for views. Decide a average loop that reaches the Piedmont overlooks for wide-open farm-country surroundings. In West Virginia, brief trails at Tygart Lake make a fast break really feel like an actual outing.
Cultural and historic stops
Give Annapolis a minimum of a morning, then resolve how a lot D.C. you need to add. In Parkersburg, Blennerhassett Island Historic State Park is accessed by sternwheeler from downtown when boats function. Test present particulars and hours on West Virginia State Parks.
Outside recreation
The North Bend Rail Path is constructed for low stress miles on foot or bike, with tunnels and bridges alongside the way in which. Carry a headlamp for any tunnel part and plan on cooler, damp air inside.
Distinctive stops
Middleburg is a fast cease that breaks up the Virginia portion of US 50. Seize espresso, browse a couple of blocks, and get again on the highway with out dropping half a day.
Journey Suggestions for This US 50 Section
Time your D.C. driving, it’s the distinction between a clean day and a protracted one. West of Winchester, speeds drop and curves enhance, so depart buffer time, prime off gas, plan on slower progress behind vans on the steeper climbs, and use pull-offs to let quicker visitors cross. Test the forecast earlier than you decide to the mountain drive, particularly in winter, and preserve a headlamp helpful for rail-trail tunnels as a result of they keep darkish and damp, even in summer time. At Assateague, preserve meals secured, give wild horses house, don’t feed them, and evaluation Go away No Hint ideas earlier than you go.
Extra Loneliest Highway Segments and Assets
This Annapolis to Parkersburg drive is one piece of a for much longer route. Use our full Loneliest Highway highway journey itinerary to attach segments and modify pacing, and search for the opposite section articles to cowl what comes subsequent. For offline entry and planning instruments, discover The Dyrt PRO.
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