A tunnel on I-77 at the Virginia-West Virginia border shouldn’t be navigated heading north at the break of dawn! This was especially risky for me after living the previous year in Florida. Into the tunnel, I wasn’t aware of first light, had followed a fog truck through Virginia. Instantaneously, I emerged into the most magnificent misty daylight I’ve ever seen.

The interstate was the highest point in the terrain, and I was in the passing lane looking down on a soaring eagle. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of birds were celebrating the dawn with a huge racket way below, and as far as I could see from my heavenly highway, emerald glistened through the mist with diamond dew.

The scene was overwhelming; I had to get out of the passing lane--and off the road. Tears welling up stupefied me! I hadn’t cried since Salieri in Amadeus asked God, "If you couldn’t give me the talent, why give me the desire?" Okay, I cry at odd times--call them "glimpses into pure inspiration" if you want to be kind. I’m not normal, but neither is the majesty of southern West Virginia! One can’t compare to it the panhandles, Ohio Valley, or northern slice of the state. The exact location of "almost Heaven" is below a slanted line through Charleston and Elkins. This first trip back to the southern portion to explore, we aimed for the intersection of two interstates, Beckley, a base from which to discover state parks, the National River, history, and resorts.

${QuickSuggestions} If you’re driving south on Route 19, don’t pass up the Visitors’ Center at New River Bridge. For rafters, weather statistics and water levels for various points along the National River are posted. Outfitters are next to the center and all along the highway into Beckley. There are also exhibits, views, and walks.

Don’t throw away those invitations for free nights at Glade Springs Village. Management is very accomodating, and the resort isn’t far from Beckley and all area attractions.

Do observe speed limits, as troopers here are notorious. They will ticket you for a few miles over the limit--or even stop you for "failure to dim your lights on a bridge." (I know.) These great highways are "cash cows" for many small towns feeling growing pains.

${BestWay} I-64 and I-77 intersect at Beckley. I-79, combined with US 19 will get you there from Pennsylvania. Canadians on their way to Florida have used Route 19 for decades, even before the highway was rebuilt. From I-79 near Sutton, it runs due south to Beckley, cutting an hour or two off the I-79 to I-77 route through Charleston. It’s an all-new section through white-water country with varying speed limits up to 65 mph. And, it’s where you’ll find the longest arch-span bridge in the Western Hemisphere, the second highest bridge in America.
From journal Mountain Hoppin' with Plenty o' Stoppin'