Take a scenic ride through the Kanawha Valley as we follow a bustling stretch of Interstate 64 from Charleston to Huntington. This 59-mile journey through western West Virginia guides us past industrial corridors, rolling wooded hills, and the winding Kanawha River, offering a glimpse into the heart of Appalachia and the historic roots of two of the state’s most prominent cities.
We begin our westward trek on the western outskirts of Charleston, just after crossing the Elk River on Interstate 64. Almost immediately, we find ourselves in the thick of Charleston’s urban sprawl, navigating a quick interchange with U.S. Highway 60, which traces the riverbank and serves as the historic Midland Trail. As we approach the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge, the Charleston skyline briefly appears behind us, and we soon soar across the wide Kanawha River. Just beyond, the interchange with U.S. Highway 119 south — known locally as the Corridor G expressway — provides a fast route toward the coalfields and southern West Virginia communities like Logan and Williamson.
Heading westward, we skirt the edge of South Charleston, which—despite its name—is situated west of Charleston proper. The industrial legacy of this region becomes evident as we pass sprawling chemical plants and freight yards lining the riverbanks. The route soon weaves between hills, paralleling the Kanawha River while crossing it two more times. One of the most striking crossings comes at the Donald M. Legg Memorial Bridge, where the freeway cuts across a broad river valley, offering a fleeting but panoramic view of the water below.
Leaving the industrial corridors behind, the terrain softens as we pass through Teays Valley, a booming suburban hub that marks the southern terminus of U.S. Highway 35. This area has seen significant growth in recent decades, transforming from farmland into a blend of residential subdivisions, shopping centers, and light industry. As we leave the Charleston metropolitan area, Interstate 64 adopts a more relaxed rhythm, flanked by rolling hills and dense tree lines, interrupted only by occasional exits serving small communities like Hurricane, Culloden, Milton, and Ona. Each town has its own story, from Milton’s artisan glass-blowing tradition to Hurricane’s status as a growing commuter town.
The road subtly shifts direction, veering northwest as we approach Barboursville, home to the sprawling Huntington Mall complex — the largest shopping center in the state and a landmark for weary travelers in need of a break. From here, the traffic begins to thicken as we enter the gravitational pull of Huntington, West Virginia’s second-largest city and a key anchor along the Ohio River. As we descend into Huntington, U.S. 60 rejoins our route one final time, along with West Virginia Highway 10, known for its curvy trek south into the coalfields. Just before exiting the Mountain State, we cross U.S. Highway 52 — the famed Tolsia Highway — a vital route connecting the southern reaches of the state to Ohio.
Our journey concludes as we glide across the Big Sandy River on the Nick Joe Rahall II Bridge, leaving West Virginia behind and entering Kentucky. It’s a fitting finale: from bustling city centers to quiet Appalachian hollows, this stretch of Interstate 64 encapsulates the character of West Virginia’s western corridor — a region defined by resilience, industry, and natural beauty.
🎵 Additional Music:
Marathon Man by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
🗺️ Route Map
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