I-77 Help? (Wytheville, Blue Ridge, Fancy Gap: houses, construction, beaches)

[countrygirl_275]

I am driving to South Carolina and taking I-77 from Ohio to Charleston South Carolina. As you know Ohio is very flat and I am extremely nervous about driving in the mountains. Could you please provide me information about what it's like driving through the mountains. Is it steep? Like a rollercoaster? Fast curves where you can fall off the edge of the cliff? When going downhill how fast do you go? Everything you can possibly tell me. I also have a problem with driving on more then three lanes of highway on one side are there any points where there are more then three lanes in the mountains? Also is there any construction on I-77? Thank you for your help.

[roanoker 4]

The section of I-77 from Charleston WV to Wytheville will probably be the most mountainous, the part of I-77 from Wytheville to Charlotte can be difficult during fog, etc. Thankfully, no snow now so you should be fine. I have a relative who visits me from PA on his way to FL and he refuses to take I-77 to Charlotte due to that big mountain you have to cross down around Wytheville. If you're coming from Ohio I don't see how you can avoid the mountains. Check with AAA and get better advice as they have detailed info on the route, construction, etc!! Have a Nice Trip!!

[Dr.Jim]

Relax.
It is not that bad.
Stay in the slow lane, drive at the speed you feel comfortable and you will be fine.
The curves are not that crazy, it is not like the Blue Ridge Parkway at all.
There are some steep grades, but just go slow and you will be completely fine.

It's a beautiful drive! Don't worry about it!

[timunh]

Just make sure you don't try to take I-77 ALL the way to Charleston Or else you'll be wandering around Columbia asking, "Where are the beaches and beautiful old houses and palmetto trees?" I-26 will take you straight to downtown Charleston.

That drive isn't scary at all. The sharp decline is in Virginia just north of the NC border. I have been nervous there when it's foggy or when a big truck is in the next lane. Just go slower than you think you need to at that spot and you'll be fine.

[vamtncat]

The mountain in Virginia that everyone is talking about is called Fancy Gap. It is known for it's fog and very windy conditions at times. The DOT has installed message boards that should warn you if these conditions exist. Weather should be good through Sunday so you don't have too much too worry about. I think there is also some construction at the tunnels at the WVA / VA border. There is a very short stretch of 77 that combines with 81 in Wytheville. It can be a little bit hairy at times so play close attention to your signs and take your cues from the trucks. 77 through Charlotte can be rough if you hit it at rush hour.

[RSMTN]

If you are that nervous about the mountain on I-77 why don't you take I-81 south to Kingsport, TN and pick up I-26 there? The mountain you have to cross on I-26 does not seem near as steep to me as I-77. It's a little out of the way but a beautiful drive and you by-pass the horrible Charlotte traffic.

[SCBeaches]

My aunt and cousin just left here (Charleston, SC) yesterday and they ran into a major traffic jam on 77 in West Virginia. They came down here for a visit from OH and got held up for 3 hours due to the road construction. They diverted that area by taking some side roads for part of the trip on the way home. I don't know where in WV it was, but that part of the hold up they were in a tunnel.

I regularly drive back and forth to VA by myself, but use Rt. 26 up to the Tri-City area of TN/VA...the mountains I drive through aren't too bad, but I am scared of steep mountains and sharp curves with drop offs - just like you. I have learned to just take my time, listen to some good music, and stay in the far right lane....don't worry about people speeding past you. Your main goal is to get there safely, not first.

[blueeyes30]

I agree with what people are saying here. Just take it slow through the mountains and you'll be fine. I-77/West Virginia Turnpike has a lot twists and turns. People tend to drive fast through there too but just stay out of their way and you'll be ok. The Virginia portion has a few curves, but the scenery is breathtaking. There is a tunnel at the WV/VA border than another one further down. It gets pretty flat at the VA/NC border but the traffic tends to pick up since you entering a more urban area. Then there's Charlotte traffic..ugh. I'd rather drive in the twists and turns in the mountains than driving through Charlotte, but it's not horrible.

You'll probably see alot other Ohio plates on the way too. It's a very popular North-South route. In the summer, it can get busy, even in the rural Virginia portions. I have relatives about 10 miles from Wytheville (a favorite stopping point on the route) and work in the hospitality industry. They love all the tourists who pass through there.

[NCN]

When we go to the Blue Ridge Parkway, we always try to come off the mountain on I-77 because you can pass other cars and not wear out your brakes. The good news is that you won't be using a lot of gas; your car just rolls due to gravity. Normal interstate speeds apply, but try not to be distracted by the view. Coming from Fancy Gap, the view is breathtaking.

The drop off of I-77 is really when you are going North. I try to go faster and use the left lane. That right lane has a lot of trucks and is a little scary. Coming South, I don't think it will bother you. Just don't be going too fast when you come over the hill. Otherwise, you just coast down and it gets about the speed limit naturally.

In Charlotte there are many lanes stopping and starting. Just stay in the lane you enter Charlotte on or go one lane to the left and it will take you straight through. Yes, Charlotte drivers are crazy, but you just have to be bold and stand your ground. It is your space, you got there first.