LANSING, WV (SWVO) – For fans of Buc-ee’s and national parks, this road trip offers the best of both worlds.
Starting from the west, the first stop is Buc-ee’s in Richmond, Kentucky, conveniently located just off I-75 at 1013 Buc-ee’s Blvd, Richmond, KY 40475.
From there, the route leads east to the Mountain State and New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, America’s newest national park.
Located just over four hours from Richmond, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing, West Virginia, serves as the main gateway to the park.
Visitors can stop here to pick up maps, get their passport stamps, and take in views of the world-famous New River Gorge Bridge.
Opened on October 22, 1977, the bridge replaced a long and dangerous detour, cutting a 45-minute drive down to just 45 seconds.
Engineered by the Michael Baker Company and built by U.S. Steel’s American Bridge Division, it stretches 3,030 feet and rises 876 feet above the New River.
At the time of its completion, it was the longest single-span arch bridge in the world, a record it held for 26 years until surpassed by China’s Lupu Bridge in 2003.
Spending the night in the Gorge area is highly recommended, with numerous lodging and camping options available.
For those with extra time, highlights include the Long Point and Endless Wall trails, the historic coal town of Nuttallburg, the railroad community of Thurmond, Sandstone Falls, and nearby Hawks Nest and Babcock state parks.
Once you’ve experienced the Gorge, the road continues east to the final stop: America’s newest Buc-ee’s in Mount Crawford, Virginia.
Located at 6500 Buc-ee’s Blvd, Mount Crawford, VA 22841, this location sits off I-81 and is about two hours and 45 minutes from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.
After stocking up on brisket sandwiches and Beaver Nuggets, travelers may want to circle back to West Virginia to enjoy more of the Gorge.
For those looking to extend the trip, Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive lie just north of Mount Crawford, with Harpers Ferry National Historical Park a short drive further up the road.
And if anyone asks why you’re road tripping across state lines? Just say it’s for the parks—not only the beaver.
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