Explore Interstate 79, a scenic and vital north–south highway connecting Charleston, WV to Erie, PA. Learn about its route, major interchanges, and importance across the Appalachian region.
Interstate 79 (I-79) is a major north–south route that traverses the Appalachian region, stretching from Charleston, West Virginia, to Erie, Pennsylvania. Spanning approximately 343 miles, it provides a vital corridor through hilly terrain, connecting rural areas with major urban centers and linking to several other key Interstates, including I-70, I-76 (via I-376), and I-90. The highway plays a significant role in supporting regional commerce, tourism, and daily commuting across the central Appalachians.
Beginning at an interchange with Interstate 77 in Charleston, I-79 heads north through West Virginia’s capital city before cutting through mountainous terrain toward Morgantown, home to West Virginia University. From there, it crosses into southwestern Pennsylvania, skirting Pittsburgh via a junction with Interstate 376, which offers access to the city’s downtown and airport. Continuing northward, I-79 passes through western Pennsylvania’s rolling hills before terminating at Interstate 90 near the shores of Lake Erie.
I-79 is often praised for its scenic value, especially through the Monongahela River Valley and rural Pennsylvania. It serves as a crucial evacuation and trucking route, particularly during winter when alternate mountain crossings may become treacherous. While not part of the traditional I-95 East Coast corridor, I-79 remains essential to the interior transportation infrastructure of the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes regions.
Travel Interstate 79 from Morgantown to Charleston, West Virginia, in this scenic 148-mile drive through rolling hills, forested ridges, and historic towns. Explore Fairmont, Bridgeport, Weston, and Flatwoods along the way before arriving in Charleston’s Kanawha Valle…