Better Route to Snowshoe (and Canaan)
January 21, 2013
When returning from the Shoe to Fairfax on Dec 31 I decided to try the Route 42 to Patterson Creek Rd to Corridor H at Forman, WV.
What a pleasant surprise, a route I will probably use in the future because it avoids all of the town of Moorefield and much of Petersburg, and more importantly driving the curvy stretch of highway between the two towns with it's frequent 40 mph speedlimits and many of the Hardy County speed traps. The shortcut (actually longer, but faster) is mostly level and straight.
Coming from the east on Corridor H (new Route 48) continue past the Moorefield exits to the Forman exit...here get on Patterson Creek Road toward Petersburg, WV, eventually merging into Rt 42 just a bit outside of Petersburg. Rt 42 then intersects with Rt. 55 in Petersburg, just a bit west of the Sheetz in Petersburg. Then continue on the normal route to Snowshoe through Seneca Rocks, etc. This "shortcut" can also be used to get to the Canaan Valley resorts via a right turn at Seneca Rocks.
On return trip turn left on 42 when coming into Petersburg, watch out for the Patterson Creek road on right, and continue to Corridor H at Forman.If you pass the Sheetz, you have missed Rt 42!
The Colonel
That's my permanent route now. It is 18.5 miles longer than going through Moorefield and Petersburg, but it has saved me up to 10 minutes in the afternoon with the plethora of lights and 15-MPH trailer trucks going through the two towns. I take advantage of the time saved and make a 0.2 mile detour and I get an order of chicken tenders at the Sheetz for my Lab Tango, as well as a pit stop for Tango, myself and my Subaru...
Hey all, made a google maps custom directions of The Colonel's directions from DC to SS. Adjust as need be:
Custom google maps directions (click here) Would you recommend doing this modification even if I wasn't getting to the Moorefield/Petersburg area till 7 PM on a Friday? Seems trucks might still be going then, lesser threat of cops though, but level and straight is good for night driving and driving in any light snow.
