A Road Trip to the Outer Banks: Navigating from Brookfield Township to Nags Head

Are you ready to pack your bags, gas up the car, and hit the road for a coastal getaway? The Outer Banks of North Carolina might just be calling your name. But before you get your beach chair and sunscreen out, you need to figure out how to get there. We've mapped out some potential routes and travel times from Brookfield Township, Ohio to Nags Head, North Carolina, so you can pick the one that suits your schedule best.

Hit the Highway: I-77 and I-64

If you're a fan of the interstate and want to make good time on your road trip, consider taking I-77 South until you cross into West Virginia, then veering off on I-64 East. This route is a little over 585 miles, and according to Google Maps, it will take you around 9 hours and 45 minutes to drive it. You'll pass through some major cities like Charleston and Richmond, but there are also some smaller towns along the way to stop for food or a stretch break.

Smell the Roses: The Scenic Route

For those in less of a hurry, or who just want to soak up more scenic views, there's an option to take a more leisurely route. One possibility is to drive from Brookfield Township towards Pittsburgh, then go south through Morgantown, West Virginia, and into Virginia on Route 220. From there, you'll catch Route 58 east, which will eventually turn into Route 168 South in North Carolina and take you over the Wright Memorial Bridge into the Outer Banks. This route is a little over 780 miles and closer to a 12-hour drive, so plan accordingly. The payoff is smaller towns and picturesque countryside, including the Natural Bridge in Virginia and historic colonial Williamsburg.

The Middle Path: I-79 and I-64

If you want to balance highway driving with some scenery, try taking I-79 South from Brookfield Township through West Virginia, then picking up I-64 East in Charleston. This route is around 650 miles and takes about 10 and a half hours, according to Google Maps. Along the way, you'll pass through the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia and cross over the Appalachian Mountains into Virginia.

Tips for Your Trip

Whichever route you choose, here are a few recommendations for things to do or see along the way:

Stretch your legs and take a tour of the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia if you're on the I-77/I-64 route.
Stop to see the world's largest steering wheel at the Mack Trucks Historical Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania if you're taking the scenic option through Williamsburg.
Make a pitstop in Roanoke, Virginia, to experience the Roanoke Star - one of the largest freestanding illuminated man-made stars in the world - or to see views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Consider taking a detour through Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to learn about the Wright Brothers and their first flight at the Wright Brothers National Memorial before heading to Nags Head.

No matter which path you take, getting to Nags Head is half the adventure. You might even find some unexpected gems along the way. Safe travels!