Can you believe that it only takes about five hours to drive from West Virginia to New York’s Staten Island? Four hours, that is, if you start from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and if the traffic treats you right! Along the way, you’ll pass through all of seven states.
To make the most of this one-of-a-kind road trip, we’ve selected a unique attraction in each state that’s not far out of the way of the route between Harpers Ferry and Staten Island. These stops add about an hour to the trip, not including any time you spend exploring them.
Google Maps So pick a day soon to give this epic, 5-hours-of-driving adventure a try.
First stop, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. This is where you’ll want to start your road trip. If you’re not local to Harpers Ferry, consider spending the night. This will allow you more time to explore this charming national historic park and the opportunity to start your trip to Staten Island bright and early!
Jesse Lee Tucker / Wikimedia Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
From Harpers Ferry, cross the Shenandoah River into Virginia. You’ll only spend a few minutes here, so make the most of them! If you need breakfast, take a short detour down to the Homestead 1870 Farm Market for some homemade bread and cheese.
Homestead 1870 / Facebook On the way home, stop at the Potoma (or Potomac) Wayside Park right along your route to view the Piney Run Waterfall. Homestead 1870 Bed & Breakfast, 12117 Harpers Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, VA 20132, USA
On to Maryland! Beef up your historical knowledge with a trip to Fort McHenry National Monument.
NPS Visitors ages 16 and older do need to pay admission to visit Fort McHenry, but one ticket is good for 7 days, so you can stop back by on your way home also, if you like. Also on the way home, don’t miss the chance to eat some ice cream at Jimmie Cone. Pro tip: add the sprinkles. Fort McHenry, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA
Enter Delaware. Here we’ve got you stopping for lunch at Claymont Steak Shop for a cheesesteak. Best around!
Claymont Steak Shop Claymont Steak Shop, 3526 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703, USA
Next stop, Pennsylvania. Visit Bertram’s Garden, a free historic garden, visitors center, and mansion.
Bartram’s Garden / Facebook On the way home, note that you’ll be passing right by the American Swedish Museum. Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143, USA
On to New Jersey. Stop on the coast, at the Raritan Bay Waterfront Park. You’ve made it to the beach! The best part? There’s plenty of free parking.
World Traveller / Tripadvisor On the way home, don’t miss a meal from the Colonial Diner, one of New Jersey’s best restaurants. Pro Tip: save room for the cheesecake. Raritan Bay, United States
Welcome to Staten Island, New York! Visit the Princes Bay Lighthouse to round out your waterfront experience before exploring the area, spending the night on the island, or heading straight back home.
Roman Babakin / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus Ready to hop in the car and hit the road? View the trip or customize it here: And here’s our suggested return trip, also customizable. Princes Bay Lighthouse, Staten Island, NY 10309, USA
What do you think? Did you have any clue that Staten Island, New York was seven states but only five hours from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia? Or that there were so many interesting stops between here and there? For more West Virginia road trip inspiration, head here.
Google Maps
So pick a day soon to give this epic, 5-hours-of-driving adventure a try.
Jesse Lee Tucker / Wikimedia
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Homestead 1870 / Facebook
On the way home, stop at the Potoma (or Potomac) Wayside Park right along your route to view the Piney Run Waterfall.
Homestead 1870 Bed & Breakfast, 12117 Harpers Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, VA 20132, USA
NPS
Visitors ages 16 and older do need to pay admission to visit Fort McHenry, but one ticket is good for 7 days, so you can stop back by on your way home also, if you like. Also on the way home, don’t miss the chance to eat some ice cream at Jimmie Cone. Pro tip: add the sprinkles.
Fort McHenry, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA
Claymont Steak Shop
Claymont Steak Shop, 3526 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703, USA
Bartram’s Garden / Facebook
On the way home, note that you’ll be passing right by the American Swedish Museum.
Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143, USA
World Traveller / Tripadvisor
On the way home, don’t miss a meal from the Colonial Diner, one of New Jersey’s best restaurants. Pro Tip: save room for the cheesecake.
Raritan Bay, United States
Roman Babakin / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
Ready to hop in the car and hit the road? View the trip or customize it here: And here’s our suggested return trip, also customizable.
Princes Bay Lighthouse, Staten Island, NY 10309, USA
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