Facility Overview

Morton Travel Plaza is a premier highway service and rest facility situated directly along the West Virginia Turnpike (Interstate 64 / Interstate 77) near Eskdale, West Virginia. Serving both northbound and southbound long-distance interstate travelers and commercial logistics fleets traversing the Appalachian corridor, the plaza features an expansive, well-engineered open-air surface parking layout. The facility provides distinct, separated zones designed to manage high-volume passenger vehicle traffic independently from tractor-trailers, buses, and oversized recreational vehicles. Because all designated parking bays are open-to-the-sky surface spaces, there are zero vertical height clearance restrictions, making it thoroughly accommodating for standard compacts, full-size pickup trucks, passenger vans with rooftop carriers, motorhomes, and commercial freight haulers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned along the scenic mountain corridor of Kanawha County, Morton Travel Plaza serves as an essential strategic waypoint between the state capital of Charleston (roughly 20 miles northwest) and the outdoor adventure hubs surrounding Beckley and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve to the southeast. While serving primarily as an interstate rest and refueling hub, it provides rapid vehicle access to regional destinations including the historic Cabin Creek coal valley, the Kanawha State Forest hiking and mountain biking trails (approximately 25 minutes driving distance), and downtown Charleston venues such as the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, Appalachian Power Park, and the West Virginia State Capitol Complex (approx. 20–25 minutes away).

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are seamlessly integrated into the Interstate 64 / Interstate 77 tollway via dedicated, high-speed deceleration and acceleration ramps that allow drivers to pull off and merge safely without navigating congested local secondary roads. Internal circulation is organized into dedicated directional flow lanes: passenger vehicles are directed toward the front storefront spaces, while heavy commercial vehicles, RVs, and oversized haulers are channeled along perimeter bypass lanes toward deep-length rear truck stalls. The facility connects directly to West Virginia Route 83 and County Route 79 (Cabin Creek Road) via nearby exits for local travelers. While regional public transit does not service the turnpike rest area directly, it provides a vital staging point for intercity buses and long-haul transport corridors.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Expansive surface lot accommodating passenger cars, pickup trucks, RVs, tour buses, and semi-trucks
• Zero overhead vertical clearance restrictions across all surface parking rows
• Full 24/7 continuous operation with comprehensive high-mast LED floodlighting across all stalls
• On-site full-service travel center featuring modern public restrooms, travel convenience market, and quick-service dining options
• Dedicated high-speed electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations for compatible modern electric cars
• Designated ADA-compliant accessible parking stalls close to main facility entrance ramps
• Commercial diesel fueling bays and standard retail gasoline pump canopies with wide turning radii
• 24-hour video surveillance monitoring and routine West Virginia State Police Turnpike Division patrols

Ideal For

• Long-haul interstate road trippers traveling between the Midwest and Southeast corridors
• Commercial freight haulers and truck operators requiring legal DOT rest stops and staging
• Outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and RV owners heading to the New River Gorge National Park area
• Commuters and regional motorists traveling between Beckley and Charleston needing fuel, food, and EV charging

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Parking for passenger cars and resting commercial drivers is complimentary for standard highway transit stops; obey posted rest-duration regulations.
• During severe winter weather in the West Virginia mountain passes, the plaza serves as an ideal safe haven to pull off and wait out snow squalls or icy elevation conditions.
• Follow clearly posted pavement arrows upon entry: keep right or follow directional signage to avoid accidentally entering the commercial truck and bus parking loops.
• Peak midday travel windows during holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving) see high parking turnover; aim for stalls situated slightly farther from the front entrance doors for the easiest parking and departure.