West Virginia looks compact on a map, which makes it tempting to build an absurd itinerary. Resist that temptation. Mountain roads, scenic stops and small towns reward slower travel.
A route I would actually drive
Start in Harpers Ferry if you are arriving from the Washington, D.C. region, then move west into the mountains. Berkeley Springs can form an alternative northern starting point.
Continue toward the Potomac Highlands for Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob and Green Bank. Spend at least a night around Davis and Thomas if Blackwater Falls or Dolly Sods interests you.
Then head south toward New River Gorge. Fayetteville makes a practical base for the bridge, Grandview, rafting and nearby Babcock State Park. Continue to Lewisburg and the Greenbrier Valley before turning toward Charleston.
How long?
A week is a useful minimum for a route like this. Ten days is better if you hike or dislike changing hotels every night.
Leave room for surprises
The best West Virginia road-trip moments are often unplanned: a roadside view, a diner, an old town or a mountain road that takes longer than expected.
Build an itinerary with gaps. In West Virginia, those gaps are often where the trip actually happens.