horatio

Okay, I am really familiar with Mapquest and both it and automobile club take me there via Erie, which seems a little backwards...what if I went via Allentown, or at least the Thruway in New York....timing, quality of roads, etc.? what is your favourite route?

Stephanie

horatio:

I'm west in Pittsburgh. In 1995 we went a little more west and took 77 down to Charlotte and then headed east. From Buffalo you'd go on I-79 South for 3 or so hours. All that I can tell you if that it is a very beautiful drive down through southern West Virginia, western North Carolina. If you prefer another way, I'd suggest I-81, which goes straight through VA. My sister and family from Syracuse took this route.

Stephanie

Hor

Just a note, you'd take I-90 east I believe until you hit Syracuse and then you can catch I-81, which goes through PA, Harrisburg area, then heads down to VA.

horatio

thanks...is the drive via Erie the same distance as the drive via the ny thruway and 81 to Allentown? I take it the 1st route is more scenic?

rkkwan

I-79 (via Erie) has way less traffic than I-81/95 to the East. And it's quite scenic over the mountains. It's definitely the preferred route, unless you have a underpowered truck pulling a heavy trailer, and would like to avoid all grades.

Plus no toll for most of the way, except a portion in WV.