Driving from Michigan to Baltimore, MD with a trailer
 

DS leaves tomorrow for his new home & job. He is driving from mid-Michigan to the Baltimore area. He plans to stop near Breezewood, PA. If by chance he decides to stop sooner, where would be the best place in Pennsylvania?

ST

There are places to stop scattered all along 70/76 (I assume that's the route he'll be taking). It really depends on how far he wants to push it - I don't know that there's a "best" place.

On the PATP, exits are far between, and not that many hotels at some of the exits. Before Breezewood (Exit 161), Bedford (Exit 146) has a few, Somerset has some (Exit 110). More choices at New Stanton (Exit 75). Very few at Donegal (Exit 91).

People who do this trip a lot will universally roll their eyes at the mention of Breezewood. It's pretty much the only set of stoplights in the interstate system, and a congested, ugly town of fast-food and fast-motels. Yes, it's a place to overnight, but ...

We learned to drop south via I-79 to I-68 through WVa and Md. and avoid the Penn Tpk -- a much pleasanter ride (less construction, gentler grades - a consideration with a trailer, nice scenery, and at least as direct). Some great Amish (Mennonite?) restaurants around Grantsville - notable Casselman's, which also has an inn (http://www.thecasselman.com/ ). Also places to stay in Cumberland. Or Hagerstown, although if you get as far as Hagerstown, you might as well press on to Balmer.

Just noted the date on your OP, SuzieT. Hope this wasn't too late - but you have cellphones, right?

I completely agree with HKP. When I was with AAA I always tried to route people off the turnpike...it is narrow, winding and usually crowded. This route is alittle longer, but makes up for it by being a generally easier and more pleasant drive.

We often drive from Chicago in one day to Baltimore city.

I-79/68 has steeper grades than I-70. If the son is pulling a heavy trailer and/or is not used to pulling one, I'd stick with I-70/PATP. Yes, a lot more traffic, more curvy, and little service, but the grades are gentler.

What's your information, rkkwan? Is there a topographical map of highways you know of? I've driven both and my memory doesn't square with what you say, but of course I didn't measure it.

I was a truck driver, and I've been on all the major interstates, pulling 80,000lb trailer. I know where the hills, especially the dangerous ones, are.

BTW, one of the reasons why the PATP has gentler grades is that its route was originally surveyed and constructed for the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad in the late 1800's. Trains can't go up and down steep grades, which is why they decide on using tunnels at several points and would rather have a more winding route than one that's steep.

Thanks for the input. DS has a last minute navigator - his future MIL! I trust that between the two of them the correct choices will be made. Also the trailer is one of the smaller UHaul's, not much taller than his van.

Update:

DS called a little after 7pm. They made it to Frederick, MD. That means tomorrow they can head out after rush hour and have the van and trailer unpacked by noon.

ST