One mapping site takes us from Philadelphia to Harrisburg, PA via PA Turnpike to I-81. Another down I-95 to I-66 to I-81. Is one route significantly better than the other (traffic, time, etc)? We are leaving this Saturday at 5pm and hope to drive about halfway. Thanks for your input.

I drive from Chattanooga to New York 3X a year. I would definitely choose I-81 over I-95. Very pretty drive thru Virginia. Less traffic and no tolls. I would suggest driving as far as Roanoke area for evening. Next day will be about 3 1/2 hours to Gatlinburg from there. The Smokies are great this time of year, though croweded.

Seconded on 81. I don't know what your PA turnpike is like, but the 95 route would take you right through the DC area -- nasty traffic, and not scenic at all.

We live in Philly and my wife's family lives in TN. Thus, we go down there about every other year.

I can not emphasize this strongly enough: do not, under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER, drive through the Washington DC area unless you are going to Washington itself. Horrendous traffic in this area is even more certain than death or taxes.

Thanks, everyone. You confirmed my thoughts. I am very familiar with I-95 and try to avoid the Baltimore and DC sections when I can. I was a bit concerned about reports of problems with 18 wheelers on I-81 but it looks like that's what we'll be taking.

Of course, the next question would be "why Gatlinburg"!! LOL

There ARE a fair number of 18-wheelers on 81, but I'd rather battle them than DC traffic any day. You can check traffic on your route by calling 511 in Virginia -- it's an automated system that lists accidents, congestion, etc. And if you come upon backed-up traffic or an accident in Virginia, Route 11 parallels 81 at least from Staunton to around Christiansburg (and probably further, but that's the stretch where I've used it).