In early October we will be driving from Intercourse Pennsylvania, leaving around lunchtime, stopping the night along the way and arriving in Woodstock Vermont in the early afternoon. According to Mapquest the quickest route takes us near New York, however, we aren't interested in the quickest way to get there, more the picturesque way to get there with total driving time over 2 days being around 4 hours the first day and around 5 hours (6 with stops) on the second day. We'd welcome suggestions. We are Australians and will be on holiday over there.

Heading out from Amish Country in PA, I'll take US222 through Reading to Allentown, PA to either US22 or I-78.

Just past Bethlehem, take PA33 north to E. Stroudsburg, then US209 along the Delaware River up to I-84.

I-84 East, cross Hudson River, and then pick up the Taconic State Parkway north towards Albany. [Or just use I-87 the New York Thruway west of the river.]

Either continue on I-87 to Glen Falls, then go east on US4; or go east from Albany and then pick up US7 in Vermont and go north from there.

The whole route is quite scenic.

You can overnight somewhere along I-84, like near Port Jervis or Newburgh.

In early October you are going to have a wonderful trip. As the colors change for fall the whole area becomes scenic.

I don't have time to research routes right now but I would consider traveling north at the departure from Intercourse with a stop at the Grand Canyon of PA which is near Wellsboro, PA. I don't know if you would enjoy it but it is a great site and is quite 'off the beaten path'. I might continue further north, passing near Ithaca (perhaps overnight here with a little look at the Finger Lakes) and then continue north east over to Vermont.

Sorry I don't have more time for details. I've got to pick up the grandkids. Enjoy your trip.

Thank you both - this is the sort of information I have been chasing. I'll map all the places you both have mentioned and work out the two days. I so appreciate you thoughts. Kind regards, Rose

I don't have my atlas handy but rkkwan's route sounds like the one we take since we go thru Port Jervis and Newburg. But another option is to cross into CT on I84 and head for Hartford. Switch to Rt 91 to go thru western MA and to VT. Rt 91 go along the eastern border of VT. Western MA is very rural and you should see great color. Only Hartford might have a lot of traffic.
If rkkwan's directions take your thru the Delaware Water Gap, that's a very beautiful area. You'll add a lot of extra time but it would be worth it. We used to take that route until we wanted to cut down on our driving time. We would go to Albany and then cut across VT starting near Bennington. The route goes over Hogback Mtn and would probably be the prettiest drive. Many parts of VT are very rural unlike southern NH which has become very built up and commercial. If you plan to take a trip to NH since Woodstock is so close, head for the mountains but try to go mid-week to avoid weekend foliage traffic.

Yes, US209 goes though the Delaware Water Gap area.

Yes, I-84 to I-91 is another option. But the stretch of I-84 insides CT is usually back-to-back traffic and not scenic at all. That's why I suggested the Taconic State Parkway.

rkkwan we have pretty well decided to follow your itinerary - it's sounds like it will be perfect for us - we just want a slow meandering drive that has places of interest but will still get us into Woodstock by early to mid afternoon. We are spending 2 nights there then up to Stowe for 2 nights, across to Franconia and Jackson in New Hampshire the across to Maine and down to Boston. If anyone has favourite little towns or places of interest for us to see please let us know. We are open to all suggestions. Cheers, Rose

I would take I-81 to I-88 (Southern Tier Expy). Interstate 88 will put you past some gentle rolling hills w/lovely quilt-like pastures on the hillsides. It will be pretty that time of year. Once you pass through the Albany area, take a quick jog through Bennington, VT. It's a charming little New England town. Traffic is usually pretty manageable. Binghamton is a good area to stop.

I-87 is gorgeous north of Albany, but the part you would need to drive usually has heavy traffic and it's not a memorable drive. The Taconic doesn't allow tractor trailers, and it's prettier. Downside: narrow roads and sometimes congested (as is I-87).

If you have time on your trip in VT, plan a trip to Burlington.

I would take I-81 to I-88 (Southern Tier Expy). Interstate 88 will put you past some gentle rolling hills w/lovely quilt-like pastures on the hillsides. It will be pretty that time of year. Once you pass through the Albany area, take a quick jog through Bennington, VT. It's a charming little New England town. Traffic is usually pretty manageable. Binghamton is a good area to stop the first night.

I-87 is gorgeous north of Albany, but the part you would need to drive usually has heavy traffic and it's not a memorable drive. The Taconic doesn't allow tractor trailers, and it's prettier. Downside: narrow roads and sometimes congested (as is I-87).

If you have time on your trip in VT, plan a trip to Burlington.

Thank you - we are planning a morning in Burlington. Here is a site I have just found that details some of the drive - the Delaware Water Gap area is mentioned. http://www.milebymile.com/main/Unite...el_guides.html