Routing assistance

SanDimasJoe · 08-10-2010, 01:07 PM

I was wondering which route would be best from Gettysburg to the Boston area. Being from the west coast, I am totally unaware of the nuances of travel on the east coast. From Boston we hopefully will visit Niagara Falls. Good idea or bad? We figure to see as much as we can as may not return to area. Any routing help would be helpful from all you knowledgeable eastern folk.

Joe

Honda03842 · 08-10-2010, 02:36 PM

I assume you want to go to Niagara after Boston on your way back west. Is that correct?

From Gettysburg go N on RT 15 to I81 to I78 near Fredericksberg.

Take I78 to I287 and cross the Hudson River at the Tappen Zee Bridge avoiding NY and SOuthern CT.

Take 287 to I-684N. This will take you to I84 thru CT.

You can avoid Hartford by taking I691 to I91N and reconnecting with I84 east of Hartford.

I84 will take you to I90 (the Mass Pike) that will take you right into Boston.

To Buffalo

Take I90 across MA to I87 and I90 (NY Thruway) If you're interested in more sight seeing you could take a more southerly route thru NY and for example visit the Corning Glass Factory, a truly interesting place.

The distance is 450 miles to Boston and another 450 to Buffalo.

Hope this helps. I took you on mostly Interstates assuming speed is important. If not let me know.

Honda03842 · 08-10-2010, 03:18 PM

I should have mentioned that it's almost impossible to avoid traffice in the Northeast. My goal is to avoid cities, particularly NYC and in this trip Hartford. I 95 thru CT, the shore route is truly congested. The population density of CT and NJ is similar to India, particularly the southern part of CT.

GoodoleBob · 08-10-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honda03842

I should have mentioned that it's almost impossible to avoid traffice in the Northeast. My goal is to avoid cities, particularly NYC and in this trip Hartford. I 95 thru CT, the shore route is truly congested. The population density of CT and NJ is similar to India, particularly the southern part of CT.

So very true! I live in Northeastern Ct (commonly referred to as the quiet corner) and the difference compared to Southern CT, especially down closer to the NY area is night and day.

I almost wanted to suggest that Joe simply skip Boston and head directly to Niagara Falls. A far easier trip. It's not that Boston isn't worth visiting, but the traffic is a headache plus you just about cannot drive your own vehicle into the city. Public transportation is about the only sensible way into Boston these days.

Bob

Honda03842 · 08-11-2010, 03:48 AM

Bob of Northeastern CT,

We used to live in NE CT as well, Stafford and Willington before we moved to Hampton, NH

Norm

GoodoleBob · 08-11-2010, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honda03842

Bob of Northeastern CT,

We used to live in NE CT as well, Stafford and Willington before we moved to Hampton, NH

Norm

I know that area Norm. I had an aunt who lived her life in Stafford Springs. That was many years ago, the area has seen changes, but still is representative of CT's quieter side...one I enjoy best.

Bob

Honda03842 · 08-11-2010, 08:27 AM

We lived in Stafford Springs for 20+ years. Actually I was Warden (Mayor) of Stafford Springs for 6 years. It was a very interesting town where most people and their extended families had lived there forever, truly small town America.

Visiting small towns is one of the best parts of RVing.

Safe Travels

bink68 · 08-20-2010, 11:24 PM

To avoid all of the CT and NY traffic, the route I take from here in Eastern PA is via I-84 East to I-87 North (NY Thruway) to I-90 East (Mass Pike). I-90 will take you I-495 where you can either go North to New England or South to Cape Cod. Although it was in my Corvette, I drove that route two weeks ago and the roads are in good shape with little construction and light traffic all the way into MA and the Sturbridge (I-84) exit. Drive time from Milford PA to Billerica MA (NW of Boston) was just over 4 hours on a Sunday evening. I switched to the I-87 and I-90 route several years ago as it's only about 20 miles longer than the I-84 route and you are almost assured of being delayed by traffic or wrecks on either I-95 or I-84. You will have traffic on the Thruway Friday evenings North and Sunday evening South. Beware that NY is not shy about charging for using the thruway.

I also just drove the I-287 route across the Tappan Zee to White Plains. As with all of the East Coast, timing is the key and you would definitely need to avoid any of the commute timeframes. There is construction between the TZ and White Plains but that won't come into play unless you are traveling after 7:00 PM. There were wrecks 2 out of the 5 days I took that route this week.

In my opinion, the I-87 to I-90 route is much more relaxing than the other two options. I try to avoid I-95 anyware north of Fredricksburg VA.

As to the return across NY West Bound, the west bound thruways generally have traffic but you'll only experience delays around the major cities.

As mentioned, Corning is worth seeing but if you are into motorcycles, airplanes or even want a look at a 1920's (maybe 30's) camper, the Glenn Curtis Museum in Hammonsport is worth the stop. There are lots of places to see in upstate NY.

Dave - Stroudsburg PA

**Tweety** · 08-21-2010, 05:46 AM

We've driven in the LA and San Fran areas and you will find that our highways are not nearly as well marked as yours, especially in PA. Don't blink or you may miss the one sign telling you of your exit. You will also find that what we think of as traffic doesn't begin to compare to yours

unless you're around NY city. We've traveled to Gettysburg numerous times, and up to Boston as well, and were happy with these routes. Can't help you with Niagra.
15 N to Harrisburg (this can become congested with tourists on weekends)
to 83 N (briefly) You really have to watch signs carefully around Harrisburg
to 81 N to
78E (far better than 22 around Allentown, PA) to
33 N to
209 along the Delware Water Gap (beautiful good 2 lanes but don't take it on a weekend unless you want to sit) to
84 E (Hartford is a bit of a pain, but we had no trouble just watch signs) to
90 E

SanDimasJoe · 08-21-2010, 10:48 AM

Thanks to all for suggestions. I'm sure they'll come in handy.

Joe

SanDimasJoe · 10-29-2010, 02:13 PM

Thanks to all who suggested routes to the Boston area. I was fine until I crossed the Tappan Zee bridge. I got lost in the Port Chester area. Towed the trailer thru the center of town but lucked out in finding an on ramp to the I-95. You were right, I-95 was a mess in CT. Pretty bad traffic equal to any traffic jams in LA. Crossing MA and NY via I-90 was good(except the toll fees). I never thought NY was so beautiful. Stayed in Herkimer KOA, a beautiful area. Trees were just changing color. Camped at Four Mile Creek out of Youngstown, NY. Another beautiful site right on Lake Ont. Experienced the falls. Wow. I'd like to make another trip to the area.

Joe

**Tweety** · 10-29-2010, 03:20 PM

How many weeks did you take to do the trip? We have kids in LA and San Fran.

SanDimasJoe · 10-29-2010, 04:19 PM

Tweety,

We took 5 weeks. Went to a ship reunion in Elkridge, MD. Toured the Naval Academy and Annapolis. Spent a few days touring DC. Then we went to Gettysburg. From there we went to Cape Ann. Stayed at Cape Ann Camping Site for a couple of days. Started the Freedom Trail in Boston but started to rain. We then went across MA and NY to see Niagara Falls. Impressive. Went to Angola, IN and met up with my wife's brother and sister in law. Haven't seen them in a few years. They belong to the Sunnybrook Owners Club and don't miss any of their rallies. Sorry to bring that other brand up. Then I tried to take US 20 west and lost the trail in Elkhart, IN. Wanted to go to the RV museum but was just glad to find the I 90. We had our golden retriever with us the whole time but put her up in a Petsmart kennel in Maryland while we attended the reunion.
Whew, glad to get home. But saw a lot of the pretty, good ol' USA. I was really impressed with the countryside in the east. We don't have many woodsy areas here. Happy to say we had no issues with our 2005 Sunline.

Joe

**Sunline Fan** · 10-29-2010, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanDimasJoe

Then I tried to take US 20 west and lost the trail in Elkhart, IN. Wanted to go to the RV museum but was just glad to find the I 90.

Hi Joe,

I've gotten to know 20 very well since mid August... As you were heading west, you would have needed to exit at County Road 17 (the first exit once it has become a highway from a two lane road going westbound). Take that north maybe five miles or so and the museum would be right there just before the toll road. It's probably good you didn't take the trailer through there though, because County Road 17 is under construction (they are re-doing a bridge) right in the middle of that section where you'd have to have gone. I have to say though, up until this past July, I hadn't been to the new museum (I was at the old one twice), the new one certainly is impressive. I was in a bit of a hurry, I could have certainly taken much more than 58 minutes in there! They have a lot more open to walking through now too from before.

Glad to hear you had a good trip and everything went smoothly!

Jon