NS to Southern USA

[gypsies2]

We are planning to leave Nova Scotia early in Jan. 2011 and head south to explore Texas/Arizona areas. We re not looking forward to a trip down I-95. Heard too many horror stories! Any suggestions on the best routes that would have us head into the central US and then south.

[rps]

Come down Route 95 as far as I-495, which is just over the NH/MA Border,

Take I-495 to I-290, then I-290 to the Mass Pike (I-90) towards NY

Then you have choices --

Personally - I would stay on I-90 to I-87, South on I-87 to I-287 to I-78, I-78 to I-81, then stay on I-81 to Knoxville, TN

Once in Knoxville - Make your own decision from there

[gypsies2]

Thanks for the useful information. 81 looked like the one I should take from my own research. Now if only there was a nice straight line from NS to 81! Your suggested routing looks like the best option. Thanks again!

[steves]

Try looking at from I-90 taking I-84 to RT 209 (at Millford, PA) to 611 (at Stoudsburg, PA) to I-78 to 1-81.

[sola123]

We agree with Ray....we have taken the same routes back from NS...

[Waynem]

Considering the time of year and the possibilities of snow in the mountainous regions, 95 may not be a bad option. We have been on portions of it. Since I drive the Houston freeways quite frequently I did not find I-95 that much more challenging. We just made a trip to the NE and on the return we needed to go to Quantico to visit children. It involved portions of I-95 and surrounding tributaries around DC.

However, if you do decide to go West, then South, We use I-84 out of Massachusetts. In Milford, NY, we pick up US-209S then PA-33S to I-78W. Use I-78W to I-81S - then to points South.

Have a happy and safe trip.

[pbahlin]

I made the trip from Maine down to I84 this summer using I95 to I495 and I90 and the surface from New Hampshire to Connecticut was horrible. If I was doing it again I would take Route 4 west (right at the state line) in New Hampshire to Concord and then route 9 all the way to I91 in Vermont. Take I91 south all the way to I84.

I91 is newly surfaced and relatively lightly traveled over the more direct route using I90. New Hampshire's state maintained roads are always in great shape. Massachusetts, not so much!