I 81 south from PA, WV, & VA ???

[jpf]

We're planning our route south to Florida and was wondering what type of road (hills, mountains, RV Parks) we face heading south on I 81 ?
We'll be coming out of CT through New Haven up to I 84 then down NJ 287 to I 78 west, stopping over at Kutztown, PA. Going wide west to avoid I 95 NYC and Philly. Will come back east into I 95 either at DC or Fredericksburg, VA.

thanks

[jerrybb]

I'm not sure if I-81 is the best route to take ,, but as far as 81 ,,, it's a good drive ,, senic ,,, smooth ,,, minor hills ,,, some trucks but moving steady ,, I use it from Winchester to Rt I-64 going to Va Beach ..

[H. John Kohl]

If you are running South on 81 in PA and want to get onto 95 South some where in VA then I suggest taking 15 South out of Harrisburg, PA to 17 East / South below Warrenton, Va. 17 will take you into Fredrick where you can pick up 95 South.
Or, you can continue South on 15 to Culpeper, Va and take 522 East / South into Richmond. They are marked major roads, however, I have not towed on them. A friend did travel 15/17 with their van and said it was good roads. I plan on trying both on our next trip down the 95 corridor.
Cheers,

[Bill and Ann]

Been on the route that John suggests. (81/17/95) Some hills (+2,000 ft) nothing serious. I call them hills now after being to Az.

[Chuck and Carol]

In the last week, we have come up from Fort Chiswell, Va to Harper's Ferry, WV on 81. Nice smooth ride. A couple of spots where it went to one lane, but moved quickly.
Wish NY 81 was in this good a shape.

[Wandering Star]

I have never pulled the trailer on the following route but I wouldn't hesitate to do so. Made many trips to Florida from Connecticut and use the following.
Conn-Rt.84 to Rt. 380 in Pa.
Rt. 380 to Rt. 81 south
Rt. 81 south to Rt. 77 in Virginia
Rt.77 to Columbia South Carolina to Rt. 26
Rt. 26 east to Rt. 95
Rt. 95 south to Florida
This route is a relaxing drive skipping all the heavy traffic of Rt. 95 also very scenic along the Shenandoah Valley, not a concrete jungle like 95. Believe there wouldn't be a problem finding a pleasurable campsite along the way. It may be a tad longer but well worth the time and mileage.
Jon

[sreigle]

15 in Virginia, the one John recommends, is a nice towing road and is scenic. For the most part it's fairly light on traffic. We've towed it from the Maryland line to Charlottesville, VA, a couple of times.

[ashlandcpa]

15 to 17 to 95 would be a good route. I'm in Ashland between Fredericksburg, VA and Richmond, VA. There is a campground at exit 93 (I think it is)Lewistown Road. From Kutztown to there will take approx. 5 1/2 to 6 hours. Don't know how far you want to drive in a day.

[Chuck and Carol]

If you do go down 81, in Virginia at exit 80 there is a Flying J and a great campground, Fort Chiswell.

[JimF]

I just finished the pull down 81 took I70 to 95 in DC, NEVER< NEVER NEVER do that.. It's a horrible drive in heavy traffic and rough in to many places. The route down 17 is through towns and some stop and go. Take the long way around and enjoy the ride. Stay off of 95 far as far south as you can get. We are currently in Sumpter SC to see family then back on 95 to Melbourne FL.

[jpf]

Thanks all for the info. We opted to head south on 81, staying over at the Jellystone Park in Williamsport for a couple of nights (nice place, good power, level, Linkspot WIFI, easy on/off). Then down 81 40 miles to Winchester, Va. to 17.
Took 17 south east through the valley, very scenic and pleasant pull, not much traffic on a Saturday. Picked up 95 at Fredricksbur, Va, and are staying over at the KOA for a night before moving further south.

I would recommend 17 as scenic and to avoid the DC traffic and get back to the 95 corridor.

[Glenn and Lorraine]

From a previous post by me. Been using this route for many years...

I 78w to I 81s to I 66e below Winchester, Virginia
I 66e to Rte 17
Rte 17 to Friedricksburg
When I lived in Reading I used this route many many times.
It completely avoids Wash/Baltimore