Coming back from Myrtle Beach I wondered if I81 from Winchester, Va to I84 in Pa was a viable route or if it was quite hilly.I also could go I81 to I78 over to 287 in NJ. Any comments are appreciated.
Google Maps has a terrain function that can show you the hills and valleys. I81 basically follows the Appalachian mountain chain. From Winchester to Harrisburg is fairly flat, north of that to Scranton it crosses the actual mountains so is quite hilly. The part south of Harrisburg is really nice - the Shenandoah Valley - but I usually cut north at Harrisburg so I haven't driven the bit up to Scranton where you would pick up I84. But the fact is there are mountains all through the east and you can't not cross them at some point unless you hug the coast - which has it's own challenges.
BTW, I pick up the Valley in Greensville NC, it's not an Interstate but Route 29 is nice.
I-81 north of Harrisburg PA and I-84 have some hills. There's a pretty steep hill on I-84 in NY just across the line from PA.
Our 96 Southwind, 37' gas slowed down on the steep hills but it made it to the top.
I've never taken I-287 but it should be okay.
I-81 is very scenic but has predominately big-truck traffic due to bypassing toll roads and congestion along the east coast. Level of overall traffic is less than I-95 so I-81 is a good way to go up east coast.
If you have any interest in military history, the US Army Library at Carlisle, PA has a very interesting Mile of History with displays relating to military events in US history. Nice little stroll with no admission costs.
Since trucks use I-81, you'll have no more trouble in an RV when using this route.
I-81 is very scenic but has predominately big-truck traffic due to bypassing toll roads and congestion along the east coast. Level of overall traffic is less than I-95 so I-81 is a good way to go up east coast.
If you have any interest in military history, the US Army Library at Carlisle, PA has a very interesting Mile of History with displays relating to military events in US history. Nice little stroll with no admission costs.
Since trucks use I-81, you'll have no more trouble in an RV when using this route.
Yes, it's quite hilly beyond the Allentown turnoff (I78) but depending on what you are traveling with, not unreasonable. There is one really long hill near Ravine, PA that will slow you down and some shorter stretches around Scranton-Wilkes-Barre that get steep, but the traffic moves fairly well. There are many 18 wheelers that seem to move at around warp speed, but most will depart I81 at I78. It is a very nice ride beyond I78, one that we seem to take several times a year with or without the 5er hooked on behind us
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