Best Route from Central PA to East Falmouth, MA

5arnolds · 03-09-2015, 12:55 PM

We have our reservations made to camp in Cape Cod this July.

I am interested in getting feedback, based on your experience pulling a TT or 5th, for a recommended route to use from Central PA (Lancaster/Harrisburg) to East Falmouth, MA. I would be OK if a preferred route (i.e. less stressful driving/less congested roads) takes longer than other options.

We anticipate leaving by 6 a.m. on a Friday and either getting as far as the bridge to Cape Cod and staying the night somewhere (I understand Friday afternoon bridge traffic is bad), and then travel over the bridge early Saturday morning before the traffic builds.

Any insight would be appreciated.

3'senough · 03-09-2015, 06:08 PM

78W to 287N to 80E then over GWB to CBE and 95N. You should just miss the traffic in that window of 8-9AM. That GWB stretch will be your worst hitch in time, but that time of day you should move. Keep an ear on because you could go north to Tappan Zee and work south from there back to 95 if there is something really bad going on.

If you don't have an ez pass get one and have it for your trailer or you need to stop at all the cash lanes so they tack on your axles. I know some guys go through, but they could ticket you.

If you miss 287N then it's the NJTurnpike and that toll is steep for those 5 miles at $13. + bucks on my 5'er discount tag and you will have more traffic to deal with in and around Newark.

Can't help on the CC side as I have not been yet...others will chime in I am sure.

5arnolds · 03-10-2015, 08:03 AM

Thanks for your input on a route! I do have an EZ Pass, which I've used on the PA Turnpike when pulling, so I'll be sure to have that with me.

Quahog · 03-12-2015, 05:50 AM

Let me just add that I followed 3's recommendation when I took a trip up to Maine in 2012 and it was so much less stressful that previous trips. That route is the one I'll take from now on.

robkelly · 03-14-2015, 09:02 AM

I don't like I95 as there always seems to be construction, especially in CT, and you're dealing with the traffic of several cities from NY to MA. While longer, my preference is 84N to 90E to 495S. If you take that route, the Boston/Cape Cod KOA (Middleborough MA) would be a good stopping place for Friday evening. It's a straight shot off of 495 (about 5 miles on MA 44) and about 45 minutes from the bridges.

Camping Couple · 03-14-2015, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robkelly

I don't like I95 as there always seems to be construction, especially in CT, and you're dealing with the traffic of several cities from NY to MA. While longer, my preference is 84N to 90E to 495S. If you take that route, the Boston/Cape Cod KOA (Middleborough MA) would be a good stopping place for Friday evening. It's a straight shot off of 495 (about 5 miles on MA 44) and about 45 minutes from the bridges.

X2 what Rob said. I grew up west of Boston and lived on Cape Cod most of my adult life. Paying the tolls on the Mass Turnpike may be worth it with the hassle you might face on I-95. The last time I drove through Rhode Island on I-95, the road construction was horrible.

TNCraig · 03-14-2015, 09:43 AM

X2 on Robs route.

Drive from TN to plymouth MA every Christmas to visit family. Always take I81 to I84 to the mass pike then I-495S to 44 into Plymouth. While I do not tow on that trip avoiding I95 is the way to go.

5arnolds · 03-15-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNCraig

X2 on Robs route.

Thanks for all the input on this other route option. I will map it out and consider it. I have hotel points that we'll probably use for Friday night as long as the hotel can accommodate my rig.

3'senough · 03-15-2015, 09:43 AM

I ran the 81 to 84 route last season and it is a good route that will definitely avoid the hassels of 95. 95 can be hit or miss for sure, for the extra 35-40 miles it will probably be a draw on time/$. As for the tolls. the Newburg bridge is only about $4.00 and the I90 will be minimal compared the tolls in and around NY/NJ/CT.
There are a few climbs on with the largest just E of Newburg around Fishkill on 84E. I cannot comment further E than that as I have not taken it E of Hartford, but based on above sounds like a good route and one worth taking.
Anytime you can avoid GWB/95 at a marginal difference I bet on the alternate. Your timing is good if you want to roll the dice, but if an incident occurs you could sit.

5arnolds · 03-16-2015, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3'senough

As for the tolls. the Newburg bridge is only about $4.00 and the I90 will be minimal compared the tolls in and around NY/NJ/CT.
There are a few climbs on with the largest just E of Newburg around Fishkill on 84E. I cannot comment further E than that as I have not taken it E of Hartford, but based on above sounds like a good route and one worth taking.

Thanks again for the heads-up!!

On another note, where do you (and many others) get the digital USA map in your signature where you fill in what states you've camped in? Granted, mine would be pretty skimpy at this point, but would like to consider one for myself.

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