Community Forums

Mike R · 06-23-2007, 01:46 AM

On July 4th we will be heading from New Jersey to Cherokee, North Carolina via I-81. I have never driven I-81 before. Does anyone have an recommended stops/attractions to see or any other comments?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Mike R

Mike R · 06-23-2007, 01:46 AM

On July 4th we will be heading from New Jersey to Cherokee, North Carolina via I-81. I have never driven I-81 before. Does anyone have an recommended stops/attractions to see or any other comments?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Mike R

Ron & Dee · 06-23-2007, 03:39 AM

Mike,

I have only driven it one time between US 23 and I66 and that was last year. We got on I81 at US 23 and headed north to the Skyline Drive. My only reccomendation would be to stop by Natural Bridge.

I'm sure there are other attractions but don't miss Natural Bridge.

Ron

Blue Claw · 06-25-2007, 03:53 AM

Mike,
Have traveled I-81 from NJ on many occasions. Pick it up in Winchester, VA. I=295 to I-95 to I-695W( Balt.) to 70W and in Frederick MD. take 340W thru HarpersFerry, WV.
Take I-81 into Tenn. and then I-26 S to I-40/Rt.74 West. Nice scenic trip. If you stop at the Natural Bridge in VA. try the Pink Cadilac
restaurant. Lot of Elvis memorabilia.
Where are you staying in Cherokee? Havn't been there in 4 years. Plan to go in April '08 after a wedding in N. Georgia
Barry, Gina and Gizmo

diesellabs · 06-25-2007, 01:01 PM

There's lot to see all along 81 in VA - don't know if you're driving straight through or planning a stop along the way. Natural Bridge has been mentioned. Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway parallels the interstate for most of the state - very pretty, but plan on going slow and stopping at the many scenic overlooks and attractions like Mabry Mill. For a biking diversion you can check out the Virginia Creeper Trail in southwestern VA (outfitters in Damascus will take you to the top of the mountain and you can "coast" all the way back).

Fuel prices in VA are among the nation's lowest.

Safe travels...

Tom-NC · 06-26-2007, 09:42 AM

I live in North Carolina and used to live in New Jersey and have made that trip a lot of times. First off from NJ take either Rt 22 or Rt 78 which will turn into Rt 78 and then into I-81. Follow that south to I-40 then follow that to Rt 19/139 into Cherokee.
Places of Interest would be Roadside America(train display that is a working RR) and Hershey ( candy factory) both in PA. In Va Luray Caverns in Luray, Skyline Drive starts there but is a slow road (45mph with a lot of pullouts). Natural Bridge as previously mentioned plus Chimney Rock in NC. Also can check out Grandfather mountain.
While in Cherokee, NC spend some time in Great Smoky Mtn National Park and then visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN. From there you can get back on I-40 for trip home.
Enjoy it is a fine trip there are more things to see especially if you take Skyline Drive into Blue Ridge Parkway.

Mike R · 06-26-2007, 12:33 PM

Everyone,

Thanks for all of the great comments. We plan on taking 2 1/2 days to get to Cherokee, NC and it's roughly an 800 mile trip so we are definetly going to hit some of the recommended sights.

Mike R.