Community Forums

denlock · 02-16-2015, 01:33 PM

Has anybody take I68 from Hancock MD to Cheat lake, WV? I was thinking of going this way on our way home from the Outer Banks this fall. I would pick up I79 and follow that up the west side of Pittsburg and join onto I76 there. What is the road like? Hilly? Steep climbs? I will have a friend following me in a Chevy 1 ton diesel pulling a fifth wheel and wonder if there are any steep climbs how he would do.

Thanks in advance for any info.

mricet1005 · 02-16-2015, 01:38 PM

I have done that route in my Tiffin Phaeton 40QBH with no problems.

tomwalt · 02-16-2015, 01:41 PM

I've use it a couple times with a 16,500 lb motorhome (Chevy 454 ) pulling a small car. I recall mostly rolling hills and one long hill that slowed me down, but was very doable. Just build up momentum and take what the rig will provide for you.
P.S. It's a beautiful drive.

JFXG · 02-21-2015, 04:56 PM

Yup, I-68/79 is my southern route of choice through there, just to avoid the PTPK and associated construction and tolls. It's been a couple of years now, but I recall the ride was pleasant and gentle, and the road quality excellent.

lgarcia · 02-21-2015, 06:21 PM

I go through there regularly in my car and occasionally with the TT. It is hilly, but you have long approaches. There are also runaway truck ramps through there, but have never seen anyone that needed them.

The biggest white knuckle area is Cumberland, where it goes to 40mph. It isn't you and your friend's RV's that make it a challenge, but the other vehicles that like to dart around. There was construction as recent as fall, but none when I was through there last weekend.

Keep an eye on the Frostburg, Md weather report. It was 7 degrees and dry in Hancock and 0 degrees and snowing in Frostburg last weekend.

I am old enough to remember before they did the Sideling Hill cut through. Now, that was white knuckle all the time on that ridge.

denlock · 02-22-2015, 05:27 AM

Thanks for the responses everybody.

JiminJersey · 02-23-2015, 01:46 PM

I agree, that's a nice route, so long as the weather doesn't bite you in the ass...

Larry · 02-24-2015, 09:49 PM

It is a few steep pulls on I68. I used to run it a couple times a year, but now mostly stick with the turnpike and pay the tolls and the pulls are fewer and mostly not as steep.