Niagara Falls from SE Georgia

[GA Cajun]

The family and I are looking at a trip from the Savannah, GA area to Niagara Falls in early June. I think my route will take me through Columbia, SC, north to Charlotte on I-77 to I-81. I'll take I-81 up to Harrisburg, PA. That seems pretty easy.

From Harrisburg, I can either take the PA Turnpike west to Pittsburgh and north up to I-90 and Niagara Falls, or I can go north from Harrisburg on US 15 through the heart of PA and into NY. What are some opinions about those to routes through PA? Is either a difficult drive (grades, twisty, etc.)? And if I take US 15 to NY, what is the drive on I-86/390 to Rochester, NY, like?

I'll have DW, 2 tweens, and my parents with me in the MH, and we'll be pulling a toad. I probably don't need a really tough route because the trip will be difficult enough with that many back seat drivers .

[RVThere]

GA,

The route you describe adds about 120 miles over a shorter route that follows I77 through WV to I79. If you're looking to minimize time with all those people in the RV, 2 hours can mean a BIG difference.

PS - If you stay on I77, you can hit the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. I did that with my oldest son last summer and it was great!

[GA Cajun]

Tom,

Thanks for the feedback. I considered that route, but decided against it for 2 reasons. I've read some other posts that mention that I-77 through the mountains can be a little hairy, but the biggest reason for taking I-81 is that my mom had a great, great, grandfather who fought at Gettysburg. She's pretty excited about going there. So, I'm pretty committed to that route

[RVThere]

Gettysburg is a great stop. We stayed at Little Roundtop campground. I've driven Rt. 15 between Harpers Ferry, through Gettyburg and up to Harrisburg and its a good RV road (a few stop lights). Have not done the section above Harrisburg.

Safe travels!

[historyljc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Cajun Tom, Thanks for the feedback. I considered that route, but decided against it for 2 reasons. I've read some other posts that mention that I-77 through the mountains can be a little hairy, but the biggest reason for taking I-81 is that my mom had a great, great, grandfather who fought at Gettysburg. She's pretty excited about going there. So, I'm pretty committed to that route

While in Gettysburg don't overlook going to the Eisenhower home. It is well worth the trip.

[ischua]

"And if I take US 15 to NY, what is the drive on I-86/390 to Rochester, NY, like?"

Its a Flat and pretty boring 4 lane lacking in rest areas but do stop at Letchworth State Park for The grand canyon of the east off the 390 near Mt Morris
I'm just south of Buffalo if you need more info just ask

[GA Cajun]

Mike,

I'll look into your suggestion. Do you know anything about US 15 through PA?

Eddie

[mikedes]

I travel this several times every year ( live in NC and children are in western NY ) and find 15 above Harrisburg an easy drive with just a few small towns but most is 4 lane. When you get to MT Morris in NYS you could take rte 63 to rte 5 ( most of the truckers use this route ) and it would take you to Buffalo and eliminate some tolls on the NYS thruway. This too is a good road but 2 lane. In Buffalo get on the 290 ( it is right on rte 5 when entering Buffalo )and go across Grand Isle to the falls
I grew up living on the river above the falls and if I can help give me a e-mail at desjardin.mike@gmail.com

[ischua]

Can't help on rte 15 in Pa. also the 290 to 190 ramps to the Falls are being rebuilt down to 1lane and their replacing the road deck on the south Grand Island bridge only working at night

[GA Cajun]

Mike and Mike,

Both really good pieces of information. Thanks for your responses. If I need more and/or as our travel dates get closer, I might make contact again for more up to date info, especially on that construction!!