So.Calif to New England?

[Carol in CA]

We have decided to drive to New England this fall..first time there! Want to see the history, the fall colors, etc. Thought about leaving end of Sept/beginning of October, and being gone for about a month. However, just found out 2nd grandchild is due at end of September, so we will have to delay our departure, maybe by a week or so...will have to wait and see.
Question #1...is this too late to get started?
and question #2...any suggestions for route? I've been thinking heading up the 15 to Salt Lake City, then east on 70, then up to Chicago ( or east on 80)....then Chicago to Niagara Falls, up thru NY to Maine, then down to Boston, Philly & Baltimore (visiting relatives in last 2 cities). Which route home from Baltimore area? Wanted to hit the northernmost sites first, thinking of weather, coming home more of a southerly route...or possibly just heading west to central IL to visit another relative, then home.
Any ideas? Definite things we should aim for in New England?
Thanks!
Carol

2011 Coachmen Brookstone 367RL Fiver w/4 slides
2011 Ford F-350 Powerstroke Diesel Crew Cab Lariat

[bdaball]

If you are heading to Maine in October you will be seeing some of the best for fall colors. That being said I would strongly suggest you have plans on where you will be staying. Assuming you will be looking for campgrounds, some do start closing soon after labor day even though there are plenty of great fall days to enjoy. Campfires will really be a joy, just make sure you find a campground to have them in.
Don't forget to check out the fall Fair schedules. Check each states website for schedules. Try the Common Ground Fair in Maine or the "Big-E" in Western Mass.
If you have a particular interest let me know. Only been a native for 60 years.

[Chuck 1935]

We made the trip from So Cal last October. We went along Lake Erie and in through the Adorondacks to Vermont. We arrived in Vermont on October 9 and were in the fall colors all the way down the east coast.
Also do a search for...........
RV CAMPING FORUMS > Crossroads - About Traveling Adirondack Mountain Trip

[Purplefans & Harvey]

It is a great time to visit New England, but definitely plan! We don't have as nice camps as in the southern states (IMHO) As a born new englander, I can say that!

[H. Miller]

We did approx. the same trip in '10. From upper NY to VT/NH and down the east coast to Williamsburg the best leaves were in the Shenandoah Valley. "Must see" items: Obviously Niagara Falls, Hyde Park (FDR's home) and Gettysburg.

[skigramp]

Crossing the Rockies:

• If you want a scenic route through the Rockies take I-70 across Utah to Denver ... then I-76 into Nebraska to join I-80 ... this route is very scenicthrough Utah and Colorado ... but there are several long uphill and downhill 6% grades ...
• If you want a less scenic route through the Rockies then take I-80 across Wyoming ... the elevation is lower ... and the landscape is rather bleak ... there is one long grade east of Salt Lake city and another short grade that is in the 6% range near Laramie.

There is a great museum at Kearney, NE that shows the changes of the region from roaming herds of bison to the 1980's ... the museum straddles I-80 ...

Amana Colonies is about 8 miles north of I-80 about 3/4 the way across Iowa ... they are famous for woodwork, wine, appliances, and GREAT FOOD.

The Herbert Hoover Presdidentail Library is at West Branch, IA ... it was interesting to learn about the great humanitarian things he did.

[Steve Fisher]

If driving from SoCal I would definately watch the weather that time of year going north to SLC to I-80 or going over the Rockies on I-70. You could also take I-40, the southern route and Take Hwy 54 out of Tucumcari NM which heads NE through Kansas. It is a 2 and 4 lane good road. I-40 is a longer route. This is based on my many trips to Cedar Rapids Iowa From SoCal. Have taken all 3 and I-70 has alot more grades and tougher climbs. I-15 to SLC and I-80 is actually the shortest route. At least you have 3 options to look at. Just depends on what you are looking for between SoCal and New England. There is plenty to do and see on all these routes. Wireman

[clubmed98]

As noted campgrounds close down after labor day and almost all by end of Oct also if you are a big rig really really confirm you will fit particularly height..The New England states have many nice big rig campgrounds but many more that you might not fit in..also expect traffic to be heavy on weekends during leaf peeper season

[Wayne M]

I'm more concerned about the time you would be traveling back to CA. To make that trip and then start home, you are most likely going to be headed back the end of October, or even in November. You may want to consider the Southern Route back. (I-20 and even I-10)

[Elkhartjim]

I'm concerned about windshield time. It has to be a 6000+ mile round trip. Thats a lot of driving in four weeks. Like WayneM, I would be concerned with winter weather on the return trip, especially in higher elevations.

[Chuck 1935]

We did this trip last October. Left L.A. October 2nd. Chicago, Pittsburg, Vermont, Connecticut, N.Y, N.J., VA., N.C., S.C., Georgia, Florida and back across Interstate 10 and arrived in L.A. November 15. Had good weather all the way with cold weather about two weeks behind us. You really want to stay south on 10 or you WILL see cold weather. Have a great trip.