Community Forums

OWV · 05-27-2014, 10:26 AM

Has anyone had any experience driving across NY State from Niagara Falls to Albany? We would like to avoid the interstate if we could, but don't want to drive a road that might not be friendly to an Entegra.

And, on a related note, has anyone driven Route 2 from Troy NY to Greenfield MA through Williamstown and North Adams. I would think they are doable since that area is very popular with leaf peppers in the fall, but again, I don't want to commit to something that could be more challenging than we would like.

And, lastly any recommendations for Niagara Falls?

Thanks for the input.

Regards,
OWV, Our Wandering View
Entegra Anthem, 44B

Dog Folks · 05-27-2014, 03:51 PM

Route 2 is mostly two lane, twisty and a slow speed road. The scenery is outstanding.

It is also known as the "Mohawk Trail" after the American Indians that used that route, before the road, of course.

wnytaxman · 05-27-2014, 03:59 PM

The easiest campground to Niagara Falls is the KOA on Grand Island. There are a couple of state parks that are close by, but I'm not sure if they can handle a 45 footer. Route 20 or NY Route 5 are both scenic and slow with stretches of 2 and 4 lane. Route 2 in Mass. is pretty but mostly two lane. If I remember correctly that in spots it was a two lane divided highway which means you aren't passing anyone but hey are not passing you either.

OWV · 05-28-2014, 06:05 AM

Thanks for the KOA recommendation. I will check it out. From your post it sounds like both 20 and 2 can handle a 45 footer plus toad. We don't mind slow, as long as the road can handle the length.

Regards,
OWV, Our Wandering View
Entegra Anthem, 44B

wnytaxman · 05-28-2014, 06:32 AM

My knowledge of the Niagara area campgrounds is limited because we live here and tend to not think of our own top tourist attractions. I'm sure there are many here in Western NY that have never even been to the Falls which I believe is the second most visited natural wonder in the US/Canada.

There may be one overpass that may be an issue on US 20. You may want to pick up a copy of the Trucker's Atlas before you come up here. It should list any bridges that may be a bit on the low side for your rig. There are tons of things to see and do here and across Upstate NY from natural wonders like Niagara and Letchworth Park to the Buffalo Naval Park with the cruiser Little Rock, destroyer The Sullivans, and a submarine to the Albright Knox Art Gallery and even the Women's Suffragette National Monument in Seneca Falls. Stop and enjoy your time here. We have some very well kept secrets that are fun to explore.

Gregory0495 · 05-28-2014, 10:18 AM

Most of rt 2 is single lane. Going through Troy is very busy

FlyingDiver · 05-28-2014, 11:02 AM

Rt 20 is a fine road for a big RV. It was the main east-west route before I-90 was built. You'll see a lot of old roadside diners and motels that died out when the Interstate went in. A good portion of it is 4 lanes, but no center divider and not much shoulder. Watch out for the speed limits when you go through the many villages and hamlets.

I think I know the overpass that wnytaxman is referring to. It's a railroad bridge that's marked 12'6" or so, just west of Duanesburg. Check a trucker's guide, or call the NY DOT. As I recall, it's marked lower than it actually is. If you decide not to chance it, when you get to Duanesburg, switch to Rt 7 west. Then when you get to Central Bridge, go north on 30A to get back to 20. My Dad's farm is just off 20 a couple miles west of the 30A intersection. When we go there, usually on I-88, we take 7 to 30A to 20 to get to his place. That's in a King Aire, so I know you won't have problems on 30A with your Anthem.

Considering the state of I-90 last time I was on it, Rt 20 is a good alternative if you don't mind the slower average speed.

wnytaxman · 05-28-2014, 12:46 PM

FlyingDiver actually hit on one I wasn't thinking of. The one that I think, and think is the operative word, that may be an issue is just outside of Alden, NY. I believe it is marked at 12'8" but in NY if the bridge is less than 13'6" it will be marked "Exactly" and then the height. I'm not sure why NY does that but I've lived here most of my life and there are a whole lot of things NY does that defies logic and common sense.

bevandtomH · 05-28-2014, 12:47 PM

If you've never been, I would add Cooperstown as a destination, even for a day.
Don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum. The town is sited at the end of Otsego Lake. Very nice.

tom

FlyingDiver · 05-28-2014, 12:51 PM

And there's a really nice microbrewery outside Cooperstown that does Belgian style ales, if you're into that sort of thing.

voltdoc · 05-31-2014, 08:11 AM

Can't say too much about the secondary roads 2 and 20 as we used to live in MA and just wanted the fastest way out, so when heading west or coming back home we took the MA Pike and NY Thruway (I-90). Also we haven't stayed in Niagara Falls area so I'm no help with that.

However you might be looking for places to stay along the way and I have some suggestions. In NY, we have stayed at:

Arrowhead RV and Marina - Glenville, NY (near Albany). Not bad, on the shores of the Mohawk River, a little tight at some sites but a 45 footer should be OK. It's listed in the Big Rigs Best Bets book and we saw lots of big rigs in there. Not all sites have 50A or sewer. There are 3 or 4 long, but narrow, pull thru's there. Lots of trees and a bit gloomy so skeeters might be a problem in warm weather.
Turning Stone RV Park - Verona, NY (east of Syracuse). Pretty nice place, no problem for big rigs. Affiliated with the casino across the street but is totally separate and a real campground, not a space in a parking lot.
Southwoods RV - Byron, NY (East of Buffalo, South of Rochester). We liked it here last time we stopped and even though it is a bit off the interstate is IMO a good place for an overnight. There are quite a few seasonals here but the place seems to be well kept. Some areas of the park may be more cramped than others, but no problem for a 45 footer. We also liked the Elba Diner a few miles down the road.

In MA, we have only stayed at Normandy Farms in Foxboro which is just a mile or two from Gillette Stadium (Patriots). Normandy Farms is a top notch family type place and is probably one of the better campgrounds in New England. Expensive though. There is a 25% discount for Spring and Fall camping (up to 4 visits) buried on their website somewhere. Very long pull thrus - we like the 900 row or the 1000 row. If you were interested in exploring Boston and Providence and surrounding areas, this is a good base as it is very close to I-495 and I-95. To get there take I-495 to US-1 north. Don't let your GPS take you in other than via US-1 to Thurston St or you and your 45 will not be happy! Coming in from the other direction via West St. there are some tight turns and low hanging branches.

As others mentioned low bridges would be my main concern off the beaten path. I know of one in Albany on busy Central Ave. It is a railroad bridge as most of the low ones are. It is located between the I-90 overpass and Osbourne Rd. and is marked 12' something. Oddly, RV One Albany (Entegra Dealer) is located there so if you take a left out of their lot you are going to create some abundant ventilation.

Diesel taxes in NY are high so avoid fill-ups there. MA is a bit better. There is a good truck stop with diesel lanes on US-1 near Foxboro just south of Thurston St (the road to Normandy Farms) and we paid $3.99 a couple of weeks ago.

If you want more details/photos on the campgrounds I mentioned you can go to our blog site myquantumdiscovery.com/blog and use the Search box in the upper right corner.

If you need any more info regarding southeastern MA and/or RI feel free to contact me. We are currently staying in East Greenwich, RI, but on Monday we head to Middlebury for our PDI and will be staying at Arrowhead and then Southwoods along the way.

Safe travels,
Rob

demoon · 05-31-2014, 09:09 AM

If you do decide you want to visit Boston, Boston Minuteman is right off route 2, very nice, great owners, helpful with area information and cheaper than Normandy Farms.| Quality Family Camping

browne07 · 08-11-2014, 09:23 AM

I too am thinking about taking MA hwy 2 across the northern part of the state to get Albany. I have a 42' fifth wheel. Anyone else have any experience here?

JFXG · 08-17-2014, 08:05 PM

The western parts of Rt 2 in Mass will be interesting for a big coach or 5th. There're some hills and turns. Check Google maps about 3-4 miles east of North Adams.