Route from NC to Maine via southern DE & Cape May Lewes FerryLewes

[AbyVan]

I am traveling from central NC to Acadia ME Fall 2023 and want to avoid all the major NE big cities. What are thoughts on a route crossing from Virginia Beach to Kiptopeke area on 13 and then taking the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and heading up the coast on 9. DEFINITELY avoid NYC somehow (possibly via 206 or other suggestions?) then head up to around Milford PA and pick-up I84 and on to Acadia.

Instead of the ferry I could continue on 13 but then I will have to go through Wilmington DE and assume this is bad. Correct?
I drive a converted Sprinter 170 so not the nimblest but not a big rig by any stretch.

Thank you!

[KenZ71]

Even with a Sprinter you still might have some trouble with height limits on Sawmill Parkway in Hudson River area of NY and Merit Parkway in CT. My opinion would be use http://tripwizard.rvlife.com or Garmin where you can plug in vehicle size and set 1st end point for Hamburg PA. Cabela's, Walmart, Cracker Barrell all there.

Then next destination would be Danbury CT Rest Area with a dump station. Rest for a bit then aim for Sturbridge MA, cut across MA on I90 to 495 N to Maine.

Also, having done the drive from NC to CT / MA several times would strongly recommend stop for food, restroom, walk the dog, etc in Southern New Jersey. Nothing worse than Northern NJ traffic and the needing a restroom break.

[andy29847]

I-77, i-81, i-88, i-90, i-95

[TonyDi]

I live in NJ and have been to Maine several times. The trip on the ferry is a joy. It also allows you time to get out and stretch your legs. Take Garden state parkway to the top then I-287 across the Hudson on the Mario Cuomo bridge (we still call it the Tappan Zee bridge). then I-287 to I- 684. Then on to I-84 to Sturbridge Ma. Then take I-90 to I-95. Once in Maine we like the casual ride of US 1. It is a beautiful drive with a lot of the local fare of the Down East coast. It's slower than the interstate but the drive is worth it. If you're going to Acadia consider spending a couple of days in Boothbay, which we like more than Bar Harbor.

[RickNC]

Originally Posted by TonyDi

I live in NJ and have been to Maine several times. The trip on the ferry is a joy. It also allows you time to get out and stretch your legs. Take Garden state parkway to the top then I-287 across the Hudson on the Mario Cuomo bridge (we still call it the Tappan Zee bridge). then I-287 to I- 684. Then on to I-84 to Sturbridge Ma. Then take I-90 to I-95. Once in Maine we like the casual ride of US 1. It is a beautiful drive with a lot of the local fare of the Down East coast. It's slower than the interstate but the drive is worth it. If you're going to Acadia consider spending a couple of days in Boothbay, which we like more than Bar Harbor.

I concur with Tony’s route as I have gone that route 4 times in the past 6 years. On the Garden State some of the underpasses are arched so the clearance is less on the right lane.

Depending on how many hours you like to drive. Coming from Wilmington NC the KOA near Cape May is our usual overnighter(about 10 hours from home)

Coming up the Delmarva peninsula I suggest following US113 at the 13/113 split in Pokomoke City. Less traffic and more importantly far less traffic lights. US 13 through Salisbury and Delmar is a very busy retail corridor.

If you don’t have an EZpass, get one. It will save you time ,money and aggravation.

[Cousin Ed]

My route would be I/77 to I/81 to I/84 (Newburgh/Beacon bridge toll $10+- for 5 axles) to I/90 (Mass Pike, toll road but cheap cost us $3.15 w/ 5 axles) to I/495 around Boston onto I/95. Then you're on your own, we haven't done much in Maine.

[spuds]

Originally Posted by KenZ71

Even with a Sprinter you still might have some trouble with height limits on Sawmill Parkway in Hudson River area of NY and Merit Parkway in CT.

If it's converted to an RV, it's not allowed on the NY and CT parkways. Passenger cars and non-commercial light pickup trucks only:

For NY:


Pickup trucks and vans are permitted on controlled-access parkways under the following conditions:


They must have passenger car plates.
They must be used only for non-commercial purposes.
They must have an empty (unladen) weight of 5,500 pounds or less.

All other trucks that do not meet the conditions above are not permitted on controlled-access parkways. This restriction includes moving vans, trucks and trailers.

All vehicles (including passenger cars) with trailers or cargo carried on the roof are not permitted on parkways in New York State.

Vehicles with "combination" plates from other states are not permitted on parkways in New York State.

http://www.nycroads.com/roads/pkwy_NYC/

CT has an 8' height restriction even on passenger vehicles:

https://andersonvans.com/can-cargo-vans-go-on-parkways/

[AbyVan]

Great information from everyone who has replied! Thank you Thank you!