Routing Advice: FL to NS

[RV'nOldTimer]

Hello all,

Looking for routing advice for a planned summer trip. We are traveling from North Central Florida to Northern Nova Scotia (Baddeck) where we will join a caravan to Newfoundland and Labrador. I want to avoid the large metro areas on the east coast and make a stop for a few days at the Mt. Washington, NH area. Otherwise, the shortest, time wise, route is preferred.

Using Delorme Street Atlas, I have the following: I-10 to I-95, to I-26 to Columbia SC, I-77 to I-81 to Binghamton NY, I-88 to near Albany NY, state roads 7, 11, 131 to I-91 to US 302, thence to NH SR 115, 2 & 16 to Mt. Washington area. Thereafter, US 2 to I-95 to Bangor ME and the Canadian border, PH 2 to PH 104 to PH 105 to Baddeck NS.

I am concerned with the New York state roads 7, 11 & 131 on the route. I learned the hard way to review routes done by computers or GPS by getting on some roads unfit for motor homes! Also, my navigator DW has put us on some awful shortcuts. (Don't mention I said that)

So, any suggestions will be appreciated.

JT

[Purplefans & Harvey]

There must be some NY web site that lists roads that do not allow RV's and trucks - the Palisades, for example, doesn't.

Be aware also - the gas prices are higher! And there's always the construction!

We got the fastpass, which works through New York, New England, and the Ohio/Illinois areas, and was great.

[KIX]

About 4 kilometers before you get into Baddeck the Bras 'd Or Lake CG will be on your right. It's a decent CG.....Three are two distinct sections.....make sure you get a site on the section closer to the "lake" rather than up the hill towards the highway. The upper section can be very muddy at times. I worked there.

Also, if you have time in Baddeck go to the Alexander Graham Bell museum......lots more than you will be expecting

[Bob and Inga]

JT,

Something is fishy with that route you posted. How are you getting from NY to NH, VT or maybe MA stands in the why. VT is not an easy state to cut across, very limited options for larger rigs. I would consider either staying on I-81 up into the 1,000 Islands region of NYS then over to Burlington, VT where you can pickup US-2 and follow it to Bangor, ME. This will take you through some wonderful old New England villages and towns. But do not expect to make good time on it.

A second option is I-81 to I-84 to I-90 and then north into NH from MA.

A nice little stop on your way north is Mount Airy, NC at the Mayberry CG. It is about 6 miles east of I-77 and just south of the VA / NC border. We just pulled in yesterday for a couple of nights. We just left Charleston, SC yesterday on I-26 and have driven the southern portion of your route.

Happy travels,
Bob

[Bob and Inga]

JT,

I should have looked closer, I see you are crossing VT on 9. Here is a site:

America's Independent Truckers' Association, Inc., A Trucking Association serving Owner Operators and Independent Truckers

That has info on low bridge clearances. Something you need to watch out for in that area. I have not used that route, but you might want to consider the I-90 option into MA and then north.

Bob

[GG1]

In South Carolina take I-26 northwest to I-77 north through North Carolina & Va,to I-81 northest through Pa to I-88 in NY State east to I-87 north (new york thruway) to rt 4 east to Rutland Vermont to VT 7 north in the center of Rutland go right on VT 4 east across the state through Woodstock to I-89 south for a few miles to I-91 north to VT-2 east into New Hampshire this will take you through the Mt Washington region stay on rt 2 to I-95 north into Maine to Bangor then 9 east to Bangor to Calaise Maine cross into Canada you can take a coastal route to get access to Nova Scotia (very scenic) or a more northern route just keep heading east to Moncton. I have traveled the route from Pa NY VT & NH to Maine many times there is no problem with a large rig stay on the state and interstate roads, give yourself enough time once you get off the interstates you have to slow down, if you want to explore the back roads use your toad or tow vehicle BRING YOUR CAMERA!!! Good luck

[RV'nOldTimer]

Originally Posted by Purplefans & Harvey

There must be some NY web site that lists roads that do not allow RV's and trucks - the Palisades, for example, doesn't.

Be aware also - the gas prices are higher! And there's always the construction!

We got the fastpass, which works through New York, New England, and the Ohio/Illinois areas, and was great.

Yep, I see the fuel prices are extra high in NY. Plan accordingly! South Carolina looks lowest but I can't carry enough.

I instructed Delorme SA to avoid toll roads but that adds considerable mileage.

Thanks for the advice.

JT

[RV'nOldTimer]

Originally Posted by KIX

About 4 kilometers before you get into Baddeck the Bras 'd Or Lake CG will be on your right. It's a decent CG.....Three are two distinct sections.....make sure you get a site on the section closer to the "lake" rather than up the hill towards the highway. The upper section can be very muddy at times. I worked there.

Also, if you have time in Baddeck go to the Alexander Graham Bell museum......lots more than you will be expecting

A G Bell Museum is on our schedule. I'll have to look to see which campground our caravan has chosen since I'm sure we will need to meet them there. Thanks.

JT

["007"]

JT, Once you get over the border this information will help.
The area of three provinces are close enough to make in a day trip between them but there is lots to see in each one.
Safe travels and have a great time.

[User1011]

You could also avoid the metro areas of Baltimore, Washington DC, etc. by cutting over to Norfolk and taking the bridge across into MD/DE and travel north that route.

[RV'nOldTimer]

Originally Posted by GG1

In South Carolina take I-26 northwest to I-77 north through North Carolina & Va,to I-81 northest through Pa to I-88 in NY State east to I-87 north (new york thruway) to rt 4 east to Rutland Vermont to VT 7 north in the center of Rutland go right on VT 4 east across the state through Woodstock to I-89 south for a few miles to I-91 north to VT-2 east into New Hampshire this will take you through the Mt Washington region stay on rt 2 to I-95 north into Maine to Bangor then 9 east to Bangor to Calaise Maine cross into Canada you can take a coastal route to get access to Nova Scotia (very scenic) or a more northern route just keep heading east to Moncton. I have traveled the route from Pa NY VT & NH to Maine many times there is no problem with a large rig stay on the state and interstate roads, give yourself enough time once you get off the interstates you have to slow down, if you want to explore the back roads use your toad or tow vehicle BRING YOUR CAMERA!!! Good luck

Thanks. Following your plan I have cut out the small roads I asked about and put in US 2 for a greater distance. Otherwise, you and Delorme agree, but US 2 looks like an improvement.

I'll study the Canadian coastal vs the northern route according to the time left when we reach that area. Thanks again.

JT

[RV'nOldTimer]

Originally Posted by 4Fun

You could also avoid the metro areas of Baltimore, Washington DC, etc. by cutting over to Norfolk and taking the bridge across into MD/DE and travel north that route.

Thanks. I'll have a look at that possibility.

JT

[RV'nOldTimer]

Originally Posted by 007";838285]JT, Once you get over the [B][URL="http://www.irv2.com/forums/f76/canada-trip-july-2008-n-s-and-p-e-i-19926.html

border this information[/URL][/B] will help.
The area of three provinces are close enough to make in a day trip between them but there is lots to see in each one.
Safe travels and have a great time.

Thanks, 007. We have visited NB, PEI and NS several times but have never been to Newfoundland/Labrador. Yes, those are places of interest and we'll do some of them, especially as returning, but our main thrust this go round is NFLD-LAB. We will have RV'ed all Canadian provinces (not all territories), the 49 contiguous US states and about half the Mexican states plus Belize (no plans to add to the Mex total any time soon!) after this trip. I appreciate your help.

JT

[FogNobber]

I'd avoid the I-26 and I-77 route to get onto I-81 due to long grades. Instead I'd take I-95 to Rt. 17 in Fredricksburg, Va. to I-66 over to I-81 near Front Royal, Va. I've traveled both routes (snowbird in SW Florida) for 7 yrs.