Driving to DC

[tmattox]

I need advice on which route to take to DC. We live outside Lexington, KY and am planning a trip to a campground in College Park, MD. Which route would be the best so as to avoid too many hills, steep grades, etc.? Thanks in advance.

[BFlinn181]

Pretty hard to go from Lexington to Washington, DC without crossing the Appalachian mountains! Interstates will have the straightest and least severe grades, but it still means going up and down. Also, both direct interstate routes take you through West Virginia, which might be 'Almost Heaven' but more hilly than Hell.

I-64 to Charleston, WV, then either S to I-81 N, then I-66 to I-270. Going so long in WV is pretty hilly, but the alternative, at Charleston WV go N on I-79 to I-68 to I-70, then I-270 to Washington also has it's share of hills and traffic.

If you want less hills, go N on I-75 to Cincinnati, then I-71 to Columbus, I-70 E, PA Turnpike, I-70 at Breezewood to I-270 to Washington.

If you pay attention, the WV hills won't hurt you. Downshift when climbing to prevent engine 'lugging' in too low a gear, Downshift going downhill to use engine compression braking going down. Only use brakes to drop speed by 10 mph or so, then let your foot off the brake pedal until next need to drop speed by 10 mph. Overheating brakes happen when you try to use the brake to control speed. Apply to drop speed by 10 mph, then let them cool.

[MisterT]

dang! I thought driving the mountains WAS the fun!

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by MisterT

dang! I thought driving the mountains WAS the fun!

I agree, it's a welcome change from the central plains. But if someone is new or unfamiliar with pulling a trailer or driving a heavy vehicle, hills or mountains can be daunting. It doesn't have to be scary but does deserve respect. Paying attention to engine temp and RPM is more important than speed, don't get upset if folks pass you, you'll arrive in the same place a few minutes later, that's all.