Getting across western PA

Go one way and return the other.

After your trip report back here.

I certainly wasn't expecting to avoid mountains. I do know they run from GA all the way to ME and you gotta cross 'em somewhere! :)
I was just wondering about the lesser of 2 evils and remembering not caring much for the PGH area through the more southerly route I mentioned. Truck traffic doesn't bug me. I'd rather cruise along in a pack of trucks on open road away from the city since most truckers are better to share the road with than small vehicles on the highways surrounding most metro areas.
I guess the "open feeling" was what made me think of 80, but I have never been on it, so I don't really know one way or the other. I guess it just looked on the map like it would keep me a little bit more away from the city and hopefully a little easier hills. The extra 40 miles is really not much concern for a 1200 mile trip if it's more relaxed driving. Of course, I know there some less-than-ideal spots along that route through Harrisburg area, too....so now I'm still as undecided as before - some issues either way....

Heavy Metal Doctor wrote:
Looking for some experience / advice.
Planning a trip in June where we will be heading for Minneapolis area from home close to the Maryland / PA line close to Gettysburg PA.
I have been out / up RT70 through Pittsburgh a few times and not looking forward to 70 / 76 through the hills and the Pittsburgh area itself, but it's been 10 years since I last did it, so my memory may be exaggerating the "bad" of that leg of the trip.

I was considering running up to Harrisburg and out 322 / 22 and then onto 80. It's only and extra few miles and I go to the State College area occasionally and didn't think the hills that way bugged me quite as much, even recently dragging 7K Lbs of TT behind me, but never been out across 80 past that area.
So I guess the real question is if 80 is smooth sailing enough to be worth going that way?
Oh, and we might leave the first evening and do this section in the dusk to dark and park for a nap somewhere close to the PA / OH line.
Thoughts?

we have been that way numerous times.....and your plan to get to the Oh/Pa line is good...but leave a little earlier,so that you get to the first rest area on 80..Ohio Tpke.....that rest area has a RV designated section with elect hookups for $20. also water and a dump station....and safe...Chuck

cbshoestring wrote:


DOES NOT AVOID MOUNTAINS if that is your intention. Majority are from Bedford to New Stanton on T/P (for your trip)-- they are north as well, and run clear over to the PA/OH state line.

I've done both routes you suggest and the above statement is right on the money. Turnpike has a long but certainly do-able grade over Sideling Hill. I-80 has a similar stretch (may be a bit longer) approaching the exit for Rt. 153/Penfield, PA. That said, I would take the route that is more direct to your destination.

Yes, I-80 has truck traffic but it is nothing like we see around here in I-78.

You think the traffic on the T/P is bad, where do you think all those truckers that are trying to avoid tolls go? I-80 is a heavily travel road.

Overall, it isn't too bad. Up, down, left and right. It is thru the mountains after all. A complete nightmare in winter, or windy/rainy days. Pretty bumpy in sections, and always under construction.

Not as "confining" as the T/P feels at times. I think you may be able to relax a bit more up there...providing for daylight travel---nice weather.

DOES NOT AVOID MOUNTAINS if that is your intention. Majority are from Bedford to New Stanton on T/P (for your trip)-- they are north as well, and run clear over to the PA/OH state line.

I do however disagree with your "couple more miles" statement. A quick map search says a trip from Gettysburgh to Austintown, Oh (I-80/I-76 split) shows about a 40 mile (one hour) difference to run up thru Harrisburg and across 322 to state college, etc.... compared to a journey across lovely I-70/I-76. Those are perfect scenerio times...sure better be going thru Harrisburg at a time other then rush hour.

I spent a couple months last summer running Pittsburgh--Jessup, MD, then back to PGH. I Left Pittsburgh at mid-night. If you are not afraid to leave early morning---say 3:00ish---- you could be up over town hill, thru Breezewood, and across the mountains before much of the traffic starts. Even the majority of crazy truckers are heading EAST at that time of day, so west bound traffic isn't that bad.

I80 is a piece of cake on that section. A couple of 1000 foot climbs along the way but the grades are no more than about 3%. Some very short 6% grades here and there. Overall a very pleasant drive.

WPA is my backyard.

Take the turnpike. Some of it now is 6 lanes and very mild grades. Tunnels take care of going over the mountains. The toll is high, but you'll recoup some of those $$s with better gas mileage.

The PA turnpike will take you to the Ohio turnpike and that is a great, almost all 6 lane, interstate.

-Tom

If memory serves, 80 isn't bad. Probably better than the Tpke.

The last two times thru Pittsburgh we stayed at the Madison-Pittsburgh KOA off the Turnpike because there doesn't seem to be much else in the area. Most other areas you can just look for a campground sign at the next exit and pull off but not in the Pittsburgh area.
Yes, the hills are bad and there also are not many/any Rest Areas or other places to turn off for a few hours.