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FW_Michele's avatar
FW_Michele
Explorer
Jun 26, 2013

How to get home: N on 79, 75 or 81 ?

Well, we've decided we are going to head home from Greeneville TN without too many plans. We will have 3-4 days to get home, it's just over 800 miles.

We will have come down via I-75.

We plan to spend 3 nights on the road getting home. Nice and easy. We probably won't make reservations (gasp!)

We could go home via I-75 and cross at Detroit, or I-77 & 79 and cross at Niagara Falls, or we could go do I-81 and cross in Upper New York. That last crossing puts us closest to home.

Which route is recommended for newbies? This is our first trip, and I would prefer to avoid very mountainous areas as we are new to towing.

Recommendations on things to see along the way, or good rest stops, are also appreciated.

thanks!
  • crabbin cabin wrote:
    So where is "home". Without knowing that we all must just guess in giving you an opinion!!


    Brighton, Ontario. It's almost smack dab between Toronto and Ottawa, along the 401, but near the lake.

    My dad lives in Windsor, so that is the reason we are going through Detroit on the way down.
  • So where is "home". Without knowing that we all must just guess in giving you an opinion!!
  • FW,

    As DW has family there, we cross into Canada frequently. Most often in Detroit, and that would be my last choice.

    Going into Canada is always pleasant. But, once you cross the bridge, the traffic is a bear. This is particularly true now as Windsor is working on the roadways to the new crossing.

    What ever you choose, be safe and enjoy the journey.

    Matt
  • I-81 is not very mountainous through Virginia, but the southern half, between Bristol and Lexington is one of the most dangerous stretches of Interstate highway in the US due to the accident rate. Might be due to heavy truck traffic, or the need for a 3rd lane of traffic, but for whatever reason, should you choose to take I-81 just be extra vigilant in that area. That's the downside, and there is an upside in the form of a possible stop near Staunton, VA and a night at the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriar's Theater: http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com .

    BTW, mapquest says it's 277 miles from Greenville, TN to Staunton, VA.
  • Flip a three sided coin, 75 will have fewer hills than 79/77 or 81. The hills on the interstates in the eastern US are no problems.
    Reservations? When are you travelling, this weekend, maybe be impossible. Start of summer and July 1st and 4th holidays just try for an early afternoon and hope they have a site available.