New Orleans

Yes 81 is your shortest route.
Yes it can snow on it in late October, but usually it will not shut it down long term that early in the year.
Watch the weather and if it appears 81 will be hit with a winter storm, take 95 south to 85 south, to meet 40 west.

If you have a day or so of slop in your schedule, you could also just stop and wait out any storm that is likely to occur around that time of year. Generally getting the Interstates cleared is the top, or nearly the top, priority of road crews for winter storms.

We have traveled 81 in Oct, Nov. and as late as Dec every year for the last 14-15 years. We have never been delayed and that includes a 3rd week in Dec. last year when the fuel started to gel.

We travel I-81 every year the first week of November and never had any snow to deal with. I don't know who told you it was mountainous but they have never driven that road. Yes it has some rolling hills but certainly not mountainous. Stop worrying it's a great scenic drive through central PA and western VA.

Live in new Orleans. drove from here to DC on 81 in june with no problems of steepness and doing it again in sept to go to pocanos. 45 foot revolution with 30 foot trailer, great drive.

I am staying at the French quarter rv resort in October. Coming over from Pensacola Fl. about 3 hours. Have been to New Orleans hundreds of times but never stayed in our rv. Where are you staying ?

Rgtopda wrote:
I am staying at the French quarter rv resort in October. Coming over from Pensacola Fl. about 3 hours. Have been to New Orleans hundreds of times but never stayed in our rv. Where are you staying ?

Not sure yet, looked at the French Quarter Resort, looks nice. Was contemplating taking 95 to 85 to avoid 81, but after the replies I will stay with 81.

Thank You.

I 81 is a great road which we take all of the time. It has the least amount of traffic compared to your other options. There are no steep climbs and makes for a nice ride. You might want to check out Pontchartrain Landing which is safe and much less then The French Quarter. They have a bus that runs to the Quarter or you can drive it in twenty minutes. Enjoy.

X2 on Pontchartrain Landing - Passport America, restaurant on site and safe location.

Thanks for all the replies, I think I will go with Pontchartrain Landing and Join Passport America for the Discount.

Ken