Question: Rts. US 35 and US 23 in Ohio

It's a lot nicer drive now that all the two lane sections are gone. Glad it all went well!

This route was hassle-free. To a city boy, the lights on 23 were few and far between. Most of the miles are 4-lane with speed limits between 55 to 65. Light traffic until you hit the I-270.

Teach

jolooote wrote:
Grew up in Ohio. It always had some of the worst secondary roads in the country.

I can't speak for the whole state. I've been driving just about every route you can imagine between Columbus and Huntington in WV about twice a month since 1990.

(The "Farm" in 'Farm Camp' is in refrence to a place I own down near the river in Lawrence County. I live in the Columbus area to make a living and pay for my toys.)

The route the OP was looking at US35->23 and the one I've come to prefer (US33) are both much improved even in the last 10 years. Of these two the 35---->23 route is all 4 lane now in the south eastern section of the state. I do not travel that route often any more because (my opinion) there are just too many traffic lights and too much traffic as well as too much "friendly" help from the OSHP once you get on 23. Just my preference there is nothing wrong with the road.

In the past long curvy two lane sections and slow traffic made either route painful.

The US 33 option still has some two lane sections left but even these are mostly "modern" with long straights and easy sight lines - not the twisty hill country road it once was.

Either route will work well. I think the US 33 route is more scenic and less traffic, I think less traffic lights - you just need to avoid the section between I270 and Lancaster between 6:30-9AM headed toward Columbus and 4-6:30PM headed toward Lancaster on work days.

Grew up in Ohio. It always had some of the worst secondary roads in the country.

MikeRP wrote:
Another way to go I like is up i77 to RT33. This will take you through Athens and Logan and when you get to Columbus you are not very different in location. Very seanic and the road is good.

I do this trip (between Columbus and the Ohio River) about twice a month. I like this route a LOT better than taking 35/23 (23 just has way too many traffic lights for me anymore). But 33 can be bad depending when you pass through.

North(wesbound) and South(eastbound) of Athens there are still a couple of two lane sections. The one South of Athens is no problem, the one to the north is through a little town called Nelsonville that can get slow but normally is not a bog deal.

Continuing on toward Columbus there is currently a construction area near Logan for interchange work. On the weekends at least this was no big deal.

Lancaster is bypassed now and this makes the drive a lot-lot-lot faster!

Between Lancaster and I-270 is the biggest worry. During rush hours this section of road becomes very congested and any drop of rain or flake of snow results in a lot of Stop and go (mostly stop) traffic. Avoid the rush hours and you will zip right throug...

Also second the thought: "Welcome to the People's Republic of Ohio" - or in other words - watch your speed...

On edit: No matter which route you choose... South East Ohio at least is pretty much a Deer gauntlet year round anymore. Especially If you come through in darkkness just keep an eye out and you'll be fine.

Another way to go I like is up i77 to RT33. This will take you through Athens and Logan and when you get to Columbus you are not very different in location. Very seanic and the road is good.

Use OH part 0f 35 often it is easy towing. Might go all the way to 72 then thru Cedarville to 62 on up to Lakeview, not bad and very scenic might even see some Amish buggies on the road.

I've driven that route before. I'd do it again, for sure. The Ohio portion is great, and WV has been improving it's portion. Even the two lane portions are decent.

'tiredTeacher wrote:
Sometime in the next month, I’ll be driving to RV Wholesalers in Lakeview, Ohio, from my home in Richmond, Virginia, to pick up my new TT. This will be the first time I’ve driven west of Charleston, W.Va., and I’m looking forward to seeing parts of the country I’ve never seen before. Looking at my hand-held, full-color, flat-screened, analog GPS ( aka.-road map), I see the most direct route is I-64 to Charleston then up US 35N to Chillicothe, then US 23N to Columbus.
I have a friend who is a retired Teamster. He said that is the route truckers used before interstates were completed. (Which explains why there are so many travel services to be had in the small town of Nitro, W.Va., on that route.)
Has anyone taken this route between Columbus and Charleston?


Thanks,
Teach

Yes...often.

Not sure if your GPS/map shows the new 4 lane Route 35 that exits 64-W about the 2rd exit past Nitro. This cuts off alot of 2 lane between St. Albans and Point Pleasant. Just be aware that there are some "humpy" places. Even though this is a new road there are several dips. If you are traveling at prime deer travel time, WATCH OUT!!!!!!!!! Especially on the 2 lane portion which is nice farm country in the river bottom. It is a deer slaughter ground. Also, the trucks fly on this road. When it goes back to 4 lane...major humps especially on the bridge transitions.

Once in Ohio...all I can say is watch your speed.

I don't know where you are headed around Columbus, but I love the little town of Delaware which is on the north side. Really cute, quaint town.

Have fun! Congrats on the new TT.