Pennsylvania-New York State Route Advice Needed

[shirleyj62]

We are planning on visiting our grandchildren in upstate New York (new Sarasota Springs). We live near Chicago but plan to go to Southern Indiana first to visit oldest son and then "tour" Indiana/Ohio. We really would like to avoid the NY toll system since we have a motor home and will be pulling a small car behind. We've done this in the past and it was quite expensive.

We are hoping we can come up with something like I-80 from the Ohio state line to Scranton PA. Then take I-81 to Syracuse NY.

Another option we are looking at is I-86 to I-390 to Rochester.

Can anyone give advice to the conditions of the roads in both surface condition and grades (particularly around the Appalachians)?

Thanks,

Shirley

[shirleyj62]

DrewE wrote:
I'm assuming you mean Saratoga Springs, NY (rather than Sarasota Springs). If not, I have no idea where in New York state you're attempting to get to—Sarasota Springs is in Florida—and so suggestions may be nonsensical.

Yes, I meant Saratoga Springs. LOL

If anyone else has an opinion about driving east along I-80 from the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line, please let me know.

Thanks,

Shirley

[DrewE]

I'm assuming you mean Saratoga Springs, NY (rather than Sarasota Springs). If not, I have no idea where in New York state you're attempting to get to—Sarasota Springs is in Florida—and so suggestions may be nonsensical.

A month or two ago I drove through PA on I-80 (going West) and for the most part it did not strike me as a particularly rough road, nor as having particularly bad grades. I was in my little car, not an RV. There are some grades, but nothing too steep. I don't know about I-81 betwixt Syracuse and Binghamton. South of Binghamton, as best as I can recall, it isn't bad, though it's been some time since I drove it. I-88 as I recall has long stretches of pavement with periodic expansion strips/cracks that can be a bit annoying in some vehicles and at some speeds.

I personally favor I-86 to I-88 to I-87. As tomkaren13 said, the little bit of I-90 is free if you go between I-87 and I-88 or vice-versa. You do have to go through the motions of taking the Thruway, getting and surrendering a toll ticket or being scanned by EZPass, but you don't have to pay anything. The last time I was on it, sections of the western half of I-86 were quite rough, particularly in the righthand lane, but that was a couple years ago; hopefully it's been repaved since then (but possibly not). There aren't any extreme grades on this route, either, though it's not quite as flat as I-90.

I should maybe note that some people seem to have a much lower tolerance for rough roads than do I. I go on routes that strike me as 'slightly rough' and then read here about how terrible the route was, fillings falling out of teeth, etc., and scratch my head.

[Roman_Duck]

The most direct route would be rt 20 from Pa. NY line all the way to Albany, onto 87 to Saratoga. Many sections of rt 20 are 4 lanes. a nice hilly ride with many small towns on the way. We traveled much of this highway and enjoy taking in the sights on the way. Beware that it does go thru some metro areas.
Prior to having an interstate aka thruway Rt 20 was one of the few highways that went coast to coast. There are several rest areas that work great for overniters

[darsben]

I90 at the New York line East( North in that area) is HORRID. rough. potholes avoid at all cost being repaved this year.
Avoid I86/Us17 crappy condition from I90 east for about 90 miles unless they fixed it very recently.
I 81 to Binghamton then 88 is great. I take 81 Syracuse to Scranton often. The following are the areas with minor glitches
A)Construction at US17 and I81 in Binghamton is USUALLY okay with little slow down.

B)There is construction going on in Scranton forever. I usually take the North east extension of the turnpike to avoid Scranton with the traffic and on off locals. Probably 20 miles but smooth uncrowded with no cars flitting about. The end of the tollway puts you right on 81 north of Scranton.

Good flying J at Gibson PA with lots of parking. Also the rest area just inside New York is a good place to stay.
If you are touring Ohio please try to get to the Millersburg/sugarcreek area. Home to the largest Amish population in the USA

[padredw]

I concur with the post by TomKaren. We have made this trip a couple of times. Enjoyed staying at Arrowhead Marina campground. One of the nicest.

Have no input on I-80. If you are going to Saratoga, you may consider I-81 to Binghamton then pick up I- 88 to Schenectady. A short drive east on I-90 to I-87 north. This I-90 section is free.

If you need a Campround near Schenectady, Look into Arrowhead Marina and campground.

[tomkaren13]

Have no input on I-80. If you are going to Saratoga, you may consider I-81 to Binghamton then pick up I- 88 to Schenectady. A short drive east on I-90 to I-87 north. This I-90 section is free.

If you need a Campround near Schenectady, Look into Arrowhead Marina and campground.

[shirleyj62]

jplante4 wrote:
This recent post is relevant.

we reviewed that post and a map. It appears that he is talking about I-81 south of Scranton. We are concerned about I-81 north of Scranton. Maybe they are the same condition, maybe not.

shirley

[jplante4]

This recent post is relevant.