State of Interstate 81 in PA and NY?

[neparker]

I’m driving from eastern NC to the Adirondacks and back later this month and I-81 thru PA and NY is an option. 2 years ago I drove the highway southbound and it was so rough in PA, I vowed never again. Can anyone give me an update?

Thanks,
— Anne

[thrifty bill]

A rough I-81 typically beats the Jersey turnpike. I tend to always take I-81 when heading towards the NE. I haven't been up there this year.

Seems like the two options are I-81 or I-95. I-95 means WA DC, Baltimore, Jersey Turnpike, NYC. I avoid that stretch. Not sure how much they tag you toll wise pulling a trailer on the Jersey Turnpike.

I used to live in Mtn Top, PA, junction of I-80 and I-81. 81 seemed to always have construction underway.

[mary and bob]

We drove I 81 from southern Virginia up to Scranton PA in early March. There are good sections and some not so good. We always use this route in November when we head south for the winter and back up in March. I do recall some fair sized potholes in PA, hopefully they have been fixed by now.

[Carl Pa]

I would rather do 81 then through 95. Carl

[mary and bob]

Another route we have done is to take I 78 off 81, over through Allentown PA to I 287 and then up I 87. Depends where in the Adirondacks you are going. We have to go up 87 to get home

[neparker]

Thanks. Headed to Saranac Lake area, so I87 looks good. Wasn’t sure about 78. Will just have to miss the milk coop/cheese shop near Watertown!

[mary and bob]

We are near Albany NY. We have been to Fish Creek Pond state park several times, which is near Saranac and Tupper Lake. We usually go up I 87 to Warrensburg, then route 28 to route 30. Another option is to go 87 all the way to Lake Placid, then west. If you get off in Warrensburg look for Oscars Smokehouse on the right, sets up on a hill. Good bacon, other meats, cheese, and jams. Big cheese wheels and they'll slice off a chunk for you. A little farther on in Warrensburg is Luck E Star Cafe, good food and pies. On this route you'll go by the Adirondak Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, a great museum to visit.

[neparker]

Great tips! Thank you.

[gordon2]

I drove I-81 from state line to state line a week ago.. yes it shook the camper pretty well. I sometimes leave my lap top on the (made up) bed with no problem but this time I should not have. It wound up on the floor. But I have seen much worse roads and there is no good alternative route for my situation. Its rather subjective so I don't know what else to tell you. At least there were no lane closures this time.

[ironbutt]

I rode that way in May, and it was good with few construction zones. It is a far better trip than I-95, with its toles and aggressive drivers. I would rather stay inland than go up the coast. I travel from Florida to Onchiota (near Saranack Lake) and love the 81 corridor .....

[Elly G]

We come back to the Adirondacks from West North Carolina each spring. Gave up on 81 and never use 95 - ever.
We've started taking I 77 and it works. 90 an option after that. We love stops at Tioga PA (Ives Run) and Letchworth (NY). We spend summers in Saranac Lake. We full-time and so never in a big hurry. Safe travels.

Originally Posted by neparker

I’m driving from eastern NC to the Adirondacks and back later this month and I-81 thru PA and NY is an option. 2 years ago I drove the highway southbound and it was so rough in PA, I vowed never again. Can anyone give me an update?

Thanks,
— Anne