We are planning our next big trip this fall to Maine to visit our oldest daughter and see the great color. My question to all you travelers, especially up the east coast from South Carolina, Is there areas for me to advoid, are there roads to stay off, are there tunnels or bridges that won't allow big rigs or any propane tanks to travel thru or over. Thanks in advance for your help. Also if anybody knows of some good RV parks/campgrounds along the way I would appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks and I wish I was in Forest City with you guys this week. We were there in April to get warranty work done and thought 2 trips to Iowa in same year was too much. Have a great time.

You can not take propane through the Baltimore tunnels. You can go around the beltway, south side is the Key bridge whick is ok if not windy, otherwise take the north side.

The tolls for the bridges that cross the Hudson River near New York City are expensive ... I didn't look before I crossed ... it darn near cleaned out my wallet ...

Check the local regulations. IIRC, rigs over 96" wide are prohibited on non-federal highways in most of New England.

I know that when we were up there, I wouldn't have considered taking the Vectra on most of the state roads. That also precludes getting to many of the towns without an alternative vehicle.

Depending on exactly where you are coming from, interstates 84,90, 495, and 95 are by far the best way to Maine. You didn't say where your daughter was, but if possible, follow US route 1 along the coast - you won't regret it!

We went a couple of years ago all the way from Ca. Our favorite place was Maine. Make sure you go to Bar Harbor. There's a KOA at the entrance right on the water. How long are you staying?

This site helped me lot.
New England Foliage

Hope it helps you too.
Tom

Tom,

From Aiken your best route would probably be I-77, 81, 84, 90, 495 and finally, 95.

Only tolls are on I-84 across the Hudson at Newburgh and on the Mass. Turnpike (I-90) for the short stretch from 84 to 495.

This route avoids Richmond, D.C., Baltimore, Philly and NYC.

Would recommend travelling thru Massachusetts I-495 on a weekday - any day other than Fri. to Sun.

You'll have lots of fellow travellers looking at the colors. Just take it easy and enjoy.

quote:

best route would probably be I-77, 81, 84, 90, 495 and finally, 95

I absolutely agree with Frank's route. Accorting to my map program, it is about 50 mi longer that way than up I-95, but well worth the additional miles in reduced stress, etc.

If your heart is set on going up I-95 most of the way, I would take exit 104 North of Richmond to US301 to bypass both DC and Baltimore. But you would still have have to deal with I-95 or Jersey Turnpike & then NYC, which wouldn't be fun any way you went at it!!

We lived in NH for 18 years and the fall color is beautiful.
Be aware though that finding a campground open after October 15th can be iffy.
Most are open from about the 1st of May until the 1st or 15th of October.

I agree with AFCHAP, exit I-95 at 104 and go up 301. If you like you can then take I-97 from 301 which will take you to the Baltimore Beltway and then to The Key Bridge and back to I-95 above Baltimore.
I think 3 tolls via 95 and Key Bridge, only 1 via 301, if memory is correct

Gas up in Virginia, MD and Delaware are high.