New York State Travel Forum

as our trip to shenandoah is coming closer, i am getting nervous. i am confused which route / highway to take for the most part after we cross the Peace Bridge at Niagara Falls to enter virginia at the right place for visiting shenandoah national park.

1. Google advises I-190 S to I-90 W (for 152 kms) to I-79 S towards pittsburgh (for 159 kms), then I-76E (for 215 kms)to I-70 and then regional routes.

2. Mapquest suggests taking US 219 for the most part and then regional routes.

3. we could also take I 81 but that would be a long distance to cover.

is there any suggestion?

If you want interstate all the way take the Google map directions. If you want the more direct route take the Mapquest directions. They will both take about 8 hours so there isn't a time benefit. (the interstate is longer, but the direct route will be slower). The direct route may be more indicative of the countryside, and small town america, which might be interesting to you. The interstate would most likely be easier, you wouldn't have as much trouble following the road. Me? I'd probably take mapquests route. I like the things we find off the interstate.

how slow are the smaller routs that mapquest is giving. do they pass between the towns with traffic signals?

i don't know the difference between an interstate and a US route 219 for example.

Hi,

I would take I70/I79, which run together as the PA Turnpike, east to Breezewood Pa. Stay on I70 as it branches off at Breezewood Pa. I70 goes south to Hancock, Maryland. At Hancock, Maryland take 522 south to Winchester Virginia, stay on 522 thru Winchester and it will take you to Front Royal, which is there the north entrance to Shenanoah National park is located.
"Tower Hill" as you go into Maryland has an impressive overview of the valley below.

Or if you want to stay on a 4 lane interstate, at Hancock, stay on I70 and continue eat to Hagerstown, Maryland. Take I-81 south. I-81 will take you into the Shenanoah Valley. I-80 runs the entire length of the valley from north to south. To get to the Park entrance take I-66 east. I-66 will take you just north of Front Royal.

I always take the the 522 route, but I never worry about getting lost. Also, 522 and 340 run together when they leave Winchecter.

An interstate is a national 4 lane road. It has no stop lights/signs and the speed limit is usually 70/75.

US routes are like state roads. They are almost always 2 lanes, go thru smaller towns and have many stop lights and signs. The speed limits are usually 55 and sometimes 60.

I was going to say, your problem is there is no interstate that runs directly south from the Peace bridge.

This means if you want to stay on an interstate road, you have to drive west on I-90 then take I-79 south and then drive east again. If you go this way, I recommend taking I-79 to I-68 and taking I-68 east to Hancock, Maryland.

I believe taking US 219 south would be a great way to see small town America, but it may be slow. However, given the additional miles you would have to drive by staying on interstates, taking 219 south, may be the way to go. I guess it depends on what kind of drivers you guys are.

I would take US219.

Seagolily and Glenn:

i was always inclined to take smaller routes because i am not a good driver for heavier interstate and burden of driving on IS falls on my husband.

i will research US 219 a more now and come back with mre questions if you dont mind.

If you don't want to take the I90/I79 route then there are numerous ways you could arrive at Front Royal. I don't think there is any one way that would be "better". It would be more interesting imho and not as hectic to go through the small towns. Just get a good map and get good at following it.
As said, the Interstate is pure driving. You only have to get off for gas and breaks. It can go through some nice scenery- though I haven't followed this one all the way I don't know exactly what it would look like.
US roads as well as local roads will still be good roads, but you could stop anywhere, would have more opportunity to see other things. In its own way it can get just as tiresome having to slow down to go through towns.
It will be a long day anyway you look at it.
But I hope you are able to enjoy Shenandoah. It can be a beautiful place.

I have driven US 219 south from Buffalo to the New York State - Pennsylvania line. It is an expressway part of the way but then becomes a winding but wide and well paved two lane highway. There are a few towns along the way which prey on tourists with speed traps. Don't exceed speed limits in the villages you pass through.

thanks Lew. this was great info.

Seagoinglily: i see what you are saying. hence my increasing inclination to take 219 or whatever comes our way.