I-81 from Scranton South

[rubytue]

If you are use to interstates in the NE, and 95 in particular, you will notice that 81 is missing lanes. At least in Virginia, its only two lanes for most of the trip. And its a heavily traveled truck route. It gets annoying going through the mountains with the trucks and when you get two people going slow in both lanes. After living in DC for a couple years, I drove down to TN on 81, and kept missing the third lane. But that said, is a beautiful drive! I love 81

[okaydorothy]

We took 81 north from North Carolina to Scranton last year. it took about 11 hours ; but we did stop for about 2 at a really weird but interesting old resturant in pa.

The view was wonderful, traffic wasnt too bad.

dorothy

[Crew Chief]

One of my favorite stops on I-81 in VA is White's Truck Stop in Raphine (Exit 205, on the East side of I-81) Really good food, great service and they have a really cool display of vintage motorcycles and weapons. There are plenty of facilities for cra drivers, too. A newly-renovated C-store with a Burger King up front if you don't want a sit-down restaurant.

[pcity]

Originally Posted by Cruikshl

I have never traveled this Interstate. I am going from CT to North Carolina and want to avoid New York City traffic. How is I-81 south?

The only thing you have to be careful of is all the trucks. If you're on 81 at night, it's nothing but trucks, and some of them are incredibly slow.

[Crew Chief]

Originally Posted by pcity

The only thing you have to be careful of is all the trucks. If you're on 81 at night, it's nothing but trucks, and some of them are incredibly slow.

Depends on whether the truck is going uphill or downhill! With 46,000 pounds loaded into the trailer, that makes for speeds of around 35 mph going uphill and 75-80 mph coming down (if you don't use the brakes). I-81's hilly terrain and lack of a third lane in much of the mileage makes for a challenging drive...

[catchick30]

I have traveled 81 from Va to Pa going to NY, When it was just my oldest son and I, Night time was the best. There is something about driving with the truckers at nite that tends to put me more at ease. They are actually quite curtious, when ever I've run with them and when they've block the rd....... More then once they've slowed me down.... thankfully i might add.... for 2 reasons.... speeding and a cop waiting up ahead.
When you pull into a rest area and its lined with trucks, I find it safer to take a catnap (although my gaurd is never let down cause it only takes 1 sicko)
Its a beautiful ride in the day, but I perfer nite traveling. 80's all the way to Ny....81 - 84 - 87.

[ipikf52]

I plan on going to Thomas Point beach in Maine but want to avoid NYC. I-81 seems the alternative. Does anyone know how far out of the way I would have to go?

[flyonpa]

Go to google or mapquest maps, map one way thru NYC, Then drag the route over to I81 and see the difference.

[jdhall1]

I've done the section from Scranton to Harrisburg a bunch of times,going back and forth to college. Not bad, just winding in places and a good amount of tractor trailers. The road for the most part is 2 lanes in each direction. Most exits have some food or gas.