Driving to Aiken from CT - best way?

[sharri13]

In 2011, majority of my competitions and training were in Area 2. I only did the seacoast (95) once and it was a nightmare. Not really bad traffic, but the construction zones were endless.

I usually take I84 through MA and CT to 84 (towards Hartford, CT), then hook on to I 81 (to Harrisburg PA) right down south. To get to Aiken, I think you can hook up to I 77.

For Southern Pines, it is a difference of about 1.5 hours and 90 miles. But, NO tolls and rarely any traffic. Lots of 18 wheelers, very little rural traffic. So, traffic keeps moving consistently - not many accidents and it is an easy drive.

[oldenmare]

I used to live in West Hartford and drove down to Richmond on a regular basis.

The advice to get through the Tappan Zee is good - that can be a nightmare if you hit morning traffic (even on weekends).

As for DC, anytime is a bad time lately with all the construction - many of the roads are down to one lane overnight to allow for construction.

I-81 is not fun with a truck/trailer as it is a MAJOR trucking corridor - just saying. Been there, done that, too!

I used to take the GSP to I-95 down to Baltimore, then take 301 South into VA, then pick up 208 to I-95 again at Carmel Church exit. A bit of stop/go for lights until you hit VA but then pretty much clear sailing down to Carmel Church.

Personally, this is the route I would take if hauling - and I have hauled a trailer many a time from Balt-Rich. not too mention all the weekend Conn-VA that I used to do as well.

Ahhh, the days of Mary Wash… I remember some of them better than others!!!

[lovemyanimals3]

Looking at your post years later But, I was wondering what the B&B is that you like? I’m heading to FL next winter from NY and am looking for layover places. I’m breaking up the trip, too…into 3 (maybe even 4) days

[RiverBendPol]

There is a new lay-over thread on the “Off Course” page…

[RiverBendPol]

Hey, we are driving to CT from Aiken right now. We are at the junction of 77 and 81. It is almost dark, we just finished 50 miles in pea soup fog, everyone and their mothers are on this road. It is a nightmare. When the choice is mine, I will not do this route. Thank goodness hubby is driving and we are in his car…

[hldyrhrses]

Just a note on taking the Garden State. I’ve traveled down it in 6 horse trailers and 2 horse trailers for years going from NH to Aiken. Last year i was stopped by a state trooper and told to get off. Fortunately I looked sufficiently pathetic as he tried to give me directions to get to the George Washington and he let me continue without a ticket. It may be unenforced - but trailers are not allowed on any Parkway. May have been an eager beaver of a trooper, or they may be enforcing it more - so traveler beware! I plan on using the route that runs parallel to the Garden State this year (287). I would be very cautious of the western route (Penn/W. Va/Va) if there is a chance of bad weather b/c it’s very hilly and steep in places.

[Janet]

If you are heading south fron the Tappan Zee towards I- 95 I would STRONGLY recommend staying on the Thruway to exit 17 and then heading south on I-287.

I stopped using the GSP to get too-from the Tppan Zee the day they connected I-287 through to the Thruway.

1- NO tolls
2- Straighter road
3- Wider lanes
4- Further from NYC, so not quite as affected by NYC rush hour.

But DO check on the construction status on the Tappan Zee. They are building the new bridge next to it, and SOMETIMES it affects the current bridge. I haven’t had any problems, but it pays to check.

[tbchick84]

Avoid 81 in PA at all costs! It’s a bumpy pot hole filled road. Your horses will be exhausted riding out off the bumps. 95, while it sucks with traffic, will be the much better choice. I would go with the GWB over the Tappan Zee bridge these days since 287 in the area of the Tappan Zee is under major long term construction. 95 all the way.

[merrygoround]

Avoid 81 in any state. The truckers will drive you mad. If one truck is going .1 of a mile faster, he will pull out and pass, even if it takes him 10 miles or more to do it. I have usually driven it only when necessary, and then time it for early am , or late pm-when the events in Va finished :rolleyes: And the road is always “under construction”, which usually puts two trailer wheels on the shoulder.