[Savvyvoter]

I will be leaving Florida sometime next week for a 3 or 4 day ride to northwest Pennsylvania. No interstates, camping weather permitting, or motels. No cooking, road food. Augusta Ga., Asheville NC. to West Virginia, and Penn. east of Pittsburgh. Suggestions for route, food, campgrounds etc. appreciated.

 

[Stromin'Nroman]

I will be leaving Florida sometime next week for a 3 or 4 day ride to northwest Pennsylvania. No interstates, camping weather permitting, or motels. No cooking, road food. Augusta Ga., Asheville NC. to West Virginia, and Penn. east of Pittsburgh. Suggestions for route, food, campgrounds etc. appreciated.

Last November my wife and I travelled from Asheville to Orlando off the Interstates. We took US1 through Waycross, Alma, lyons and picking up 221 in Louisville, GA.

We passed just west of Augusta (on purpose) to Greenwood, SC where we caught US25 through Greenville, SC. The ride through Georgia was unremarkeable and you can make pretty good time, almost as quick as I-95 to I-26. Watch your speed when approaching towns along this route, especially Alma, GA.

I'd suggest, just for the wiggly roads and chance to stop at the Ceasar's Head overlook, picking up US276 in Traveller's Rest, SC and going up through Brevard, NC to the Blue Ridge Parkway into Asheville. Also, Downtown Greenville, SC is a nice place to stop for lunch with lots of great outdoor cafes and Reedy River Park to cool off.


In Asheville, there are a lot of great restaurants and breweries and lots to do, I'd try to get there no later than dinnertime. You can also stop to eat at the Pisgah in on the Parkway between US276 and Asheville.

North of Asheville, there aren't too many routes that won't eat up a lot of time, on some of these mountain roads you're lucky to make 35 MPH, in the summer speeds are often restricted by RV's and Buicks from Florida.

There are other folks here who could give some great advice on routes through West Virginia, I'd just suggest staying off US23 north of Pikeville, WV.

Also, I noticed on some of the backroads of WV gas can be few and far between and if you need luxury gas, you may want to keep some octane booster in your bags.

Sounds like a great trip, try to make your best time in the flatlands, weather, traffic and scenery can be unpredictable in the Mountains during the Summer.

Cheers,

Norm

 

[larry0071]

As you go north, head towards Savannah Georgia and then from there head up to Deals Gap and hit the Tail Of The Dragon. After that you can procede up a bit and hit on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I ran over to I-77 from there and then super slabbed it home to North of Pittsburgh on I-79, you will have to find another interesting non interstate way.

 

[ShadowNWPA]

Is that 4 days round trip? If you're looking to go through Pittsburgh I'd make an exception to the no interstates thing, as it's an incredibly easy place to get lost... ending up somewhere you most likely don't want to be.

If you're skirting to the east of Pittsburgh there's a awesome old place in Bedford, PA... Jean Bonnet Tavern/B&B - excellent food and various PA brews on tap. From there you're just about into the hills headed north on two lanes.

If you decide to venture up to Meadville/Erie PA let me know... I can show ya where ducks (supposedly) walk on fish... or just point you in the direction of the best chicken wings or 1lb monster burgers

 

[Savvyvoter]

Thanks for the info so far. Four days up, staying four of five days with family, and four days back. I have no hard and fast plan so if I take longer so be it.

 

[Stromin'Nroman]

Thanks for the info so far. Four days up, staying four of five days with family, and four days back. I have no hard and fast plan so if I take longer so be it.

Send me a PM I'd be happy to chat with you about the area.