Nice backroads across Pennsylvania?

[nealcassady]

I'd like to ask for some routing advice across Pennsylvania. I'm making fairly frequent runs from SW Va to NY these days. I-81 to I-78 to I-287 is the fast route, but I'm looking for a way to get across the state without having to slab all the way. I can ride US 220 or 219 up through WV to the general area of State College, and I take for granted that slab is the best way to go once I get to NJ, but PA ought to have some nice back roads that I can both enjoy and make decent time on. So wondering if anyone can recommend a combination of nice roads that parallel I-78?

I had the good fortune to ride 144 from near Phillipsburg up to route 6 one time and it was fantastic. I'd be happy to find some backroads even half that good going west to east across the state. I rode 6 eastward but found it to be less entertaining than advertised, congested, and I nearly roasted going through all the towns in July. Smaller roads are good if I can cruise at 50-60mph and not have too many towns. I don't mind small-small towns either, just the larger ones that kill lots of time.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[markcap]

Rt 895 from east of harrisburg to rt 248 to rt 33 to rt 80 to gap.

[Jeff B]

Where in NY is the destination. I ask because we need to know how far west we can route you.

[nealcassady]

Originally Posted by Jeff B

Where in NY is the destination. I ask because we need to know how far west we can route you.

Thanks-
The destination is a little community called Valley Cottage, NY on the western side of the Hudson River a few miles north of the Tappan Zee Bridge. I-287 / I-87 runs straight in from the east but I'm open to running farther north and making the final run on I-80 or I-84 if it means a better route overall. So the key piece I'm looking for would begin somewhere in the vicinity of State College (or north of) and run as far east as Allentown (or north of), at which point I'd jump onto one of the east/west interstates for the final approach through Jersey.

I really appreciate your advice on this.

[nealcassady]

Originally Posted by markcap

Rt 895 from east of harrisburg to rt 248 to rt 33 to rt 80 to gap.

On google maps it looks like 895 begins at Pine Grove, northeast of Harrisburg. Does it start farther west and I'm just not seeing it?

[ET-VT]

If you head up north to 87, take that east until Forkton (I think), where you'll want to get on Sugar Hollow Rd into Tunkhannock. That will dump you out on 29. Then Take 6, using 107 as a shortcut at one point, to 590 and then 97.

That's not necessarily the best route, but it's decent. There are tons of great options in Pennsylvania.

[Jeff B]

There are plenty of folks that know that part of the state better than me. It's the 7 Mountains region that you should targeting to go through.

[glass3222]

Rt 45 it a nice road, not real twisty but pretty good pavement and it take you most of the way from state college almost to bloomsburg.

[eddie bolted]

Originally Posted by et-vt

if you head up north to 87, take that east until forkton (i think), where you'll want to get on sugar hollow rd into tunkhannock. That will dump you out on 29. Then take 6, using 107 as a shortcut at one point, to 590 and then 97.

That's not necessarily the best route, but it's decent. There are tons of great options in pennsylvania.

forkston

[nealcassady]

Thanks a bunch for the recommendations. Leaving in the morning at 0'dark-thirty.

I'm determined to find an acceptable compromise. I spent some time on google maps trying save a few miles with no other considerations. I don't think it can be done. I-81 and I-78 is the shortest possible route and allows the best rate. So I guess I'll be starting earlier and riding longer. I think 144 is a must do again. Cheers

[Janet from Joisey]

We love the northern backroads in PA to cross the state:

South of Hyner Run State Park take 44 to 414 east.

414 to Monroe, pick up 220 south to New Albany.

Pick up 2010 to take you across the Susquehanna River to Wyalusing.

In Wyalusing take 6 north for short to pick up 706 to Rush.

In Rush take 3023 to Dimock and pick up 2024.

Take 2024 straight over 11 in Kingsley and pick up 106.

106 will take you under 81. Follow it to route 374.

Eventually run into 371 which will take you to the Delaware River.

Or, before the river, take 1004 to Milanville and then 1017, River Road, to cross the river at Narrowsburg.

Take 97 south to Port Jervis, then 84 east and 17 south to 6 and 87, thruway to 287 to TappenZee.

[nealcassady]

Thank you Janey from Joisey... this is just what I was hoping for. Really appreciated!

[Janet from Joisey]

No disappointments!

We rode most of this route both ways this past Sat and Sun, jumping into NY at Owego river crossing to get to Watkins Glen.

We were dizzy with the up, downs, and all arounds along the multiple hills at beautiful speeds.

Enough gas stops along the way, and decent cafe "Rileyville" on 371 in Honesdale. It is also a good place to top off the bikes before heading over the Delaware.

Hope you enjoy it, too!

[Ferdinand]

The backroads of these backroads is where the real fun begins.

[lethe]

Originally Posted by Janet from Joisey

We love the northern backroads in PA to cross the state:

South of Hyner Run State Park take 44 to 414 east.

414 to Monroe, pick up 220 south to New Albany.

Pick up 2010 to take you across the Susquehanna River to Wyalusing.

In Wyalusing take 6 north for short to pick up 706 to Rush.

In Rush take 3023 to Dimock and pick up 2024.

Take 2024 straight over 11 in Kingsley and pick up 106.

106 will take you under 81. Follow it to route 374.

Eventually run into 371 which will take you to the Delaware River.

Or, before the river, take 1004 to Milanville and then 1017, River Road, to cross the river at Narrowsburg.

Take 97 south to Port Jervis, then 84 east and 17 south to 6 and 87, thruway to 287 to TappenZee.

do this but after Port Jervis, jump off 84 shortly after at Mountain Road
then 6 to 1 (at this point refer to a map first as I don't recall this all being very well marked but it really isn't a hard route to follow in reality)
take this to Pine Island and then near Edenville it turns to 1A, left onto 94 and shortly after a right onto 17A.
17A is a nice windy road that goes over the mountain and comes out on 17 near 87. I recommend continuing straight on 106 to either the Palisades and then down a few exits or continue past a few miles and tale 9W south down towards Valley Cottage