Good motorcycle route from NYC to Baltimore?

November 26, 2006 4:46 PM

Taking my last motorcycle trip of the season. Anyone have suggestions for a more pleasant riding route from NYC to Baltimore than I-95? I don't mind an extra hour or two; the more rural the better.
posted by dickyvibe to Travel & Transportation around New York, NY (8 answers total)

I go on the NYC to Baltimore route pretty often and the only thing I can think of really is Route 295 in South Jersey. This is only about 70-80 miles or so parallel to the turnpike but it might be more pleasant in that it'll probably be less crowded. It's all the same scenery in South jersey anyway...trees and more trees.

In Delaware/Maryland it looks like you can take Route 40, as it parallels 95 and seems to cut straight through Baltimore. I have no idea what the driving is like on Route 40, but it's apparently an historic roadway.

Note also, it looks like it Route 40 has traffic lights.
posted by jourman2 at 5:17 PM on November 26, 2006

No particular routes to offer, but almost anything cutting up through SE PA (York, Lancaster, Ephrata) and coming into NYC via NJ will be more scenic and enjoyable than I-95. Plus there's better food and with this weather you know you'll have an excuse to stop!

Or jog down to Annapolis, across the eastern shore, by ferry from Delaware to NJ and up along the Jersey shore. I'm not familiar with that area, but I ride and and would take that unknown over I-95.
posted by cocoagirl at 5:23 PM on November 26, 2006

Second cocoagirl, take the Cape May ferry.
posted by Pollomacho at 5:33 PM on November 26, 2006

Cape May Ferry is nice. US-9 up from there is nice, if a bit stop-and-go, with plenty of opportunities to dodge over and back from the several barrier islands on the Jersey Shore.

Last time I was on I-295 (a couple of years ago) it was a bit rough; it might be unpleasant on a bike.

If time is really no problem, pick up 611 in Delaware Water Gap or Easton, PA and follow 611/32 along the Delaware River to Trenton or thereabouts. Getting across Jersey and from Trenton/Philly to Baltimore are left as an exercise for the reader, but options for each abound.
posted by Opposite George at 6:03 PM on November 26, 2006

Or, duh, switch to cocoagirl's SE PA routing when 32 gets too citified.
posted by Opposite George at 6:04 PM on November 26, 2006

Going through PA is awfully pretty, hitting towns like Harrisburg and Lancaster. But, I'm going to third the Cape May option.

Lewes, the little town you end up in in DE after the ferry, is a lovely little town, and pretty close to Rehobeth and Henlopen St. Park. Then, along this route you'll pass through Georgetown and all these beautiful little towns with white picket fences and candles in the windows, the whole works.

Then over the bay bridge, into Annapolis (you can go to Chick & Ruth's Deli and check out the boats in the harbor!) and up into Charm City.

Sounds fun, and the weather's pretty warm. Good luck.
posted by jtajta at 6:05 PM on November 26, 2006

Go ask over at http://www.farkledup.com ... that's where Sport-Touring.net's population has moved to.
posted by SpecialK at 9:40 PM on November 26, 2006

There's always Route 1. Not a lot of open road, but much more to see than the dreaded I-95.
posted by crabintheocean at 7:13 AM on November 27, 2006