Route Advice: D.C. --> Philadelphia

[Smash]

I will be in DC in a few weeks visiting my sister, I plan on hopping up to Philadelphia the day before I leave to spend a night up there with a good friend (would be departing for Denver from Philadelphia).

Any route suggestions from D.C. to Philly? Scenic is ideal, but I don't want to be on the road for 6 hours either.

Will most likely be doing this part of the ride on a Monday.

[BamaRider]

I do that ride often, north to south. Unless you're willing to go waaaaay out of the way there are no scenic rides between the 2 cities. I dunno if you've ever in this part of the country, but it is crowded, choked in urban sprawl, and you can never really escape it, till you get to WVA, Va, or somewhere in West Pa.

About the only thing ya can do for Philly to DC is ride west outta the city, to somewhere around Harrisburg, and then come into DC from the south.

[Smash]

Went to school in Philadelphia, but that was before I had a motorcycle so I didn't really explore any of the roads. If there's nothing to see, will just go the fastest. Was thinking maybe a bridge or two would be neat?

[BamaRider]

Well if you went to school in Philly you know about the historical stuff, but outside of that? Not much for riding. I just get on 95 and and get out best way I can.

I do suggest taking 295 from Balt to DC, this route is void of commercial traffic, (no trucks) and less hectic then 95.

From DC you can reach the Shenadoah and Skyline Drive easily for a day ride.

[Smash]

Yep, did all the historical stuff while I was in school, just going back up to visit a friend.

thank you! Will stick to 295 and 95 unless others chime in.

[schlep1967]

If you want to do a really big bridge look at Rt 50 out of DC then 301 north. Be prepared for tolls though. I tried working up a scenic route to the west then across MD (Prettyboy Reservoir) into Southern PA but it was running close to 6 hours. You could cut that down if you want to split between 2 lane and Highway.

[Blrfl]

(Looks like Schleppy and I had the same idea at the same time...)

Are you going to be in DC proper or the suburbs?

Pretty much anything west of town is going to be going the long way. 295 isn't really all that long, and you still have to deal with getting from Baltimore to Philly, which is less fun on 95 than the stretch between DC and Baltimore.

For something a little different, cross the Bay on US 50 and follow 301 into Newark. That'll cut out a bunch of your 95 time. From there you can hit 95 for 20 miles into Philly or make your way to US 1 or US 30 and attack from the west.

--Mark

[Smash]

DC proper, my sister lives just a few minutes north.

Anything 5 hours or less would be great.

I'll have to get the maps out!

[Smash]

Ooooo. Prettyboy Reservoir looks, well, rather pretty! What is the best way to add that to the route? I don't mind splitting 2 laner and highway to keep it under 5 hours.

Something like this? Says 4.5 hours....

[schlep1967]

I think I would turn off of 29 onto 32 Patuxent Fwy. Take 32 to 91. 91 to 30 north into Hempstead. Then right onto Upper Beckleysville Rd from there on follow your route. That looks like it will get you out of the city faster.