Best route from SW Ohio to Outer Banks

[Four22]

Hope everyone's summer is going well!

Were planning a spring trip next year from Cincinnati Ohio to Cape Hatteras. Google maps gives a couple very different routes and was wondering what way gives the best drive into the area.

Below is the map of just plugging in the addresses.... Any incite is GREATLY appreciated as this is our first big trip (aka more than a 4-5 hour drive)

Thanks!!!!

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Cinc...26!3e0!4e1!5i2

And:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Hami...746826!3e0!4e1

[koller1509]

Not knowing what type of camper, size and engine type it is difficult to answer. The southern route is shorter but those roads are twisty and some parts are two lane. Taking interstate 79 to 68 to Hagerstown Maryland is longer but way better road. We are leaving for Camp Hatteras on Friday afternoon and I will be traveling I79 and I86.

[Four22]

Any other input on this?

As of right now we plan to leave Cincinnati and drive to Richmond VA in a day. looks like rt35 to 64 to 81 is what google maps is saying is best... its about 530 miles so will be a long day but makes the next a very short easy drive.

anyone have any more thoughts?

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by Four22

Any other input on this?
anyone have any more thoughts?

What's wrong with Rt. 9? Gets you to I-64 much faster and knocks miles off?
I live in Richmond and towed my TT back from Lakeview so I went around Columbus. I took US 35 off of I-64 and it was a good road to 64.
On another note, folks who live in Richmond and tow to the OBX don't use the route you have laid out. Here's the way I go to OBX.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/37.7...3922!3e0?hl=en
No traffic, lots of good scenery.

[OYO]

We did that trip last fall from the Dayton area. On the way down we did the 35, 64, 77, 81 thing.

On the way back we drove to the Winston-Salem area (US 64 out of the OBX toward Raliegh) and spent night at a county park (Tangelwood). Both days were pretty easy.

The issue for me with the 35, 64, 81 route is Norfolk, Chesapeake Bay tunnel etc. The drive across NC on US 64 was cool. Some 2 lane, but we saw parts of NC we had never experienced.

I guess where you are going in the OBX might come into play. We went all the down to Ocracoke.

Have fun

[valleyduo]

If you are daytime/weekday driving, I agree with awellis3 to avoid 64 through Norfolk. Lots of traffic and construction. We make the Outer Banks journey every year. 64 is our route of choice, but we also drive it in the overnight hours. Traffic isn't an issue then. If you still decide to go that way, the bay bridge tunnel isn't a big deal. There is a stop off before the tunnel to verify propane off, but that's it.

[cstreu1026]

We take 35 to WV then I-64 ti I-77/74 to Winston Salem where to head east across NC. This route seems to have far less traffic and you don't have to deal with all the traffic north of Nags Head as you make your way to Rodanthe since you come in through Manteo. We went home one year through Norfolk and I said never again.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Spri...745305!3e0!4e1

[OYO]

Originally Posted by cstreu1026

We take 35 to WV then I-64 ti I-77/74 to Winston Salem where to head east across NC. This route seems to have far less traffic and you don't have to deal with all the traffic north of Nags Head as you make your way to Rodanthe since you come in through Manteo. We went home one year through Norfolk and I said never again.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Spri...745305!3e0!4e1

Yup.

[Mloudin]

Originally Posted by valleyduo

If you are daytime/weekday driving, I agree with awellis3 to avoid 64 through Norfolk. Lots of traffic and construction. We make the Outer Banks journey every year. 64 is our route of choice, but we also drive it in the overnight hours. Traffic isn't an issue then. If you still decide to go that way, the bay bridge tunnel isn't a big deal. There is a stop off before the tunnel to verify propane off, but that's it.

I am traveling from Knoxville to the outer banks, stoping in High Point for the night, on 64 in Robinsonville are they a fuel stop that have diesel and room for a fifth wheel to get under. Any help tks

[jackhartjr]

These days I don't know of and fuel stop that has low clearances.
We drive it out of Hickory NC regularly.
I do suggest that when you get to Raleigh, take the airport exit, I-540 around the top of Raleigh and back around to 64. You'll thank me later!

[valleyduo]

There is a Pilot off I 64 Exit 211 between Richmond and Norfolk. There are also a few places along 158/168 that you can pull in and out of fairly easily. Not sure on their mile markers though.