Faster? Slower? I've tried to find out the mileage difference bettween the 2 routes, but no luck. Has anyone driven both of these routes? Is there a time/distance savings of one over the other? Any info would be appreciated.

 

I-95s to US-64w to I-40w 735m 12.5h
I-81 route 584m 10h

 

that answers that..thanks! I'll just have to be careful in VA.

 

You're welcome. You could even stop for a 2 hour nap in VA, and still beat the other route.

 

Katie, I believe Mielnicki (below) did not understand the alternate route you are considering. I get these results using my mapping software both starting from the Springfield VA mixing bowl:

route #1 - 95 to 85 (south of Richmond) to 40 to 74 to to 28 to Fontana
567 miles, 8 hours 41 minutes

route #2 - 95 to 66 to 81 to Knoxville etc to 129 over the dragon to Fontana
558 miles, 8 hours 43 minutes

You may remember that in 2003 we all took a totally different route that included 81 and another freeway into west central NC and then west. I won't calculate that one. However what is in question is minimizing time in VA. So route 1 is 188 miles in VA and route 2 is 375 miles in VA (note that both of these calculations do not include the distance from the Woodrow Wilson bridge to the mixing bowl)

So, if you really want to minimize time in VA take route 1 I'm only sorry that I won't be caravaning with you have fun and be safe

 

I figured it using Google and MS Streets and Trips,

Annapolis, MD (Katie's location)
down 95, however she would get to 95 from center of Annapolis
to 64 w into Raleigh, then 40 w to 74 to 28 to Fontana

735 miles

 

ok, now I'm seeing double..
Gonna do 81. again.

yeah Jonathan, you guys should do the Dragon again. Yeah, it's big..yeah, it's commercialized...but it's still fun as hell.

 

Except the quicker 95 route does not use 64. It uses 85 south of Richmond. Anyway, sounds like Katie is going to chance it with the VA police

 

Yep, but she asked 95 to 40, which is even longer than cutting across 64.

Hey however she gets there is fine, as long as she does.

 

here's the route I've taken in the past....50W to 495 to 66W to 81S to 40 to 129 to 28. Bo-ring (til I hit the Dragon), but that's why I take books on CD and lots of music..

 

We spent an extra $130 traveling through VA on last year's trip to the Dragon. And it wasn't for gas or food.

 

Did you spend the night in a hotel room?

 

My guess is "no".

 

Well, yes we did spend the night in a motel after talking to a very nice VA State police officer. I say that quite honestly. He was a gentleman and very polite after waving us to the side of the road with his flashlight.