3hr drive up 495/93 July 3rd - when should we leave?

[imgoingtodisney]

Was thinking of 7am but not sure if I would run into rush hour traffic? Is there a spot along the way to avoid? When would you leave Worc area heading to the White Mtns on July 3rd?
How about on the way back home on the 6th? Checkout, spend a few hrs at an attraction and hit the road at 4pm?

 

[ebaynut31]

7am sounds ok. I get on exit 2 in NH when going up 93 to my place in the White Mountains.

I don't know what traffic you would hit in the Worcester area though.

Where are you going?

Spend a few hours at Clarks trading post, or the Polar caves. If you go to the Polar caves and you like pickels, make sure you get one at the sugar house or whatever its called. ooooh good!

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Thanks - I wasnt sure if 7am was doable or if I should wait till 9am. Im usually up anyways so just may get the head start.

DS & I are staying at Indian Head 3nights
While there we are planning on the Loon Mtn tramway, Lost River & Flume Gorge.
Im thinking the tram may be best for Sun right before our 3hr drive back instead of doing lots of hiking that day.

 

[Boo'sMom]

Leave today!

 

[Disney Doll]

Probably the earlier the better...get on the road before the rush hour people get on, and get the busy part behind you.

 

[NHAnn]

I think you might run into rush hour in southern NH (if not in Worcester area) leaving at 7 am on Thursday the 3rd. I live in Concord NH and have elderly parents in Framingham MA... so I do the 93/3/128/MassPike or 93/3/495 route dozens of times per year. If it was me I'd wait til 9...but hey, if you're up, ready and raring to go, go for it. Be aware you'll hit traffic in southern NH around 8 --though it may not be too bad going north on what is a work day for most
Coming home Sunday the 6th......you're doomed no matter what time LOL especially the stretch through Concord where it's only 2 lanes, then the Hooksett and Bedford tolls......if the weather is so-so or bad, 93 south will be busy from noon on. If the weather is nice it gets nuts later.

 

[Tony-NJ]

I'd leave July 2!

 

[mtemm]

I would leave either at 6 or at 9, personally, just to avoid traffic. coming home I would probably leave first thing in the morning or later in the evening. The traffic gets horrible later in the day. I'll never forget one year my huband and I left first thing, sat in just a bit of traffic, and got home thankfully without too much trouble. Turned on the news and they were showing the back-ups later that day. UGH!