Anybody take I77/79 in December

[cottontail]

Hi: We are trying to figure out which route to drive to fl in mid dec. Looking at I75 or the I77/79.

Anyone who has driven in the winter I77/79 route have they had problems with snow, ice, fog in the mountains of west virginia. I was thinking that I would check the weather reports the day before for both routes and then decide. Any opinions.

Deb.

 

[runner26.2]

I try to avoid I77 & 79 during winter months, which I define from Christmas to until March break. During that time I have used I75. I prefer the flatter I75 route during bad weather and also avoid fog etc that can hamper the I77 route. That's not to say you can't wait to the last minute to decide, but I think the weather can be very unpredictable and prone to change hourly and you may not have much advance notice.

 

[hockey mom]

I would take 75 down in December. A little more srtaight forward with more frequent gas stations.

 

[kg66]

The first year we did 1-75 both ways, with our motorhome 24-26 hours. This year we did 1-77 and we had our van, but we liked the drive much better. I don't know where you live in Ontario, but we're in Essex, just 20 minutes south of the Ambassador Bridge. We went in Jan, and we didn't hit any snow/ice/fog all the way. Regardless of which way you take, weather is unpredictible, you will drive through whatever is there on the day of your trip, so don't worry about that! As far as a choice between the 2 routes, next time I go down(Dec/06) it will be 1-77. The hills in Ohio are very rolling, very scenic. Alot like the hills in Tennessee. They are not as steep, depending on what you drive/or tow, you don't have to worry about stopping to continue up to avoid over heating . There's one hill in Tennessee called Jellico Mountain that's a 10 minute climb, very steep. Unlike 1-75, 1-77 is not like this at all, and a very relaxing drive. The biggest city you go through is Charlotte North Carolina. Timing on this route is not crucial like it is on 1-75 to get throught Cincinati, and Atlanta. These 2 cities at the wrong time can cost you hours if not timed right. Good luck!

 

[kg66]

If you do decide to take 1-75, make sure to pick up "along 1-75" by Dave...can't remember his last name. It's a must if you go that way. It marks your route page by page, listing all the exits with what's available at each exit. We picked ours up at Chapters.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

We drove I-77, I-79 one December driving up to Canada. It wasn't pleasant drive as we had freezing rain, ice, and some snow all through the mountains.
The biggest problem when driving that way if you encounter weather is that there aren't as many stop places along the way than on I-75. We decided we had enough and it was getting really dangerous for us to continue but nowhere to stop for about 45minutes after this decision.

I love the I-77/I-79 route BUT not if the conditions aren't ideal. We used to drive back and forth from Atlanta about 4 times per year and only took I-75 during winter months. 77/79 is faster and a much more pleasant drive.

We are going next week and are going to attempt 77/79 but of course the forecast is snow/rain. If that is the case we won't hesitate to go I-75.

 

[Junebugwv]

I live near an exit off of I-77 in the mountains of southern WV and the turnpike is kept salted/sanded whenever ice or snow is expected. Dec. usually is not our bad weather month, but there is no guarantee, of course.

 

[Canadave]

The 'Along I-75' book is by Dave Hunter....a MUST have...and when going through Atlanta, follow the diamond lanes and you should have no problem with time, even during rush hour traffic. The Atlanta diamond lane details are in Dave's book.

 

[lisaviolet]

I live near an exit off of I-77 in the mountains of southern WV and the turnpike is kept salted/sanded whenever ice or snow is expected. Dec. usually is not our bad weather month, but there is no guarantee, of course.

Sometimes I sit and daydream about the I-79/I-77. It is just so beautiful. I love West Virginia....love it.