DE to WV travel directions help needed

[tlhdoc]

We will be traveling from central DE to Canaan Valley Resort SP, WV, near Bath, WV.  Does anyone know the "best" route to travel there towing a trailer?  We will be coming over 50 and from there I am not sure.  My  mapping program has us going  US highway 50 to I-97, to 100 (near the BWI airport), to I-70, to I-68 near Hancock, to 220 near Cumberland, to 972 back to 50, to 42, to 90, to 32 to Canaan Valley SP.  So what should we avoid or what should we stop to see on the way?  Is there a better way with the trailer?  The route I listed above is about 300 miles but it goes north and then south.

[wynot]

We will be traveling from central DE to Canaan Valley Resort SP, WV, near Bath, WV. Does anyone know the "best" route to travel there towing a trailer? We will be coming over 50 and from there I am not sure. My mapping program has us going US highway 50 to I-97, to 100 (near the BWI airport), to I-70, to I-68 near Hancock, to 220 near Cumberland, to 972 back to 50, to 42, to 90, to 32 to Canaan Valley SP. So what should we avoid or what should we stop to see on the way? Is there a better way with the trailer? The route I listed above is about 300 miles but it goes north and then south.

Tracy,
I can only comment on some of the routes, although I have probably been on most of them if not all.  General note, most of us locals use VA and MD to get into WV, because the WV roads deal with a lot of tough terrain.  Remember, Paula is a West Virginian.
 
US 50 in WV has very steep grades, and some fairly hard curves on those grades (down and up).  50 in MD, especially down where you are coming over the Bay is very congested and heavy traffic.  Most of these people live in the DC area, and they don't care whether they cut you off or not.  I-97 is pretty decent road, and beats the heck out of MD 2 and MD 3 that we used to have to use.  MD 100 is a great road.  I think you forgot the section that you will be on US 29, which isn't too bad.  70 Westbound is alright until you get near Frederick which is just plain messed up.  WATCH YOUR I-70 signs to Hagerstown, you will be losing lanes and having to move (I think), to the far left two lanes there in Frederick
 
I-70 has two mountains between Frederick and Hagerstown.  Trucks will be your problem on the 2d one (South Mountain), keep to the left or middle if you can.  Trucks will and do violate lane control all the time, so don't be suprised if you find a 20 mph truck pulling into the far left lane when you're doing 70.  I deal with it every day of the workweek.
 
Wave at us as you pass MD 632 southwest of Hagerstown.  OK, 70 to Hancock not too bad.  Hancock's transition from I-70 into PA and I-68 west in Maryland is a little fun at times, just keep your eyes on who and what is around you.  The grade up Sideling Mtn is a steep one, and a few more interesting things into Cumberland.  Be careful in Cumberland, as I-68 snakes back and forth, and 55 means 55 and sometimes, that might be a bit fast.  US 220 is good road, but heavy truck traffic sometimes heading to Keyser, WV.  Get down to US 50 in WV and I'm forgetting the details after Storm King
mountain.  Sorry, refer to my earlier comments about US 50 in WV.
 
Park N Dine in Hancock has great food at a great price and places to park the rig.  Exit at Hancock, MD 144.  Getting to 68 from there is a bit of fun, because you are climbing through and out of Hancock, but we've done it a lot, and it is well marked.  C&O Canal is all along Hancock, and is kept up there.  Both Frederick and Cumberland are pretty cities, but parking would be absolutely impossible in Frederick with a camper.  Cumberland will remind you of a lot of Western and NE PA as far as roads and parking.  We have the Prime Outlets off of our exit in Hagerstown.  You also have Antietam Battlefield 10 miles south of Hagerstown.
 
When you doing all of this?  We'd catch up with you in Hagerstown if you like.
 
K.

[tlhdoc]

Thanks Kershner.  We leave Saturday for the beginning of our 2 week camping trip.  The first 5 nights are in Delaware at Killian's Pond SP, then on the 27th Hersheygirl and I will migrate from DE to Canaan Valley SP in WV.  Any suggestions on the perfect time to come across the bay bridge?  Or any times to avoid?

[wynot]

Thanks Kershner. We leave Saturday for the beginning of our 2 week camping trip. The first 5 nights are in Delaware at Killian's Pond SP, then on the 27th Hersheygirl and I will migrate from DE to Canaan Valley SP in WV. Any suggestions on the perfect time to come across the bay bridge? Or any times to avoid?

Avoid the Bay Bridge at anytime that could be considered a weekend.  Coming out of DE, especially where Killian's is located, you may just want to take 95 down rather than deal with the bridge, but it is probably 6 of one and a half dozen of the other.  Coming westbound over the bridge, midday is probably best, meaning after 10, during the week.
 
So, will we see you at Prime Outlets in Hag.?

[tlhdoc]

Coming out of DE, especially where Killian's is located, you may just want to take 95 down rather than deal with the bridge,
 
So, will we see you at Prime Outlets in Hag.?

It is over 60 miles north to get back to 95.  Do you think it would be worth it?  If we did would you take the beltway around Baltimore to the north or west?
 
I don't plan on stopping at any outlet malls on the way through.  Will you be home on Thursday or at work?