Great driving roads and destinations, southern PA and beyond..

[kspilly]

So, some friends and I took the day last Saturday and went for what turned into a 10 hour road trip out Rt. 30 West, leaving from Chambersburg. We basically took off with a few points of interest to stop at and snap some pics, but mostly to enjoy driving our cars. We filled up the tanks, and grabbed some 2-ways to keep communication going, and hit the road. Hitting up state parks, and wherever else looked like a nice place to stop and snap some pictures and hang out. Needless to say, we all had a blast!

Now, I'm hoping that some of you can chime in and help us decide/plan out our next route. Basically, if you know of a great route or long road that is scenic and fun to drive, please post it up. Also, if you have been to some great locations around for picture taking, please share those as well! Two of the guys that went with us had their nice cameras, and took some really great pictures. I know one of them is on here and should post up some really good examples..

Again, if you know of some decent roads/destinations/locations in the lower/middle PA areas, or MD, please post them up! Try to give some decent directions of how to get there, and what makes it really nice if you don't mind.

We are also open to adding new people to the drives, so chime in or PM if interested.
Had my mk4 jetta, a mk4 golf, a mk6 GTI, an '11 WRX, and '11 STI on this past run..


Some of my cheap camera pics to give a rough idea.. (yes, i forgot to reset the date )

[dampine]

I would love to see some interest in this thread, here are a few bump pics. I'm not a pro photographer, shooting cars is a worthwhile way to blend two of my passions and I just practice whenever I can.


pineGTI(1920X1280)4 by dampine, on Flickr


SpillyPineRuhl(1920X1280) by dampine, on Flickr


pineGTI(1920X1280)1 by dampine, on Flickr

[dampine]

Spilly(1920X1280)1 by dampine, on Flickr


pineGTI(Edit)(1920X1280)3 by dampine, on Flickr


pineGTI(1920X1280)(Edit)2 by dampine, on Flickr


chris'STI(1920X1280)1 by dampine, on Flickr


pineGTI(1920X1280)9 by dampine, on Flickr


chris'STI(1920X1280)2 by dampine, on Flickr


pineGTI(Edit)(1920X1280)5 by dampine, on Flickr

[Ihaitchu]

Count me in, sounds like fun.

[dampine]

Count me in, sounds like fun.

Yes it was, we are still coming up with the route. It might take a week or so because we have to find a few stops ahead of time. If you or anyone else knows of an amazing driving road or really good scenic route post it up, that's what this thread is for.

Our group is going to do this once a month, we will post up our route and points of interest. if anyone wants to join our train just shout and we will talk.

The inspiration for this thread came from the forums at Clubwrx, we cant let the scoobie guys have people believing they like to drive their cars more than we drive ours.

So to wrap that up, if you found a great road for back road blasts or for nature runs tell us about them. There are some hidden treasures in PA, Also if you don't have a fellow dubber to ride with ask and ye shall receive.

[Ihaitchu]

It's not in PA but I would love to get some pics in Harpers Ferry WV. it's about an hour and 30 min cruise. We could go 81,70, to 66 and go through Antietam and shepherds town. I grew up down there so I know all the roads. HF has cobble stone streets and a lot of history.

[kspilly]

We could go 81,70, to 66 and go through Antietam and shepherds town.

We try to avoid the major routes like 81, 15 and the such.. but to get someone who knows the area down there might be interesting. If you have a chance, look up a route down there that might pass through some other decent areas along the way. The first trip was roughly 10 hours roundtrip, (not including the stop at good ta go for a brew..) Not trying to get to one point quickly, but enjoy the drive to that point, and find some others along the way.

If we can make a day of it, then WV sounds like a good time.

[eruhl06]

You know us scoobie guys like our cars more. Anyway I'm ready for the next trip.

[Ihaitchu]

You know us scoobie guys like our cars more. Anyway I'm ready for the next trip.

Hey. My new wheels came off a Subaru, does that count for anything?

[kspilly]

Hey. My new wheels came off a Subaru, does that count for anything?

I was eying some up myself..

Been looking into some routes for a harpers ferry run, looks like there is a lot on the way down there to check out. We'll see what we can put together. I take it there is a lot of picture worthy water area down there to, so that is a plus in my book!

[eruhl06]

Hey. My new wheels came off a Subaru, does that count for anything?

Yea, that counts. I'm looking for new wheels my self.

[eruhl06]

I was eying some up myself..

Been looking into some routes for a harpers ferry run, looks like there is a lot on the way down there to check out. We'll see what we can put together. I take it there is a lot of picture worthy water area down there to, so that is a plus in my book!

I have been down there before, it has a lot of scenic spots

[Ihaitchu]

Yea, that counts. I'm looking for new wheels my self.

Give me time. I'm sure I'll get tired of these eventually.

[chad413]

The area with the windmills looks familiar... was that in somerset county?

I'll have to keep an eye on this thread, i'm always up for a scenic drive

[DeepSeaDynamo]

Head from chambersburg down to waynesborro keep going south through smithsburg and pick up 66 there if you're trying to avoid interstates. Sorry I don't know any of the PA road numbers, I'm actually from smithsburg, but I'm not up there right now, I'd love to go with you guys.

[kspilly]

The area with the windmills looks familiar... was that in somerset county?

I'll have to keep an eye on this thread, i'm always up for a scenic drive

Yup, we couldn't pass up trying to get some windmill shots! And do keep an eye out on this thread. We are slowly gaining more interest in some trips..

Head from chambersburg down to waynesborro keep going south through smithsburg and pick up 66 there if you're trying to avoid interstates. Sorry I don't know any of the PA road numbers, I'm actually from smithsburg, but I'm not up there right now, I'd love to go with you guys.

Where to after 66? Working on a route to Harpers Ferry, think that's the one you're referencing.. Might end up going rt30 East towards Gettysburg, but then cut over the mountain and head down that way. There are a lot of scenic mountain roads, then through Catoctin Mountain Park to Harpers Ferry. Still working on details though..

Once we get another route plotted out, we will post up and start getting an idea of interest from you guys! If you are not on the vortex too much, you can PM me your number and I'll add it to a list to text routes to..


Went on a trip to Philly on the 4th with some other guys, and overall had a good time. Should be some more additions for some of our upcoming trips!

[DeepSeaDynamo]

Where to after 66? Working on a route to Harpers Ferry, think that's the one you're referencing.. Might end up going rt30 East towards Gettysburg, but then cut over the mountain and head down that way. There are a lot of scenic mountain roads, then through Catoctin Mountain Park to Harpers Ferry. Still working on details though..

If you don't mind the drive being longer I suggest doing just that, once you get over the mountain head south to Thurmont and get on 77 that't the road that goes through the park, fallow that west down the mountain (but don't go too fast, there is a VERY right blind right hander about halfway down the MT) into Smithsburg and take a left at the light. You should take your second right which should be Crystal Falls drive, a great twisty road on the side of the mountain, take that to Rt 40 but continue straight. Shortly after you cross 40 the road ends at Mt Lena Rd, take a right. Take what I think is your next left on San Mar Rd. That will turn into Mountain Laurel Rd, at the end of that take a Left onto Keadle Rd which ends at Boonesborro Mountain Rd which will take you down the mountain into Boonesborro make a left onto Main St (Alt 40) then on your way out of town take a right onto 67 which is a long smooth road with sweeping turns, if you want to go fast you should be ok, but make sure the lead car has a radar detector. Once you get to the end of that take a right and that will take you across the Potomac pretty close or maybe even right into Harpers Ferry I don't remember for sure. You'll probably want to check all this against a map, but it should be pretty accurate, I used to drive on these roads A LOT.

[dampine]

Thanks for the interest and expressing your desire to roll with us.

Our next group drive is postponed until we can come up with a date, looks like I will be doing the route and points of interest planning for this one. After a Google search for "best PA driving roads" I repeatedly came across PA Rt. 44, I believe the reason for this is the fact that 44 goes through 4 or 5 state parks / game lands and a low number of drive ways and traffic lights. I'm going to plan my Rt for 44, I will probably try to find 4 or 5 points of interest ahead of time, one way we are looking at roughly 4 hrs which is fine with me. The Rt is not final as of yet but I will post it here whenever I have a solid plan of action.

If anyone here is interested in rolling with us just post something, one of us will see it we can get in touch and make sure we have enough walkies. This is going to be an all day trip so you are going to want to be free until like ~ 7:00 PM, I hope we can get a few new guys I love to see new cars.

As of today Kspilly and I are going to Waterfest 7/21,22, most likely on sat so if anyone is going and doesn't have anyone to roll with we can meet some where and roll in together. If anyone is interested in that just let me know, or if someone already has a big group that is cool with Mr.spilly and myself joining in.

[eruhl06]

I'm ready for the next drive, it's nice to take the cars out for a spirited drive.

[BMP__GLI]

As of today Kspilly and I are going to Waterfest 7/21,22, most likely on sat so if anyone is going and doesn't have anyone to roll with we can meet some where and roll in together. If anyone is interested in that just let me know, or if someone already has a big group that is cool with Mr.spilly and myself joining in.

Im game for the next one As for waterfest I am watching a thread on a cruise down.

[kspilly]

As for waterfest I am watching a thread on a cruise down.

I'm posted just above yours in that thread.. I'm planning on meeting those guys there at the mall. We can kick around some drive ideas that weekend.. Mr. Pine will be rolling out as well, so that is two of the core cars of our drives.

[BMP__GLI]

see you guys then! I will be in a 04 BMP GLI with a lot of chrome lol

[kspilly]

see you guys then! I will be in a 04 BMP GLI with a lot of chrome lol

Sounds good man! There is a list of people planning on the cruise from the mall started in that thread..

We are trying to figure out the date for our next drive, just getting delayed with Waterfest and VAGfair coming up, and those pesky personal lives...

[.chap-e]

Have you gone up to green lane at all? Couldn't tell but some of those pics seemed like you might have. That's a very pretty area and a great place to drive around, especially if you have a camera handy.

You can also got up swamp pike, off of ridge in Limerick area and just take it up past Gilbertsville. Some great driving up that way, roads change elevation, twist, etc. Very fun drives.

I'm picking up my new mk2 next week, can't wait to get some proper driving in again in a real car. Can't take the Caliber I'm currently sharing or it's amazingly unfun slushbox anymore!

[chad413]

Count me in for the next one, just as long as it's not the weekend of Aug 18/19.

[eruhl06]

Sucks about your car and waterfest. Are you still trying to get the rabbit ready.

[DankNugz]

Game Farm Rd. starting from Shwenksville out towards Royersford is a nice little stretch of road. I also enjoy driving from Morgantown up to Reading going through French Creek State Park. Another good one is Mount Penn up in Reading. Race from the bottom of Mt Penn to the pagoda at the top.

[DankNugz]

Have you gone up to green lane at all? Couldn't tell but some of those pics seemed like you might have. That's a very pretty area and a great place to drive around, especially if you have a camera handy.

You can also got up swamp pike, off of ridge in Limerick area and just take it up past Gilbertsville. Some great driving up that way, roads change elevation, twist, etc. Very fun drives.

I'm picking up my new mk2 next week, can't wait to get some proper driving in again in a real car. Can't take the Caliber I'm currently sharing or it's amazingly unfun slushbox anymore!

I noticed this post after I wrote mine. Green Lane is a great area. I used to drive from Forty Foot Rd. in Towamencin up to 422 in Royersford via my above mentioned route to get to work in Reading. When I get home I can map a few of the good drives up on google maps and post them.

Anyone ever heard of night-driving.com? Looks like its not up anymore, but it was actually a VW sponsored site that mapped good driving routes to enjoy your car.

[.chap-e]

I noticed this post after I wrote mine. Green Lane is a great area. I used to drive from Forty Foot Rd. in Towamencin up to 422 in Royersford via my above mentioned route to get to work in Reading. When I get home I can map a few of the good drives up on google maps and post them.

Anyone ever heard of night-driving.com? Looks like its not up anymore, but it was actually a VW sponsored site that mapped good driving routes to enjoy your car.

We are really lucky to have such great roads in SEPA. Even if you just go through the greater Fairmount Park area during non-rush hours, you can really get some enjoy drives in.

I didn't know about night driving, too bad it's down. I'd love to find some more roads to hit up.

I have my vacation the week of July 29th, thinking about driving up through French Creek St Park at some point since I've never done it before.

[udrsoulja]

if you guys are gonna hit up french creek area a good point of interest around there is st. peter's village. haven't been there in a while, but they have food and drinks. there's some really cool spots on the creek to check out with big rocks and swimming holes, but no driving cars up to it. Rt 401 is near there as well and it can be a fun road...

[chad413]

Any ideas on a date for the next drive? The .:R is road worthy again and I've kinda been itching to get it out on a good drive

[kspilly]

Any ideas on a date for the next drive? The .:R is road worthy again and I've kinda been itching to get it out on a good drive

We are trying to figure out a date.. dampine's GTI is getting repaired from being hit, and we've been trying to get to all the shows we can..

Been talking of going 30W again, so we may actually head to your way.. the windmill pics we got from over that way are some of our favorites by far! We also saw a huge auto junk yard along the way that we'd like to hit up..

We'll get through VAGfair this weekend, and then figure out a tentative date.

[Valtenez]

Im off pretty much every weekend and i got vacation in oct so a fall cruise would be cool. i dont see many vw's around my area... lemme know the next plan,, i dont post much just read

[chad413]

We also saw a huge auto junk yard along the way that we'd like to hit up..

If it's the place I'm thinking of, save your money and don't even bother with that place. They're good for charging the same (or even more) than what you'd pay for a new part... and it's usually junk too. When I worked in a garage and we were trying to source used parts for something, they were an absolute last resort.

[sir_weston]

I'm in! Fairly new to the whole vw scene and have been looking for some guys to go on cruises like this with.