From Carlisle, Massachusetts to Oil City, Pennsylvania: The Ultimate Road Trip
Are you planning a road trip from Carlisle, Massachusetts, to Oil City, Pennsylvania? Whether you're heading to visit family or explore new sights and experiences, there are a variety of routes and options to consider. We've rounded up some of the best routes and sights to see along the way, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and schedule.
The Eastern Route
The eastern route takes you through some of the most scenic and historic places in New England and the Mid-Atlantic. From Carlisle, you'll head southeast on Route 90 towards Boston. After about an hour and a half, you'll pass through Worcester, a historic industrial city with museums and parks worth a stopover. Then, continue through the rolling hills of Massachusetts and Connecticut until you reach New York City.
Depending on traffic, it can take anywhere from four to six hours to drive through the city, but it's a great opportunity to see some of the most iconic sights in the U.S., such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. When you're ready to leave the city, continue west on Route 80 towards Pennsylvania. In Scranton, stop to see the Steamtown National Historic Site before continuing the drive to Oil City.
This route covers approximately 550 miles and takes about 10 hours to drive non-stop.
The Southern Route
If you prefer a more direct route that takes you through rolling hills and quaint small towns, the southern route is for you. From Carlisle, take Route 81 South past the Appalachian Mountains until you reach Roanoke, Virginia, where you can visit the famous Roanoke Star and explore the downtown area.
Next, head west on Route 460 towards Blacksburg and the New River Valley. Take a break to hike through the beautiful countryside, or stop at one of the many wineries and breweries along the way. After passing through the Blue Ridge Mountains, continue on Route 460 until you reach Natural Bridge State Park, where you can see the awe-inspiring natural bridge made of limestone.
From there, take Route 501 north to Lynchburg, Virginia, and visit the impressive National D-Day Memorial. When you're ready, continue towards Pennsylvania, passing through small towns like Bedford and Johnstown along the way.
This route covers approximately 800 miles and takes about 14 hours to drive non-stop.
The Northern Route
For a route that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, choose the northern route. From Carlisle, head north on Route 81 and turn west on Route 84 towards the Pocono Mountains. Take a break and explore the charming town of Stroudsburg before continuing the scenic drive through the Delaware Water Gap.
Next, head north on Route 209 until you reach Milford, Pennsylvania, where you can visit Grey Towers National Historic Site and take a hike in the nearby state parks. Continue north on Route 206 until you reach Sussex, New Jersey, home to High Point State Park, where you can climb to the highest point in New Jersey for panoramic views.
From here, take Route 97 along the Delaware River until you reach Binghamton, New York. Take a break to explore the picturesque downtown area before continuing west on Route 17 towards Owego and the Susquehanna River. Follow the river until you reach Williamsport, where you can visit the Little League Museum before driving the last stretch to Oil City.
This route covers approximately 600 miles and takes about 12 hours to drive non-stop.
Conclusion
No matter which route you choose, you're in for a memorable road trip from Carlisle, Massachusetts, to Oil City, Pennsylvania. Take your time and make stops along the way to discover new sights and experiences, whether that's hiking through the mountains, visiting historical sites, or tasting local cuisine. Plan your trip well, and enjoy the journey!