Anyone familiar with route 2 across Massachusetts?

[gristy]

How slow of a slog is it for a drive from NE Massachusetts to Albany? Would driving down to the Turnpike be much faster?

[DODI]

1. Don't do it if you don't have time -- go to the Pike

Route 2 by Boston (west of 495) actually has wagon ruts in it. Once you get past Leominster (I think) it is just a two lane road. Take the Pike.

[gristy]

6. the map I'm looking at shows 4-lane controlled access for 35 miles

past Leominster, then it looks like 2 lanes for at least 60 miles to Albany.

[DODI]

9. When I take it to 190, it sort of "disappears". I just looked at

Mapquest and it too shows what could be a highway, but I don't think so. If you want to try Rt. 2, see how it goes and you can "bag" it when you get around I-190S which will put you on the Pike.

[Longgrain]

2. I'm wicked familiar w/ Route 2

Though more going east from the Fitchburg/Leominster area to the Concord/Littleton area...

Been down the Mohawk trail a few times though, from Greenfield to No. Adams...

Tho if Albany is your destination, the Mass. pike might be your best choice...lots of traffic, but mostly a steady stream...

Route two west turns into a lot of small towns with reduced speed limits...and at least one hair pin turn...

The Mohawk Trail is a lot more scenic tho...

[redsoxliberal]

3. yes... much faster.

past Athol, RT 2 turns into a one lane road. That means most of the way. DON'T DO IT!

[hyphenate]

4. Driving the pike would be a million years

faster, but it isn't as scenic as 2. You will get to see a lot more stuff if you follow the Mohawk Trail out. I prefer speed over beauty, unless I'm actually on the road for that.

[gristy]

7. I take it the Mohawk Trail is Route 2?

Never heard that before...

[Longgrain]

10. Here you go.

I live close by...have to drive Rt.2 nearly everday...tho in the opposite direction of all the pretty stuff..

http://www.mohawktrail.com/

[gristy]

13. thanks - bookmarked...

[hyphenate]

12. Yep

http://www.mohawktrail.com/html/body_new_england.html

[RPM]

5. MassPike all the way

Route 2 is a bit slow going - I don't even live in Mass (visited a few times) and thats a no brainer for me!

[Longgrain]

8. While I maintain that the Mass Pike may be faster

if you're in a rush (Lots of accident there though, so press your luck)...

If you have the Time Route 2 West is be-a-u-tiful...

I have some time until my girlfriend shows up...here's a few sights along the Mohawk trail...







and the infamous Hairpin turn...



Lots better than looking at someone tail lights all afternoon.

[bicentennial_baby]

11. Ah home...

I love being a Western Masshole...

[Mist]

15. Thanks for sharing those pics--beautiful!

It's been almost 20 years since I've been in Mass. Forgot how pretty western Mass. is.

[Bombtrack]

14. It depends when you're going