Chicago, NYC, New Orleans or Chicago, New Orleans, NYC

[anmldr]

I have decided to use the Cardinal between Chicago and NYC (or vice versa). With that in mind, which direction is more scenic due to time tables…Chicago, NYC, New Orleans or Chicago, New Orleans, NYC? This will be in coach. Oh yes, which side of each the legs is the most scenic?

Thanks.
Linda

 

[zephyr17]

Eastbound is far and away more scenic on the Card than westbound.

 

[joelkfla]

Chicago - New Orleans - NYC would be the City of New Orleans and then the Crescent; there's no Cardinal involved.

 

[danasgoodstuff]

Chicago - New Orleans - NYC would be the City of New Orleans and then the Crescent; there's no Cardinal involved.

I think the OP just left off the last leg of their full circle in either direction.

 

[Steve4031]

It depends on the time of year, in my opinion. The summer eastbound on the Cardinal and then South on the Crescent will work because daylight lasts longer. The Crescent crosses a long bridge over Lake Pontchartrain before arriving in New Orleans.

I prefer taking the Crescent northbound because the trip starts with a ride across Lake Ponchartrain. The following day, it is scenic through Virginia.

The Cardinal is going westbound, and there is good scenery in Virginia before reaching the New River Gorge.