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There is an alternative northbound route to go up on if you wish to consider it. I just traveled it in June and it avoids Md and NJ. Take 40 to Nashville, 65 north to Louisville, 71 to near Akron, 76 east to 80, 80 east to 81 north to 84 to Ct. It computes to 40 miles longer but it is a good route. Is quite mountainous through Pa. Only toll is the bridge near Newburgh NY. Take a look at it.

edit: Be aware that Ohio does set up speed traps (no tolerance zones) on 76 between Akron and I-80.
The above route can be detailed as one of the googled routes from Texarkana to Hartford

I would avoid NJ and Md if possible. You can get to Ct via I-81 to I-84. But it requires crossing NY. (It is a little longer but no tolls except for 1 bridge) Be aware that I-84 first exit east bound in NY, Port Jervis, (bottom of a mountain) will put you in NJ as soon as you go down the ramp. Md has about 12 miles on I-81 that there is no easy way to avoid. Make sure the gun/ammo is properly/legally stowed when you cross it. You'll be ok in Pa. as long as you are a resident of the state issuing your permit, They do not recognize non resident permits. (I was just there.) I try to gas up in Pa and have no stops (or spend money) in NY. I really try to avoid the MD and NJ Democrat dictatorships completely. NY can't be avoided but I try not to monetarily support them.