The thruway is a bitch. Avoid it at all costs. New York is generally easy but save for West Virginia every state south of NY is hell. WV is quite possibly the best state in the U.S. to hitchhike so if you're going on an extended trip ever definitely go to WV. Pennsylvania is kinda strange. local rides (i.e. 1-10 mile rides inside big cities) are insanely easy. Just fly a sign. This works best in philly. long distance rides on the highway are less than desirable. New England is great. Good luck!