NYC to TransAmerican connection

[floatingstates]

Any recommendations for an energy efficient (read: flat straight line)
route from NYC to somewhere along the TransAmerica route? I'm going
West asap but haven't mapped out the route from the city. I don't care
about scenery, just wanting to minimize the Appalacian rollercoaster. It
seems like connecting somewhere in Kentuky or Illinois would be the
most "direct".
Traversal of New Jersey? Suggestions?

[Peaks]

One idea would be to follow the ACA Atlantic Coast Route down to the Potomac River.   Follow the Potomac River/C&O Tow Path to Harpers Ferry, and then follow the Shenandoah Valley to the TransAmerica Route.