Forum Discussion

BorderScot's avatar
BorderScot
Explorer
Mar 12, 2017

Best Route Between Baton Rouge, LA and Columbus, OH

Hi folks,

I'm new to the forum and thought it would be wise to get some advise from those experienced on the roads. I'm getting ready to haul my 5th wheel from the Baton Rouge area, up to the West Virginia Pan Handle. I'd like to visit the Smokey Mountains, but I'm assuming that direction isn't the best to drive, concerning time and practicality (less highway shoulder space, windy roads, etc). When I google the route, it seems best to head straight up through Mississippi to Memphis. (I am limited in time, but would also like to make the most of this experience. Hauling a 37' 5th wheel- long bed crew cab).

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Roads and Routes
  • sdianel_-acct_c's avatar
    sdianel_-acct_c
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2017
    I-55 north to Memphis. We like Tom Sawyer's Mississippi River RV Park on the MS River in West Memphis. Then take I-40 east to Sevierville TN. We like River Plantation RV Park. You can drive through the Smoky Mountains Park from there (not pulling the RV). Then go west on I-40 to I-75 north to Columbus OH.
  • memtb's avatar
    memtb
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2017
    BorderScot, I'm not offering a suggested route. Just a hello, from someone that grew up in Zachary. Enjoy your trip and Happy Trails, memtb
  • BorderScot's avatar
    BorderScot
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    Thank you for the advice- that park sounds like a perfect spot along the way- it's appreciated!
  • BorderScot's avatar
    BorderScot
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    And hello memtb- I appreciate it. Wyoming is such a contrast from Baton Rouge area- I was just in Cheyenne, got back last night- I like Wyoming!
  • artguys's avatar
    artguys
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2017
    When you're pulling anything that's what is called a combination vehicle, and when you do so on I 40 you're competing with many others much larger than yours . I 40 is awash in big truck traffic 24/7/365, one of the more dangerous highways in the country. If you use I 55 do it to Caruthersville Mo, then I 155 to the Kentucky Pkwy system. That would include the Purchase Pkwy , I 24, Western Kentucky Pkwy to E-Town (Elizabethtown ) I 65 to Louisville then I 71 to Cincinnati and to Columbus . Much less heavy traffic .
  • campigloo's avatar
    campigloo
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2017
    We go to Columbus several times a year to see the kids. We like starting on I59 from Slidell. 55 is an ok route until you get to Memphis. The road in west Memphis is
    HORRIBLE. It's so rough I find it dangerous, let alone beating your rig to death. It's also very washboardy south of mccomb, but it's also worth a stopover at Percy Quinn to go to the Dinner Bell. Mileage wise, 55, 59 and 65 are almost the same. Happy travels!
  • mx727's avatar
    mx727
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2017
    I-40 to Nashville, I-65 to Louisville and I-70 to Columbus. All easy roads. Sure, trucks use them, but if you can't share the freeway with a truck... It's the cars that cause the real problems.
  • ken56's avatar
    ken56
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2017
    55 to 20, 20 east to Birmingham, pick up 59 into Chattanooga then 75 to 40 in Knoxville, 40 east to 81, 81 to 77 and cruise on into West Virginia. Been that way a couple times and there is no problem with the roads. Would be quicker than going to Memphis.

About Bucket List Trips

13,487 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025