Coast to Coast
Suggestions for route from Arizona....then return to Idaho.
Forum Discussion
Smoky Mtns must see is Cades Cove and Deep Creek. Unless you feel comfortable pulling a long steep grade followed by a long steep descent, plan on going north to I40 to get from one side of the mountains to the other.
For historical, check out Charleston (James Island County Park or MT Pleasant KOA) or Savanah (Skidaway State Park). Neither are big towns and both have a lot of southern Charm. Best time is around Easter as when the flowers are most likely in bloom and before the mosquitos break out in force.
Then head up the coast a bit to the NC outer banks (OBX). Either pay the fee for the ferry to Ocracoke and enjoy the entire stretch, or stay inland to experience some nice small towns catch the OBX at the north end. Just after spring break is idea, still cool so you can enjoy getting out for the sites. Water will be to cool for swimming (unless you are a Canadian).
Now move inland to I81 so you can avoid the congestion. Go up as far as time allows, Acadia and the Maine coast if you have enough time. Lots of fishing villages to explore. If you are really enjoying what you are seeing and want more, more, more of it, don't rule out going up to Novia Scotia (make sure you have your passports).
If you went to Maine, come back down through the inland NH, VT, and NY. I would go on the NW side of the Adirondacks as we went through them and was a bit disappointed because we never seemed to be able to get away from the power lines. Then travel along the Ontario Lake shoreline until you get near Buffalo where you can spend a couple days at Four Mile Creek State Park while you explore the American and Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
Drop down to southern Ohia to keep heading west, or just bite the bullet dealing with a bit of traffic by staying near the lakes. Either cut up into the upper Michigan or go past Chicago and up into Wisconson.
From here, I'll leave it to others more familiar with the area.
If you time it right, you can do most of the trip without any long planned reservations. Just call you next stop or two a few days out before arrival. Plan on Memorial Day being away from civilization and you should have any problems up until July 4th. If you travel into Canada, remember they celebrate on a different day.
For historical, check out Charleston (James Island County Park or MT Pleasant KOA) or Savanah (Skidaway State Park). Neither are big towns and both have a lot of southern Charm. Best time is around Easter as when the flowers are most likely in bloom and before the mosquitos break out in force.
Then head up the coast a bit to the NC outer banks (OBX). Either pay the fee for the ferry to Ocracoke and enjoy the entire stretch, or stay inland to experience some nice small towns catch the OBX at the north end. Just after spring break is idea, still cool so you can enjoy getting out for the sites. Water will be to cool for swimming (unless you are a Canadian).
Now move inland to I81 so you can avoid the congestion. Go up as far as time allows, Acadia and the Maine coast if you have enough time. Lots of fishing villages to explore. If you are really enjoying what you are seeing and want more, more, more of it, don't rule out going up to Novia Scotia (make sure you have your passports).
If you went to Maine, come back down through the inland NH, VT, and NY. I would go on the NW side of the Adirondacks as we went through them and was a bit disappointed because we never seemed to be able to get away from the power lines. Then travel along the Ontario Lake shoreline until you get near Buffalo where you can spend a couple days at Four Mile Creek State Park while you explore the American and Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
Drop down to southern Ohia to keep heading west, or just bite the bullet dealing with a bit of traffic by staying near the lakes. Either cut up into the upper Michigan or go past Chicago and up into Wisconson.
From here, I'll leave it to others more familiar with the area.
If you time it right, you can do most of the trip without any long planned reservations. Just call you next stop or two a few days out before arrival. Plan on Memorial Day being away from civilization and you should have any problems up until July 4th. If you travel into Canada, remember they celebrate on a different day.
