Florida to Townsend, TN

You have the best route planned out. we travel it all the time and have been doing so for years.

My choice would be to stay on I75 and take I140 exit in Knoxville, exit I140 to Alcoa hwy 129, bear left after passing the airport and follow the signs thru Maryville and to Townsend.

Too much stop and go on 411 for me. To each their own though.

djsamuel wrote:
I'm planning a trip from Florida to Townsend, TN in September. Believe it or not, there is no question about Atlanta. I plan on driving straight through on 75 at an appropriate time. However, my plan is to avoid the Chattanooga area, and exit 75 north of Atlanta and get on Rt 411 north into Maryville, and then turning east onto Rt 321.

It looks like a simple and relaxing drive along 411. Am I missing anything?

Thanks.

US-411 is not bad, just slow. Road is good with no steep grades or sharp turns. However there are a good number of towns with slow speed limits and traffic lights. And some have a high level of speed enforcement(Benton TN).
Do want to avoid Chattanooga or just enjoy a more relaxed drive?

You are not afraid of Atlanta but want to avoid Chattanooga? I drive this route quite frequently going north and have never had a problem. However, to address your question, if you go the way you suggest, you will have a lot of traffic on 441, some of it is two-lane and you will have to slow down and stop for every traffic light in every town, and spend a lot of time getting through the Pigeon Forge area. Also there is "no good time" to go north through Atlanta in I-75 unless you go through about 2:00 a.m.. It's not the scenic route either - very bland and boring. Once you get there, though, it's very nice.

I don't see any reason not to take the route you list.
Atlanta is not a big deal. Just stay out of the right lane. It sometimes exits and it may be difficult to merge left.

I hate Atlanta and we go the easy route. Go I-75 to Macon, Ga.Get on I-16 South for about a mile. Exit onto Rt.129 to 441 at Eatonton or Milledgeville. 441 all the way thru the park. Go up thru Pigion Forge and 321 to Townsend. Yes, its a longer route. Some traffic in Pigeon F. Whatever you do, DO NOT take Rt.129 around the west side of the park. A 10 mile stretch of this road is known as 'The Dragons Tail'. It has, somehow, become the property of car and motorcycle RACERS! They do NOT take kindly to RVs on THEIR road.

bgum wrote:
I wish you luck in Atlanta. I will take Choo Choo town and Knoxville anytime over Atlanta.

Don't disagree. But I see no worthwhile detour around Atlanta. But, I am certainly open to suggestions! :)

I wish you luck in Atlanta. I will take Choo Choo town and Knoxville anytime over Atlanta.