Key West to Cherokee, NC - Best route suggestions

I-75 to I-575(north of Atlanta) to after Blue Ridge GA. North on 60 and 60S to US 74E to Murphy and on to Cherokee. Divided 4 lane except some of 60 and on 74 through the Nantahala Gorge. No hard climbs and good roads. Do Atlanta non rush hour and go straight through on I-75.

The Green River Gorge will be one of your biggest pull/descent.

I-26 West

I-26, NC, MM 65, Uphill grade, Truck lane
I-26, NC, MM 62, Top of uphill grade.
I-26, NC, MM 61, Uphill grade
I-26, NC, MM 59, Downhill
I-26, NC, MM 56, Cross the Green River Bridge, begin 7% uphill grade
I-26, NC, MM 54, Top of the grade.

Continuing on I-26 beyond Asheville there is a 6 percent down grade about the NC/TN state line.

IMHO, I would take the I95 route. I would stay away from Atlanta, even the beltways around Atlanta are a nightmare

I would go the I-95 route. And Savannah is a wonderful stop if you can afford a nite or two. Or , right off 95, Santee State park in South Carolina is a convenient stopping point with some beautiful spots this time of the year.