So we are planning a big trip from Minot, ND to Florence, SC to see family. We always take the interstate and while safer and faster, we want to "see" America! Trying to stay on US 52 as this is one highway straight through and will see much more than interstates can show. From Minot, ND to Rochester, MN I know what to expect. However until I get to the SC border it is unfamiliar territory!Looking for tips and tricks and how the route works for the 5'vr through some of your States. Especially the mountain States! Can also use ideas for campgrounds along the way. Any help is appreciated and we have lots of time as I am doing this trip in June after I retire from the military and am on my terminal leave. Thanks again!

Rochester MN to Dubuque, Ia ---- absolutely gorgeous country but road pretty rough in places. Worth it though. Just pulled it last week.

If you want to stop near Asheville, then Campfire lodgings is a nice place with good folk. The trip from Ashville to Florence will most likely take you along I-26 and there is a steep run near Hendersonville NC. Not too bad as it downhill.If you need it, there is a Camping World just off I26 in Columbia about a mile from the I26/I20 interchange.Where in Florence are you going? Lived there for quite a number of years and still have family there myself.Good luck on your journey.

GOOGLE says....United States Highway No. 52Total Mileage, 2,123North Dakota Beginning at the International Boundary at Portal 100, Minot 84, Harvey 63, Carrington 44, Jamestown 95, Fargo 3.Minnesota Moorhead 52, Fergus Falls 53, Alexandria 25, Sauk Center 44, St. Cloud 37, Elk River 11, Anoka 15, Minneapolis 10, St. Paul 22, Farmington 17, Cannon Falls 44, Rochester 87, Preston 25.Iowa Burr Oak 12, Decorah 11, Calmar 18, Postville 28, Garnavillo 24, Luxemburg 25, Dubuque 25, Bellevue 22, Sabula 1.Illinois Savanna 11, Mt. Carroll 39, Dixon 30, Mendota 8, Troy Grove 42, Morris 20, Wilmington 22, Kankakee 38, Sheldon 7.Indiana Kentland 13, Fowler 29, La Fayette 35, Lebannon 27, Indianapolis 40, Rushville 30, Brookville 18.Ohio Harrison 23, Cincinnati 21, New Richmond 34, Ripley 20, Manchester 41, Portsmouth 30, Ironton 19, Chesapeake 1.West Virginia Huntington 8, Levalette 64, Williamson 69, Welch 39, Bluefield 22.Virginia Bland 23, Wytheville 9, Fort Chiswell 20, Hillsville 23.North Carolina Mt. Airy 12, Pilot Mountain 27, Winston-Salem 21, Lexington 40, New London 7, Albemarle 30, Wadesboro 13.South Carolina Cheraw 15, Society Hill 16, Darlington 10, Florence 9, Effingham 29, Kingstree 41, Moncks Corner 31, Charleston.Sounds like a great adventure to me...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_52

Have an Uncle in Columbia off of Decker near Ft Jackson. The Dad is North of Florence by Francis Marion University. Also family in Dillon and Latta.

Traveling US 52 Cross-Country | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

paulj
Explorer II
Jun 13, 2014
Calling a US# highway 'secondary' doesn't quite sound right. Sure, it's not an Interstate, but

https wrote:
The secondary road system within a county for the purpose of this subchapter consists of those roads maintained by the NCDOT that do not carry "N.C." or "U.S." numbers and are outside the boundary of any incorporated municipality.

(note - in NC nearly all roads, with the exception of those in municipalities, are maintained by the state. In most other states, counties are responsible for secondary roads.)

This Iowa county even calls it's road department the 'Secondary Roads Department'.
http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_sec_roads.aspx?id=1371
brirene
Explorer
Jun 13, 2014
Glad it went well for you! Always nice to get onto the secondary roads when you have the time. Enjoy your trip!
hyattjlbb
Explorer
Jun 13, 2014
Thanks for all of the help! We did it! Except, we bailed on US 52 from Huntington, WV to Statesville, NC where we took US 70 to get back to US 52 to Florence, SC. From Huntington to Statesville we got on I64-77 to help with the mountains. Overall US 52 was travelable with a fiver but in Illinois and Indiana the highway will beat your fillings out of your teeth! Iowa was nice but a lot of slow curves and hills. Best part was probably the Ohio River Valley where you follow the whole southern border of Ohio. Thanks again and if you ever have question now about US 52, I can now answer them!
nipster
Explorer
May 21, 2014
I am very familiar with US 52. I can tell you this, there are parts of it that are pretty sketchy, especially in West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. I dont think there is anywhere a 5'er couldnt make it through, but there are a few sharp curves you are going to have to take it easy on, and swing way wide and hope for no oncoming traffic.

Especially between:
Welch and Bluefield, WV
Rocky Gap and North of Wytheville, VA
Fancy Gap, VA to Mt. Airy NC

Parts of it is very beautiful though
trailertraveler
Explorer
May 15, 2014
hyattjlbb wrote:
Still wondering about West Virginia US 52. Looks pretty curvy on the map but it must be okay for 5vr's?
We have only driven a small section of US-52. I suggest you get a copy of the Mountain Directory East. It describes a narrow road with lots of curves and grades of 8-9% and one posted as 11% between Williamson and Bluefield. It also lists a section on the VA/NC border where all vehicles over 8 tons(16,000#) are prohibited.
sweetnoni
Explorer
May 14, 2014
In Illinois, after you go through Troy Grove and over I 39 overpass, you will come to a small berg on the left called Triumph. Going south there on 178, there is a nice campground down the road about 5 miles, called Hickory Hollow.
kknowlton
Explorer II
May 14, 2014
Not far off 52 in Battle Ground, Indiana is Prophetstown State Park. Some of the sites, pull-thru with at least electric & water hookups, are semi-private, surrounded by shrubs. Easy to get in & out. You might need a reservation on weekends, but probably not weekdays for a night or two.
hyattjlbb
Explorer
May 14, 2014
Still wondering about West Virginia US 52. Looks pretty curvy on the map but it must be okay for 5vr's?
hyattjlbb
Explorer
Aug 19, 2013
Thanks for all of the help! Main concerns are the "mountain states" but it appears there are a lot of miles that are either four lane or interstate through them. Eliminates some of my concerns for grades, narrowness, low bridges, tunnels, etc.
sljohnson1938
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
We live in Mt. Airy, NC which is Andy Griffith's home town. When you past thru stop at Snappy Lunch for a pork chop sandwich, museum etc. Hope you have a great trip. There are two private CG here, neither on US52, but both close by.
And of course we have a Wal-Mart. ha ha