Forum Discussion

hyattjlbb's avatar
hyattjlbb
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013

Traveling US 52 Cross-Country

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!

17 Replies

  • The part of US 52 from Hillsville VA to NC is very steep & curvy .....it parallels I77 MM14 to MM 0 but this area is prone to dense fog & numerous accidents Fancy Gap Mountain area. Just south VA / NC line at Mt Airy NC nice campground Mayberry Campground ....the area is everything Andy Griffith)....

    US 52 from Ft Chiswell VA to is very decent but is curvy......... (Interstate Campground at Ft Chiswell not too far behind the Flying J truck stop. I77 / I 81 parallel US 52 here also.........
  • I can't comment on your chosen route. I like to stay off the interstate and travel US highways and other local roads when time permits. It does take longer but, it's worth it. It's a slower pace and you do get to 'see America.'
    Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your service.

    I like to use Roadside America when traveling. Maybe yu can find something interesting along your route.

    Enjoy your retirement and travels.
  • 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.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    GOOGLE says....

    United States Highway No. 52
    Total Mileage, 2,123

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