I love the drive on 550 and if they are north bound the "no guard rail" is less of a factor. However, many folks think the passes over the Blue Ridges in NC and Va are scary. So anybody who is bothered by sheer drop offs, tight turns and steep grades should do 550 in their toad. The average flat lander would suffer severe white knuckle sydrome. Experienced mountain drivers would let the tranny do the hard work and try not to be distracted by the grand scenery. I sometimes wish I had a third eye on one side of my head so the other two could focus on the road. Going to the Sun, coastal Big Sur and 550 are all in that category as top road trips.