Forum Discussion

tkcas01's avatar
tkcas01
Explorer
Aug 27, 2013

Best Big Rig Exit from Linville, NC mountains

I don't know if I have ever posted on here asking for route recommendations, but I am currently near Linville, NC and will be departing to head down to Tampa. The roads are pretty hilly, curvy and narrow up here so I'm interested in any suggestions on the best route for a 40-foot big rig and toad.

I came in from the southwest but need to head down toward Tampa so need to head down roads unknown to me. Any recommendations from those who know the area well?
  • Boone, and 321 are not all that far from Linville. Either on 105, or the BRP. So IF you find yourself North of Linville. You can get on 321 South, and run it all the way to I-85 in Gastonia. I-85 is only about 2 hours from Boone on 321, You would pass I-40 as well, and it is less than an hour from Boone.

    321 is a 4 lane down the mountain, out of Blowing Rock. It is steep, but not so twisty as it once was. Prolly the easiest road down from the BRP.

    As mentioned 221 From Linville to Marion is OK was well. The top 3 miles are the worst. It levels out, and straightens out after that.

    And as mentioned. Do NOT take Hwy 80, or 226
  • If you get sick of Interstate driving when you reach Florida via I-95, go west on I-10 to US Hwy 301, Exit 343, and head south. It's 4 lane. Watch your speed through small towns of Lawtey, FL (school zone) and Waldo, FL (renown reputation as a speed trap). Between the two towns, there's a WallyWorld on the south end of Starke, FL should you need to stop. South of Orange Lake U.S. 301 will merge with U.S. 441 to Ocala where, on the north side of town, it's a short 3 mi. cross over (right on NW 10 St/US 27N) to I-75. It's an easier drive saving you 55 miles of Interstates 10 and 75. Plus, you'll see shades of "Old Florida".
  • That would be NC 80, and US 221, not to be confused with NC 226. NC 80 & NC 226 are real potential brake burners and knuckle-chewers. 3X on US 221 as your best way out of the mountains. It runs thru Marion NC on a good bypass, with a nice visitor's center / rest area. It's a good 2 lane south from Marion. Staying on 221 to I-85 will keep you from going into the mountains and out again, unlike I-40W.

    Jim, "I haven't lost my mind. It's backed up on disk somewhere."
  • I travel up to Grandfather Mountain with my rig. Best route is Hwy.221 down from Linville. You have about 5 miles of steep grade and curves. I would stay away from Hwy. 80 that leads to Morganton.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    I would take 221 all the way down to I-85S briefly and then I-26 to I-95. I would not take 161 to begin with. It's 50 miles further if you take I-85 to Atlanta and then I-75, but it will be all interstate. If you take I-95, after Jax you can cut across the state to I-75 or go 30 miles extra and I-95 to I-4. Diesel is #3.52 at 221 and I-85.:B