I drive from Just north of Atlanta to Dutchess county NY quite often as I still have relatives in NY...I have tried numerous routes and the I84 to I 81 through Scranton continuing all the way through Virginia to 77 towards Charlotte has been the best and fastest without any Bothersome Tolls.....From 77 you can pick up 85 south directly to Atlanta....Quickest and fastest rout for me...From 77 take 485 which loops around Charlotte...This will connect you with 85 south.....Depending on time you travel the only place that I really have had traffic is when you are on 77 nearing the Charlotte area....