Florida to Townsend, TN

[djsamuel]

I'm planning a trip from Florida to Townsend, TN in September. Believe it or not, there is no question about Atlanta. I plan on driving straight through on 75 at an appropriate time. However, my plan is to avoid the Chattanooga area, and exit 75 north of Atlanta and get on Rt 411 north into Maryville, and then turning east onto Rt 321.

It looks like a simple and relaxing drive along 411. Am I missing anything?

Thanks.

[djsamuel]

rwess wrote:
Depending on where you are coming from in Florida you might want to consider US-27. It runs from Chattanooga to Tallahassee thru West Georgia. 4 lane highway lots of 65 mph, LaGrange to Columbus is I-185. Atlanta has turned into a nightmare, especially on the southside in Henry County. I live 45 miles from Atlanta and almost everytime I go thru there I have a problem with traffic.

I live a few miles from US-27 in Clermont, FL. I'll have to take a look at that route. Thanks!

[rwess]

Depending on where you are coming from in Florida you might want to consider US-27. It runs from Chattanooga to Tallahassee thru West Georgia. 4 lane highway lots of 65 mph, LaGrange to Columbus is I-185. Atlanta has turned into a nightmare, especially on the southside in Henry County. I live 45 miles from Atlanta and almost everytime I go thru there I have a problem with traffic.

[tegu69]

We were camping with friends at Cades Cove. They were headed to Atlanta Speedway and we were headed further south. We split up in Maryville. I took 411 and my friend took I-75. He usually drives 70 or better on the interstate in his motorhome, I drive 65 or less with my fw. I got on I-75 where 411 merges and I gave him a call. To my surprise a little, he was about 4 miles behind me. After about 15 minutes I saw him coming up and passing me. I prefer 411.

[jaycocamprs]

US-411 is scenic and relaxing, and 40 miles shorter.

[djsamuel]

Thanks for the replies. I've driven I75through Chattanooga before, but I was looking for something a but more scenic and relaxing. Sounds like 411 may be a little slow though. If I had to pick a place to avoid, it would be Atlanta. : )

[SageCrispin]

We live about an hour North of Chattanooga, and I would say that you would have to try really hard to lose more than 10 or 15 minutes going through there, no matter what time of day.

Tail of the Dragon (Clicky) is no place for RV's, no matter WHO'S road you think it is. Anything over 30 feet is now banned. (Clicky)

[Bird_Freak]

You have the best route planned out. we travel it all the time and have been doing so for years.

[JayGee]

My choice would be to stay on I75 and take I140 exit in Knoxville, exit I140 to Alcoa hwy 129, bear left after passing the airport and follow the signs thru Maryville and to Townsend.

Too much stop and go on 411 for me. To each their own though.

[jaycocamprs]

djsamuel wrote:
I'm planning a trip from Florida to Townsend, TN in September. Believe it or not, there is no question about Atlanta. I plan on driving straight through on 75 at an appropriate time. However, my plan is to avoid the Chattanooga area, and exit 75 north of Atlanta and get on Rt 411 north into Maryville, and then turning east onto Rt 321.

It looks like a simple and relaxing drive along 411. Am I missing anything?

Thanks.

US-411 is not bad, just slow. Road is good with no steep grades or sharp turns. However there are a good number of towns with slow speed limits and traffic lights. And some have a high level of speed enforcement(Benton TN).
Do want to avoid Chattanooga or just enjoy a more relaxed drive?

[Jayla]

You are not afraid of Atlanta but want to avoid Chattanooga? I drive this route quite frequently going north and have never had a problem. However, to address your question, if you go the way you suggest, you will have a lot of traffic on 441, some of it is two-lane and you will have to slow down and stop for every traffic light in every town, and spend a lot of time getting through the Pigeon Forge area. Also there is "no good time" to go north through Atlanta in I-75 unless you go through about 2:00 a.m.. It's not the scenic route either - very bland and boring. Once you get there, though, it's very nice.

[rv2go]

I don't see any reason not to take the route you list.
Atlanta is not a big deal. Just stay out of the right lane. It sometimes exits and it may be difficult to merge left.

[jolooote]

I hate Atlanta and we go the easy route. Go I-75 to Macon, Ga.Get on I-16 South for about a mile. Exit onto Rt.129 to 441 at Eatonton or Milledgeville. 441 all the way thru the park. Go up thru Pigion Forge and 321 to Townsend. Yes, its a longer route. Some traffic in Pigeon F. Whatever you do, DO NOT take Rt.129 around the west side of the park. A 10 mile stretch of this road is known as 'The Dragons Tail'. It has, somehow, become the property of car and motorcycle RACERS! They do NOT take kindly to RVs on THEIR road.

[djsamuel]

bgum wrote:
I wish you luck in Atlanta. I will take Choo Choo town and Knoxville anytime over Atlanta.

Don't disagree. But I see no worthwhile detour around Atlanta. But, I am certainly open to suggestions! 🙂

[bgum]

I wish you luck in Atlanta. I will take Choo Choo town and Knoxville anytime over Atlanta.