Interstate 26 SC into KY

I always get a 'laugh' out of folks who make light of others' safety concerns...

About 4-5 miles after you cross into NC, your first grade on I-26W will be Saluda Grade, where you've got an almost straight road uphill, 6% for about 4 miles. This is most of the climb up the Eastern Continental Divide. A few miles further, you'll hit a reduced speed downhill-uphill crossing the Green River Bridge, at 7% for about 1 mile each down and up. The top of this is the geographical Divide proper. There's another short steep uphill-downhill just past the Biltmore Park exit, going up to the underpass for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

At the I-40 junction just south of Asheville, I-26 West becomes co-routed with I-240 East, so watch the signs & pavement markings carefully. After 3-4 miles and a sharp right-hand curve, you'll be on a big 4-lane bridge over the French Broad River. The right lane ends. You need to get all the way over to the left lane before the end of the bridge, for a left-hand exit to continue on I-26W.

Just before the TN line, you'll start up Sams Gap. It's a fairly straight 4 mile 6% climb, 3 lanes up, with a short downgrade 1/2 way up. At the top, you're in TN, and the road turns to 2-lane each way, and gets very curvy downhill @ 6% for 3-4 miles. There's at least one runaway truck ramp.


Jim, "Next time you wave, use more fingers."

Our trailer is an enclosed car hauler with drop axles. I think we are about 10' , we will measure it for sure... I being from New England have great respect for the weather, what ever it may be.. thanks for the info :)

Just remember how tall your trailer is. We had a detour last month on a trip, I was worried about the traffic and the idiots who seemed to aim for me. My husband pointed out quickly when he saw ahead of us that the bridge was too low - 11' instead of the 12'6" or taller that I needed. I just had the fun of trying to get some people to let me into the left lane to turn left.

Another time, there was a detour with a man who worked for the contractor trying to get everyone to turn left, we had to stop in the intersection to remind him I was taller than the bridge, so he had to have someone in a truck come up to help us where they were working so we wouldn't get stuck. The guy was over 6' tall who kept insisting I turn left.

There are New Englanders who also get a laugh at us in Texas, Louisiana and a few other southern states that shut down the towns when we get sleet or snow or freezing weather. Just remember, down south we have more bridges and overpasses that are opened and not as insulated as up north. The northerners (or Yankees) are sometimes the ones who get into accidents. They also forget about the water current when we have too much rain and how fast it can overturn any vehicle.

:) I am a New Englander, and can drive in snow and ice!! :) We also get a chuckle when listening to Floridians talk about mountains..... just that we have not been to that area and never traveled 26, 421 or 119. We were told there were some pretty steep grades up and down along there, and wanted to find someone who has been along there to give us the correct information....we have electric brakes on the trailer so no problem there..... We are traveling 26 to 421 to 119... Thanks for all the info and the laughs!! Honestly I am a born and raised New Englander, still love when it rains hard here in Florida everyone turns on their 4 ways and then they slow down to 30 mph on 95... Ugggg!

I-26 is a fine road, not many pot holes, good interstate. Just north of Spartanburg, SC, you will encounter the Green River Gorge. It is a 7% grade and goes for about 5 miles. Take your time and it will be fine. Just north of Asheville, NC is Sam's Gap. It is also steep and has a few curves on the way down into Tennessee. The speed limit is 45 through this area. Again, just take your time and don't try to push it.

We travel these roads all the time and don't have problems, but we are also used to travelling the mountains. You can do it, but don't try to be in too much of a hurry, stay in the right hand lane and don't sweat it.

Once you get to TN, it is straight sailing along the way into Virginia. The interstate ends, and becomes Rt 23 North. This is also a 4 lane highway with some curves and a few hills (which you would probably say mountains). About 25 miles into VA, you will need to turn onto Rt 421, which is a two, three and 4-lane road. Good road, very driveable. It then will take you into Jonesville, VA and from there, I haven't driven it, so I can't tell you anything about the highways.

(If you are looking for somewhere to stay around the intersection of Rt 23 and 421, Natural Tunnel State Park is great and about a mile off the highway.)

Hope this helps. We do have mountains around here and there is no way to get to Harlan from Florida that you won't have to go up mountains.

It is always fun to see someone from Florida go over a hill and think they are in the mountains! You will be fine....all Interstate Highways will be just fine!