KC to Rio Grand Valley

That sounds encouraging, Frank. I may try that route next time.

Just an aside: I've been going up to Fayetteville for almost 60 years. The freeway from Fort Smith to Fayetteville has made more difference than almost any other interstate--over the pre-interstate route. I always enjoyed driving through the Boston Mountains, but it was slow going. What a difference!

padredw, You have just stated all the reasons why, I don't take your route. I will still do the 'western' AR route coming and going. It seems to improve every year.

will be following my own advice today. Leaving from Branson, going over to I-49 at Fayetteville, down to Fort Smith, then US 59 to US 259 through the Ouchica Mountains and home.

Left Branson at 8:30, got home at 3:47 pm.

I would like to revise my suggestion above with some comments.

Yes, this is the way I would go again, but then I live on US 259. I still think it is better than to go down through Western Arkansas, but I haven't done that in a long time. Maybe those roads have improved.

>Unfortunately, US 59/259 in Oklahoma has deteriorated rather than improved. Through East Texas US 259 is a great highway, 4 lane most of the way and even a wide divided highway. Not so in
Oklahoma.

>Down near the Red River, below Idabel, the road is narrow and has NO shoulder at all. This section is in bad need of updating.

>US 259 through the Ouchita Mountains is definitely curvy and steep in places. I have a pretty high tolerance for mountain driving as I have been all over New Mexico and Colorado. But I know that not everyone would share this tolerance.

For me, this is still the best route. We made good time towing our 34' fifth-wheel, but I felt I should update my comments as others may have better alternatives.

We avoid I-35 for any travel going north or south. Here is what we usually do for a peaceful ride. Here is the south route--reverse for north route.
I-49 south to I-44.
I-44 to US 281.
US281 south to the valley.
Yes, there are small towns, but there are several nice RV parks to stay in. Yes it is a bit longer but I am retired--don't need a hassle--we usually drive no more that 300 miles per day.

I will be following my own advice today. Leaving from Branson, going over to I-49 at Fayetteville, down to Fort Smith, then US 59 to US 259 through the Ouchica Mountains and home.

Back to my earilier post. I woud not go down thorugh Arkansas from Fort Smith. I would go over into Oklahoma (don't have a map before me) but through Potaeu and pick up US 259 near Heavner, Oklahoma. Yes the roads are curvy and through the mountains, but we have pulled our 34' trailer several time and always enjoyed the drive. The colors should be nearing peak next week.

In my opinion, this is much better route than down through Arkansas.

If you have any questions about this route, I'll be glad to respond.

Frank, I guess I'm not seeing how 271 goes from Fort Smith to DeQueen. I see on the map where it heads south out of Fort Smith, but it doesn't end up in DeQueen.

Linda, No it isn't. I-49 goes from KC to Ft. Smith AR. Then you hit US71 to DeQueen. We go this way, with our 5th wheel w/boat in tow. Been doing it for 12+ yrs. You may be thinking of the old 71, that goes over the Boston Mountains. You won't have any trouble with this route.

Frank and PJ - isn't I-49 / 71 through the Ouachita National Forest too narrow / windy / hilly for a 38 ft RV towing a car?

271 thru Paris and Tyler. Then south on 69 out of Tyler down to 79 over to Cameron and Hwy 77. South out of Cameron on Hwy 77 into Harlingen, then west on 83.

I think this would be an excellent choice. I live in East Texas and am familiar with every mile of the route above. It not only avoids Dallas/Fort Worth, but also Austin and San Antonio. I have found Austin to be the city I most want to avoid traveling through.

I will mention one other possibility because that is the route we would take through Oklahoma. Stay on down to Fayetteville and Fort Smith then pick up US 259 all the way to Henderson, Texas then join US 79 as above.

A variation on the US 259 route would be to take TX 155 near Ore City (where we live) and go through Gilmer to Tyler and on to Palestine, Texas where you would pick up US 79.