Key West to Cherokee, NC - Best route suggestions

[TCI]

We are traveling mid-May and will be pulling our 5'ver. It seems either going through Atlanta or Savannah and Columbia. I'm leaning toward I95 to I26 to I40 to I19. Atlanta route seems to be bypass to I985 to I23 to I441 to I19. It seems the Savannah route would be less winding roads. Let us know your thoughts. As always, Thanks for sharing.

[Belgique]

Just did 23/441 from Gainesville GA to Asheville NC. Fantastic road. Lots of great scenery and neat old towns. No traffic at all. The Franklin grades were easy for our 40' DP CAT 330 towing. I doubt that many well maintained rigs would have a problem. We saw many different types. Thanks for posting this route...sure beats 85 to Hickory.

[Ivylog]

ken56 wrote:
Around Franklin NC there are a couple of decent grades. You are in the mountains so you can't avoid some grades.

You actually can by going Blue Ridge...Murphy as I posted earlier BUT that involves Atlanta which I will do tomorrow evening.

[ken56]

Around Franklin NC there are a couple of decent grades. You are in the mountains so you can't avoid some grades.

[Retired_JSO]

I will drive 100 miles out of my way to avoid Atlanta. Any and all of their traffic, construction and in 2004, downtown, converting 14’ lanes to 12’ lanes to, guess what, add another lane just by paint.

[jolooote]

After years of hating Atlanta, we now always go I-75 to Macon, north-East from there to 441 and up to the Smokies area.

[JoeH]

Horsedoc wrote:
I-75 to I-475 (Macon Bypass) to Ga 83 (Forsyth) to Madison, Ga. Then US 441 to Athens, Commerce, Clayton, Franklin NC, and then to Cherokee.
US441 will be 4 lane most of the way. There are still a few short stretches that are still 2 lane. After Athens is will be 4 lane all the way to Cherokee.
Shortest, least winding.

That's the way I usually take

[Belgique]

Horsedoc wrote:
I-75 to I-475 (Macon Bypass) to Ga 83 (Forsyth) to Madison, Ga. Then US 441 to Athens, Commerce, Clayton, Franklin NC, and then to Cherokee.
US441 will be 4 lane most of the way. There are still a few short stretches that are still 2 lane. After Athens is will be 4 lane all the way to Cherokee.
Shortest, least winding.

Looking at Google Maps and I can't find 441 north of Cornellia except around Cherokee. I'm guessing that it is also known as US 23? I don't have my paper maps handy.

So, 441 doesn't have many big climbs? We're in a 40'DP. Thanks much for the info.

[ken56]

I always take 441 to FL and back. Franklin area has a few steep grades but once past that its good. I manage to pull my 37 ft. TT that way just fine. Pick up US- 23 out of Jacksonville to 441

[Horsedoc]

I-75 to I-475 (Macon Bypass) to Ga 83 (Forsyth) to Madison, Ga. Then US 441 to Athens, Commerce, Clayton, Franklin NC, and then to Cherokee.
US441 will be 4 lane most of the way. There are still a few short stretches that are still 2 lane. After Athens is will be 4 lane all the way to Cherokee.
Shortest, least winding.

[accsys]

TCI wrote:
I'm leaning toward I95 to I26 to I40 to I19.

I "assume" you mean US-19. You do not want to take US-19 from I-40 to Cherokee. Instead take US-74 to just south of Cherokee and then US-441 on into Cherokee. US-19 between Cherokee and Maggie Valley has some very steep grades and sharp curves. Tractor trailers are warned not to take that route by several signs. You will find US-74 to be easier for a big rig.

[Ivylog]

I-75 to I-575(north of Atlanta) to after Blue Ridge GA. North on 60 and 60S to US 74E to Murphy and on to Cherokee. Divided 4 lane except some of 60 and on 74 through the Nantahala Gorge. No hard climbs and good roads. Do Atlanta non rush hour and go straight through on I-75.

[rv2go]

The Green River Gorge will be one of your biggest pull/descent.

I-26 West

I-26, NC, MM 65, Uphill grade, Truck lane
I-26, NC, MM 62, Top of uphill grade.
I-26, NC, MM 61, Uphill grade
I-26, NC, MM 59, Downhill
I-26, NC, MM 56, Cross the Green River Bridge, begin 7% uphill grade
I-26, NC, MM 54, Top of the grade.

Continuing on I-26 beyond Asheville there is a 6 percent down grade about the NC/TN state line.

[Paythebill]

IMHO, I would take the I95 route. I would stay away from Atlanta, even the beltways around Atlanta are a nightmare

[kerrlakeRoo]

I would go the I-95 route. And Savannah is a wonderful stop if you can afford a nite or two. Or , right off 95, Santee State park in South Carolina is a convenient stopping point with some beautiful spots this time of the year.