Ohio to HELEN, Ga question

While I use 68, I would not recommend it...narrow and curvy. 23 to 441 would be a much better choice.

US-129 is not your friend in this case.

Ivylog wrote:
While I use 68, I would not recommend it...narrow and curvy. 23 to 441 would be a much better choice.

Where would I get on 23to 441? I40 near Waynesville?

I also would use TN-68, NC-294 and US-129. But they do take you thru the mountains. If you do come this way take US-129 to Cleveland GA, then over to Helen. Do not take GA-348 into Helen, and don’t take US-129 from Knoxville. The flat and straight way to Helen is from the south. Any way there from the north will be thru the mountains.

Do not take 129. How experienced are you in mountain driving? Your best route is I-40 to 74, exit 27, the Smoky Mountain Expressway, over to US23. Well marked and easy to follow. You will have a good up hill pull around Franklin. That is the only major grade really. Then pick up 255/17 into Clarkesville and on to Hellen.


We stayed at the Unicoi Springs Coast to Coast park. The state park and lodge there are reportedly nice too. Don't know about what the campground can accomodate.

I am an admitted flat lander. I don’t like curvy, hilly narrow roads. There, I said it.

The DP does ok up hills but going around curves downhill next to a semi is not fun.

I’ll stay off 129.

BTW, supplies/fuel are at Ingles on the north side of Cleveland or Walmart south of Cleveland. There is a grocery store in Helen but it's limited and rather expensive. Liquor is sold only in Helen. If you need service try Cleveland Diesel or Dalton Automotive for a toad.

Well, it won't be exactly flat but your DP should be capable. You are in the TN/NC/GA mountains. The roads are pretty good if you stay to the main routes and don't try to take a short cut.


Past Newport TN you will be entering the Pigeon River Gorge. Its a beautiful drive but it has curves and gradual grades. Pull into the truck lane and stay there and go with the flow. There is one tunnel with plenty of clearance and good lighting. Make sure you go to exit 27. The earlier exit for Waynesville will just put you in traffic and slow you down going around town. Mind you, Waynesville is a nice town for a stop if you need a break, plus there are a couple nice campgrounds for an overnight at exit 20, RT276.


You want exit 81 off the Smoky Mountain Expressway at Dillsboro, then you will be on 23.