Route to Murphy NC from Athens GA

Question

We will be going to Murphy, NC in a few weeks and the most direct route is straight up US129. We've been on that road up to Cornelia, GA and it is fine, mostly 4 lane, but we don't know what it is like north of there. US129 goes through the Chattahoochee National Forest through there and appears, on a map, to have some twists and turns. Looking at our Truck/RV Atlas it does not appear to be "restricted" but we all know that still does not mean it is a comfortable route!

Can anyone provide any knowledge of US129 in this area or provide an alternate route? We will be in a 36' Class A.

lizzie · Answer

From Cleveland GA to Blairsville GA US 129 climbs up to Neals Gap and is very steep and winding. We do not use that road, even when not towing. An alternative route is to go through Dawsonvlle GA and through "Apple Valley" to GA 5/515 just north of Elijay. you can then go to Blue Ridge and on to Blairsville. This route is about 14 miles longer but is faster and avoids any steep grades. lizzie

emily_eisenman · Answer

Thank you Lizzie!Looks like we could get on 136 in Gainesville and take that to Ellijay then take 515/76, and pick up 60 north of Blue Ridge and take that right in to Murphy. If you know of any issues on this route, please let me know.

klueck · Answer

Izzie is absolutely correct.We travel from Tampa to Blairsville to our rv lot and we avoid 129 from Cleveland to Blairsville, like the plague!515 through Ellijay is a nice 2 lane each road with little traffic. No significant curves and the elevation climbs very gradually.  We don't particularly like 120 from Cleveland to Blairsville in our car.....Its a famous motorcycle route if that helps you.  Once you get to Blairsville 129 is fine.Safe travels.Go to ShoeBooties restaurant in Murphy.

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Route to Murphy NC from Athens GA

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