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09-22-2017, 07:20 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
2015 30' Classic
Saint Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 188
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Georgia routing
We're heading from Northeaster FL to Blairsville GA the first wk of October. Planning on 75 north to Macon, 129 no to 441 past Athens. From there it looks like 441 into Demorest, then 115 NW to 129 north into Blairsville. To those who have traveled those roads before what d'ya think. Any better ways to get there. How are the roads that I've chosen. I see no need to get involved with the Atlanta chaos to get there.
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09-22-2017, 03:14 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Viera
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,296
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Yikes! US-129 is the worst mountain pass in Georgia. Here’s how I go. US-441 from I-10 all the way to Clayton, GA then US-76 west to Blairsville. I have also taken the route through Atlanta: I-75 to I-575 to US-76. Its not too bad if you pass through the city between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Stay on I -75 through town, don’t take the bypass I-285. There are no mountain passes to negotiate on the route through Atlanta. On my other route it’s a little windy on US-76, but nothing like you will encounter on US-129. I have family in that area so I travel up there a lot.
__________________
Randy & Pat Godfrey
Florida Airstream Club (027)
ACI# 1212 - AIR# 17017
2014 27FB Flying Cloud - SilverCabin II
2018 F-150 Platinum - unnamed
The best part of any trip is when you pull away from home.
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09-23-2017, 04:15 AM
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#3
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Reads a lot
2017 30' Classic
Titusville
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,209
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I agree with staying OFF of 129. It's just too hard and I am not sure it's even doable with a trailer. 441 is great, no problems at all and I just drove that route last week coming out of Helen. 76 is much better than 129. Just my opinion. Ga state road 75 just north of Helen is not advisable so avoid that road altogether.
__________________
Lauri
She Believed She Could so She Did.
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09-23-2017, 06:15 AM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
2015 30' Classic
Saint Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 188
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Thanks for the heads up about 129. Looks like 441 merges with 129 just north of Eatonton and then takes off on its own just north of Athens. Couple of questions, do you stay on 441/129 right through Athens ? What's the best way to get around the city?
If I decided on taking 441 right off of I-10, I know you said the road is 4 lanes. Does it go through every whistle stop on the way up with lots of traffic lights ? We know that although 75 is boring as hell, the speed average would probably be 60-65 mph. What would I expect on 441 average?
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09-23-2017, 06:54 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Viera
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,296
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Correct about the merge. There are bypasses around the larger towns including Athens. Take them if you’re trying to make time. The bypass around Athens is like an interstate. Take the route around the east side. Some towns are nice to drive through though, like Madison, if you have the time. 441 is four lanes in some places, but two lane much of the way. I set my speed control at 60 and rarely had to pass anyone other than the occasional farm tractor. You could probably expect to average 50 – 55 but it wouldn’t be a boring ride. Lots of truck stops, gas stations and chain restaurants where 441 crosses the interstates. There is also a Starbucks, if you’re a fan, in a big parking lot north of Milledgeville, where 441 bypass and 441 come back together. Makes for a nice coffee break.
__________________
Randy & Pat Godfrey
Florida Airstream Club (027)
ACI# 1212 - AIR# 17017
2014 27FB Flying Cloud - SilverCabin II
2018 F-150 Platinum - unnamed
The best part of any trip is when you pull away from home.
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09-23-2017, 07:36 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2017 19' International
Tallahassee
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 938
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We took your route a month ago, but only to Helen, to watch the eclipse (stayed at the Top of Georgia Airstream Park).
The 129 route from Macon to Athens is good, and so is 441 up toward Demorest, as you've laid it out. I'd endorse your route, as far as I've traveled it.
I've not tried 129 from Cleveland to Blairsville, so can't help you there.
We took U.S. 19 up to Macon, instead of I-75 (which ranks No. 2 on my Interstate Hate List, after I-95). Excellent — 4 lanes, smooth pavement, not much traffic. But that might be a bit of a reach, coming from NE Florida.
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09-23-2017, 10:22 AM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member
2015 30' Classic
Saint Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 188
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441
so far I really like what I see with the route 441 north out of FL. We'll be doing a stop over about 1/2 way on the way up, which puts us near Dublin, GA. We prefer overnighting at a full hook up park and the only one I can find up there ( within reason) is a place called Honeysuckle, right off of 16 at Dublin. Only problem is their reviews are fine EXCEPT if there is rain. Reviews indicate the gravel turns to a lot of mud, so if the weather report calls for rain on the night of our stopover, that may question that decision. I, too would prefer to stay away from I-75, way too boring. Anyone have any experience with that park or any others in that general area?
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09-23-2017, 12:14 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Viera
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,296
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Haven’t stayed there, but I have stopped at the campground on the south side of Milledgeville. It was fine as I remember it.
__________________
Randy & Pat Godfrey
Florida Airstream Club (027)
ACI# 1212 - AIR# 17017
2014 27FB Flying Cloud - SilverCabin II
2018 F-150 Platinum - unnamed
The best part of any trip is when you pull away from home.
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09-23-2017, 02:55 PM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Ocala
, Florida
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 72
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I am heading to that area on Oct 9th (Vogel St Park) near Blairsville from Florida and will take 75 - 475(macon Bypass) - 75 -- 675 -285 - 85 up thru Dahlonega and over 129 to Vogel.
I have done this many times with various rigs including the Airstream. It is a twisty road but much of the uphill side has 2 uphill lanes. You just take your time and use your gearing on the descent.
I pull with a 2016 F150 Platinum with the v-6 3.5 EccoBoost. No problems
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09-23-2017, 03:42 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
2016 23' International
Loudon
, Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 58
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I have made the 129 route many times from Blairsville to Cleveland and vice versa. I tow a 23D with a 2015 F150 V8 and have no problems. I have even towed my AS over Richard Russel scenic hwy - now that was an experience.
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09-24-2017, 04:53 AM
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#11
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Reads a lot
2017 30' Classic
Titusville
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,209
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There is a perimeter road around Athens ( Ga-10) which is 4 lanes, great to avoid going through Athens. My Average speed was 60, that includes stop lights so I didn't think that was too bad and it's a much more interesting drive than all interstate driving.
I have driven Atlanta to Orlando hundreds of times and had always used the interstate but since I have the Airstream I would prefer using either the 441 or 19 route. Much more interesting Drive. I will still use I-75 when driving solo since I usually drive 80mph but with the AS I never go over 65 anyway so the more scenic route is much nicer.
Hope this helps.
__________________
Lauri
She Believed She Could so She Did.
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09-24-2017, 06:32 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2017 19' International
Tallahassee
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 938
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... but with the AS I never go over 65 anyway so the more scenic route is much nicer.
Same here.
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10-02-2017, 04:41 PM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member
2015 30' Classic
Saint Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 188
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Georgia Routing
Well we're leaving tomorrow morning and this is how it shakes out:
From: Saint Augustine - route 16, 100, 41, 10, 75 North to Elko Ga where we are overnighting at Twin Oaks RV park. (I wanted to go 441, but we decided since we would be doing state roads on the 2nd day, the express route was better the first day.).
Next day, back to 75N, to Macon, around Macon ( I guess on 10) to 441 north to 23 to Clayton and then west on 76 to Blairsville.
We'll post feedback and I'd like to post pics, but every time I try, it tells me my pics are too large. Any help on that would be appreciated.
Ed
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10-02-2017, 07:15 PM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Ocala
, Florida
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 72
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Quote:
Originally Posted by accordionman
Well we're leaving tomorrow morning and this is how it shakes out:
From: Saint Augustine - route 16, 100, 41, 10, 75 North to Elko Ga where we are overnighting at Twin Oaks RV park. (I wanted to go 441, but we decided since we would be doing state roads on the 2nd day, the express route was better the first day.).
Next day, back to 75N, to Macon, around Macon ( I guess on 10) to 441 north to 23 to Clayton and then west on 76 to Blairsville.
We'll post feedback and I'd like to post pics, but every time I try, it tells me my pics are too large. Any help on that would be appreciated.
Ed
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where are you camping ?
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10-02-2017, 08:33 PM
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#15
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1 Rivet Member
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
Decatur
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 19
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Top of Georgia is a good price for full hooks ups and on the way to FL. Lots is AS people come through. Saw a bunch this weekend.
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10-03-2017, 05:17 AM
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#16
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3 Rivet Member
2015 30' Classic
Saint Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 188
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Ga Routing
MikeBern,
Overnighter on the way up is Twin Oaks Campground in Elko, Ga
4 nights in Blairsville @ Cross Creeks RV Park.
Ed
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10-03-2017, 06:18 PM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Ocala
, Florida
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 72
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Quote:
Originally Posted by accordionman
MikeBern,
Overnighter on the way up is Twin Oaks Campground in Elko, Ga
4 nights in Blairsville @ Cross Creeks RV Park.
Ed
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We head up to the Blairsville Area on Monday 10/9 for a week --- we will be staying at Vogel State park
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10-10-2017, 08:11 AM
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#18
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2 Rivet Member
Cherryville
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 42
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We where just there this last weekend . Took the grand kids to Mercier Orchard to pick apples great stop several nice spots to camp
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10-11-2017, 10:31 AM
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#19
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3 Rivet Member
2015 30' Classic
Saint Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 188
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Trip report:
As far as the routing is concerned the caution about route 19 and 129 on the last leg to Blairsville is correct....Yikes ! Can it be done? sure, but it would be a lot of work. From FL we went I 75 to Elko @ route 26 where we exited and stayed at Twin Oaks RV park. Cute little place. Very clean. Nice people, very accommodating. If you stay there, make sure you keep the windows closed when you sleep, otherwise the noise from 75 will awaken you VERY early.
2nd day routing: 75 N, 23/441 to Clayton, 76 West into Blairsville. 23/441 once you get beyond Macon gets real confusing and on the way up, we, inadvertently, ended up on Historic 441, nice, but a bit too slow. We corrected that on the way home. 76 West is fairly windy from Clayton to Hiawasse, but not as bad as 19 or 17. It then straightens out for the remainder of the way to Blairsville.
Crossing Creek is where we stayed in Blairsville. The most expensive park we ever stayed in, but we've only been RV ing for 3 mos. However, the amenities were incredible. This is a state of the art park. Facilities were on a par with luxury hotels.
The area is really pretty. Unfortunately, we were early for fall colors, but nonetheless had a great time. There is a sight seeing train from Blue Ridge up to McCaysville. It's about $50/person, depending on some rather irrelevant discounts. Don't waste your money. We drove up through NC and then TN and then back to Blue Ridge/Blairsville. A really nice drive; saw more and it cost me only 4 gals of diesel. That beats the hell out of $ 100.00. Further McCaysville, where the train stops for 1-2 hours, was mostly BBQ and hamburger joints. Cute town, but really nothing there. The truck ride was better.
Closing: If I were to do this trip again, I would do the same routing and stay in the same parks.
Ed
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10-12-2017, 04:48 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2017 19' International
Tallahassee
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 938
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Tell us more about the "Yikes!"
I go up to North Georgia every now and then, but only once pulling the trailer. Keen to learn my way around, Yikes!-free.
Your trip report has been very interesting. Thanks for the details of how it worked out.
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