Central Virginia to Pensacola, FL.

[alphamale49]

Can anyone suggest a safe route from Central Virginia to Pensacola, FL? Traveling from Madison, Virginia in my 28 foot International. Absolutely want to avoid Atlanta, GA and Interstate 95 and any other terrifying places. Not in any particular hurry and can stay at intermediate places along the way. Thanks.

[Lily&Me]

Let us know when you plan to leave...


Maggie

[AWCHIEF]

Agree about Atlanta. I hate driving anywhere near that town. I happily drive 100 miles out of my way to by pass it several times a year.
Consider driving over to the coast, head south and take a right at Jacksonville to Pensacola.

[pmclemore]

I'd take I-81 to 40 and Knoxville, head to Chattanooga and then south around (bypass) Birmingham, and then find your way to Pensacola.

Plenty of campgrounds and places of interest (depending on yours).

Pat

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by pmclemore

I'd take I-81 to 40 and Knoxville, head to Chattanooga and then south around (bypass) Birmingham, and then find your way to Pensacola.

Plenty of campgrounds and places of interest (depending on yours).

Pat

That sounds like a good route. I have made basically that same run twice this year.

[slowmover]

I agree with that as I've been been thru the area a few dozen times this past year. The one recommendation I'd make is to hit Knoxville early in the day. Prior to noon.

It's a bottleneck and traffic is "heavy" from 75-miles out in any direction. Worsens as the day goes on. Genuinely bad past 1500. Too much commercial traffic and artificially low speed limits as a result.

Beware of fog in forecast.

[StrmyWeather]

Originally Posted by pmclemore

I'd take I-81 to 40 and Knoxville, head to Chattanooga and then south around (bypass) Birmingham, and then find your way to Pensacola.

Plenty of campgrounds and places of interest (depending on yours).

Pat

This is a good route as you've discounted Atlanta and I-95 (how can they be terrifying for an alphamale? ) . Otherwise you'll be going back roads (which can be really nice and a good way to see the southeast) but that'll take more time, some planning with routes and places to stay, etc, and more defined by your criteria so harder for others to help with. It would be my preference if time allowed.

[jimfa440]

My last trip was through Chattanooga, out I24 to I59, Birmingham, I65 at Montgomery and head south. That's a much better route than I75 through or around Atlanta, that road will shake your teeth out.

[driftwood1]

I agree with this. Knoxville to Chattanooga not too crowded and pretty drive, but it can jam up coming off the mountain into Chattanooga. I 59 from Chattanooga to Birmingham not crowded, and beautiful. Can then bypass Birmingham on I-459 to hit I-65 South. But time your pass through Birmingham to avoid the 1-459/65 interchange between 4 and 6 pm, very crowded for the 20 miles or so south of the this interchange as everyone heads to suburbs from the city at end of work day.

And best way to get to Pensacola from I-65 is Exit 113 at Flomaton.

[alphamale49]

Well. It happens. Found a BIG dent in the roof of my 2017 Airstream! Meteor? I have no idea. Nice settlement from Geico. Awaiting repairs, two panels will be replaced. Pensacola plans are on hold and may even be changed. Staying at TAPS in Asheville until then. PA 880 south from Antes Fort, PA to 80 West to Bellefonte PA, then South on US 220/99 to Bedford, PA. US 30 East to 70 south to 81 South to 66 East to Front Royal, VA. 522 south to Madison, VA. Then 29 south to 64 west and over the Blue Ridge back to 81 south. After 1 night at Mayberry NC, 40 west to Asheville. Whew, all typed from memory. Thanks everybody for your feedback and happy New Year!