MI to NC avoiding WV turnpike: any suggestions?

[atgordon]

Hi, we have a 35' travel trailer (Travel Rite), and plan a move to North Carolina in the near future.  We have a C2500 turbo diesel truck and she pulls the trailer well around MI, which has the fewest hills in the lower 48, and not one mountain in the lower peninsula.  She doesn't like long climbs we find in northwest MI, and the road from Charleston through to the VA border is a switchback to a flat-lander like me.  Any suggestions on avoiding the WV turnpike and finding something less challenging ... I accept that we may have to head towards DC or Knoxville to get round the Blue Ridge, pretty as it is ... anyone had any experience making the journey as a flatlander?

Appreciate any suggestions!  Thanks, ATG

 

[Wizard46]

How about Nashville then take I-40 East toward Ashville

 

[Just Lou]

How about Nashville then take I-40 East toward Ashville

I can't see where that would be an improvement.  Knoxville to Asheville is just as mountainous as WV. 

Depending on where in NC the OP is moving, a more easterly route could be chosen.

 

[Cant Wait]

Unless you want to go 4-500 miles out of your way I don't see asny way to avoid the hills to get from Mi to NC. I you must it'd be all the way the the Miss river then south way below NC and the back East and they North to Nc.

 

[John From Detroit]

How about Nashville then take I-40 East toward Ashville

I will seond that, I-75 south to Tenesee and hang a left to Ashville on I-40, That is, in fact, how I did it.  There are a few other freeways in there too but it's nearly all (if not all) freeway..

I winter in SC (Western SC 3 miles from GA off i-85) but last year I went to GA via Ashville, spent one night at the Ashville Moose, did some shopping in Ashville before heading for Townsend GA, then Darian (Next town) and my Darling Daughter.

There are some long grades as I recall, but nothing my 8.1L Vortec complained about. 

I've also taken the mountain roads.. IT COMPLAINED!!  So did my brakes. 

By the way, Microsoft S&T did the major routing, I sometimes do a bit of "Override"

As you go south you will find a Wal-Mart just off I-75 at exit 76 and again at I think 39 (Corbin) you might want to stop in Corbin, Drop the trailer and find the KFC, the Corbin KFC is ... Kind of different.

 

[BruceinFL]

If you are moving to NC, you might as well just jump in to the hill driving and get used to it 'cause there ain't too much flat land in NC.

 

[atgordon]

Many thanks for the suggestions ... I'd like to avoid Asheville: it's a long time since I was there, but I remember very hilly roads.  Although a lot longer, I was looking at I-76 to south of Pittsburgh and picking up I-81S.  Not sure how the roads are around Roanoke and to the south on State Highway 220 - I don't see a lot of hills showing on Google Earth!  Adds 120+ miles but I think I'd prefer a longer but easier drive.

In terms of the future ... once we are moved to NC, our trips are going to be along the coast highway mostly to the south, which looks pretty level.  We are not inland or mountain folks! We like the water, but not the MI winters! 

 

[Steve & Linda]

FYI on the I-81: Lots of truck traffic and lots of up, down, curve/curve/curve; with road repair crews ever present, even at night (not during winter months). Used to live in WV and moved to SC via a short time in NC. You will be hard-pressed to get around Western NC without dealing wih some mountain travel but is doable. We're talking primarily interstate travel so grades are manageable.

 

[atgordon]

Thanks Steve and Linda, I think we are looking at I-81 and appreciate your info.  We'll take our time, and thankfully the air temps are low ... our truck doesn't like long hot summer climbs!  ATG

 

[jorboy]

Hey Atgordon what is wrong with our MI winters? We only got 8" more of the white stuff today here in the UP. Anyway to decide to go you are going to run into some rather large hills at the very least. Just drop down a few gears on the tranny and climb your way up. Also use your tranny to slow down instead of just relying on your brakes. Good luck with your move!

 

[Frank Hurst]

I have a 38' Phaeton MH with a Malibu in tow and have driven the WV turnpike three time without a problem. You will have as much or more problems on I-40 at the Tenn/NC line and on toward Ashville as you will have on the WV turnpike. Of course, I-40 into NC is not bad, just slow down and take your time. I have driven I-40 into NC at least 6 - 8 times.  I-26 and I-77 coming off I-81 have a short area of steep grades, but nothing to worry about. Just gear down and take it easy.

Frank

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

You can take I70 east to I81 and then south. It's a bit out of the way, but probably the flattest route of those mentioned. I81 is what I would call rolling hills - nothing difficult at all.