Florida to Colorado

Hi all!
My husband, preteen, and I are planning to drive out to Gunnison, CO from Central Florida the end of August for my sister's wedding. I have read through many of the threads that cover this road trip and I see that there are a number of you who have experience with many of the routes/roads. I am using the Advanced Map to plot our stops and sights and thought I'd start querying you all to get some advice.

The first leg of our journey, we are considering a stopover in Mobile, AL, and then hitting DeSoto National Forest for a hike the next day. I'm looking at taking Hwy 49 from there through Jackson, MS, but have read that stretches of it are under construction. Is it worth taking or should we go across Hwy 98 and up I-55?

Thanks in advance!
MJ

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

It seems like you've got a good start on your planning.

I'm not familiar with any specifics of construction, other than to say that on a trip of this length, you're almost certainly going to run into it somewhere along the way no matter which route you take. Even if there is construction, it doesn't mean it would cause any significant delays.

I would plan on using US-49, but take advantage of the traffic function of google maps to see if there are any significant sections of delays on your day of travel and if there are, then look to take other routes that would be a better option.

I wouldn't worry about US-49 unless you hit it at rush hour. Even then, it shouldn't be too bad. I'm typing this at 5:30 pm EDT (Monday) and Google Maps is not showing any significant delays between Hattiesburg and Jackson.

Whatever route you choose, I highly recommend that you consider using the WASE app along the way. It has gotten me around traffic jams several times.

Two days ago, I was driving through Detroit with my daughter. Her iPhone map showed no problem, while WASE directed us to get off I-75, take a detour for a couple miles, and then get back on I-75. Traffic was moving faster than the speed limit, so I drove past the exit anyway. Now WASE directed me to get off at the next exit but I ignored that too. Of course, a couple miles further, traffic came to a standstill and we were stuck there. The iPhone map never warned us about it.

Sometimes there is no way around traffic jams, but at least with an app such as WASE, the map will show just how far ahead it continues; there’s some comfort in that.

There's a rule of thumb: There are two seasons on the road, winter and construction. As has been said, construction is going to be inevitable along the way someplace. I like Travelingman's suggestion of the app.

Bear in mind, that with a trip of about 1900 miles, you're looking at 4 days driving one way. That would mean about 475 miles per day, plus extra time for hikes, stops, etc.


Donna

I like to plan on averaging 50 mph. True, you might drive 70 or 75 most of the time, but you’ll be stopping for gas and food; maybe for a restroom. You’ll be delayed by traffic, construction, accidents, rain etc.

You’ll probably average better than 50, but you’ll never get the mileage shown on map apps.

I just took a short trip of 360 miles. The app said it would take about 5 1/2 hours but it actually took me 7 hours, partly due to backup from an accident in a construction zone. And whenever possible, I seldom drive below the speed limit; enough said.

I just drove from Joplin to Memphis and back. Google estimated 5 hours 55 minutes. Took 7 hours to get there with a gas stop, potty stops, and delays getting into Memphis due to Thursday rush hour and the I-40 bridge closure. Return trip on Sunday took 6 hours 15 minutes, potty stops but no gas stop or traffic.