Los Angels to NYC - Road trip itinerary suggestion needed

[DianaRo]

Hi,

My boyfriend and I planning a road trip from Los Angeles to NYC in the end of this month for 26 days.

Would love to hear your thoughts. Do you suggest any changes? How would you recommend to divide our time?
Regarding the places I've marked in yellow I have a few questions:
1 - Would you recommend after Grand Canyon to stop at Durango (to do the white water rafting) or drive directly to on route 66 to Santa Fe?
2 - After New Orleans is it recommended to stop at Memphis or drive directly to Nashville?
3 - After Nashville would your recommend to visit Great Smoky Mountains National park or Chicago? (I think due to time limitation we can choose only one place)

Last thing, would recommend to make a stop in Albuquerque?

Many Thanks!