newbie driver... easy routes to drive

[terrific104]

Hi u all amazing guys,,,

I am M22 (international student ) and am a new driver....planning this weekedn to drive from lexington KY to Greenville SC...

Can some one pls advice me which routes are easier and enjoyable to drive...I want to enjy the drive rather than worrying about safety ( of course I am not speeding but typical first time highway driver stress)

like may be take state highway or toll or avoid that route....

Anyway thanks for visiting this post guys....

[glc]

Welcome!

The safest route would in fact be the Interstate highways - I-75 to Knoxville, then I-640/I-40 to Asheville, I-26 to East Flat Rock, then US-25 and US-276 to Greenville. This is 340 miles and can be done in less than 7 hours.

There are no toll roads in that area of the country, and the only alternates are somewhat slow-going mountain highways. If you are planning on making the drive in one day, stick to the Interstates.

[Foy]

Hello terrific104,

Any route through the Cumberland Plateau and the Blue Ridge Mountains OTHER than what glc recommended will be a very poor substitute and would most likely add to any anxiety you feel about the "first time trip".

Be aware, however, the traffic on I-75 between Lexington and Knoxville, as well as I-40 from Knoxville to the foot of the Blue Ridge, REALLY flies. The last few trips I made on each of those routes left me shaking my head at the speed of the truck traffic, in particular.

You'll be wise to keep to the right except when actively passing, particularly on the downhill segments, where the trucks typically barrel downhill at 80 mph or more. Just watch your mirrors and don't get stuck out in the left or middle lane when faster traffic is approaching from behind and you'll be fine.

You'll see some pretty country on your RoadTrip. Enjoy!

Foy

[terrific104]

Welcome!

The safest route would in fact be the Interstate highways - I-75 to Knoxville, then I-640/I-40 to Asheville, I-26 to East Flat Rock, then US-25 and US-276 to Greenville. This is 340 miles and can be done in less than 7 hours.

There are no toll roads in that area of the country, and the only alternates are somewhat slow-going mountain highways. If you are planning on making the drive in one day, stick to the Interstates.

Thanks a lot glc..that helps

[terrific104]

Hello terrific104,

Any route through the Cumberland Plateau and the Blue Ridge Mountains OTHER than what glc recommended will be a very poor substitute and would most likely add to any anxiety you feel about the "first time trip".

Be aware, however, the traffic on I-75 between Lexington and Knoxville, as well as I-40 from Knoxville to the foot of the Blue Ridge, REALLY flies. The last few trips I made on each of those routes left me shaking my head at the speed of the truck traffic, in particular.

You'll be wise to keep to the right except when actively passing, particularly on the downhill segments, where the trucks typically barrel downhill at 80 mph or more. Just watch your mirrors and don't get stuck out in the left or middle lane when faster traffic is approaching from behind and you'll be fine.

You'll see some pretty country on your RoadTrip. Enjoy!

Foy

Thanks foy for your insights...I will do that and let you know how it went :-)