NYC to Atlanta - June 2nd -June 4th

[gadha]

Hi all,

My wife and I are planning to drive from NYC to Atlanta.

Departure: 2nd June evening (plan to stay overnight with friends in Baltimore/DC)
Arrival: 4th June around 6pm.

Can anyone please give an idea of the best route to take? We love the scenic views. A little bit of research shows that the choice of routes are:

1. I-95/I-85
2. Shenandoah Valley on I-81
3. Scenic 2-lanes through Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway.

Which would be the best of these three? Pros and cons of each? Would 2 days be enough to stop and take in the views and then drive along?

Will look forward to hearing! Thanks!!

[glc]

I would do a combination of (2) and (3). The nice thing about Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway is its proximity to I-81, when you have had enough, or you start running into a time crunch, you can jump off over to 81 and press on. The only downside to Skyline/BRP is it's very slow going. There are several ways to get to Atlanta from I-81 - the quickest ones are I-77/I-85, I-26/I-85, and I-40/I-75. I would try to make it at least to Wytheville the first night, it's 400 miles from there to Atlanta via Interstates.

[gadha]

Thanks GLC,

I've decided to do both and will enter Shenandoah and then drive all the way on Skyline Drive and BRP till Roanoke before hitting I-81. Your point about getting back on to I-81 whenever I want to was especially useful:)

[gadha]

I would do a combination of (2) and (3). The nice thing about Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway is its proximity to I-81, when you have had enough, or you start running into a time crunch, you can jump off over to 81 and press on. The only downside to Skyline/BRP is it's very slow going. There are several ways to get to Atlanta from I-81 - the quickest ones are I-77/I-85, I-26/I-85, and I-40/I-75. I would try to make it at least to Wytheville the first night, it's 400 miles from there to Atlanta via Interstates.

Quick Question....what do I put in my GPS if I need to go on a particular road instead of reaching a particular destination? The GPS always tends to take the interstate!

[Midwest Michael]

I'd say you'd have 3 options.

First you can look at your GPSs manual and see if it will let you manually plot a route.

second, you could enter an intermediate destination that is on the two lane road you want to travel.

or three (and what I would do), grab your paper map and turn off the GPS. Go where you want to go, and if you need to start making time and/or heading to a specific destination, then turn it back on again.

[glc]

People tend to place way too much reliance on a GPS. It is a device made to help you, not rule your every move! I only use mine to help me get through cities and towns, not lead me down every highway.