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This is a great opportunity to see some of the county. There is not reason to fear mountains, they are beautiful and kids drive through them all the time.
Mammoth caves is kinda on the way.
I like Merramec caverns in Missouri better. Not as big/dramatic, but there is a great campground. Cool zip line course and the caves have remarkable history (Jesse James).
Lots of other things you can see along the way if you alter your route a bit. This is an opportunity you may never have again.
I don't think you'll have much to worry about. My family drove 81 from Scranton, Pa to Knoxville, where we picked up 40 to Nashville, Tn. You won't have anything to worry about. You'll still be in mountains but the interstates leveled some of the roadway. If you were going further east, closer to the Smoky Mountains, you'd see more of the mountain route.
Have a safe trip and hope you get to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Yes, you will have to go over the mountain - you won't have any choice unless you REALLY want to go 100's of miles out of your way.
YES, it will be slow going up and difficult going back down. I suggest that you don't try it on a weekend day when traffic will be heavier. Don't try it at night, either.
Federal standards mandate that all Interstate highways have 2 lanes in each direction, so there will always be room to pass, and to be passed. In addition, grades can't be too steep, or curves too sharp; you're much safer on an Interstate than a conventional highway. The most dangerous single weather factor isn't rain, snow or ice, but fog, so don't start out too early, or stay on the road too late, and check the local weather conditions -- often available from State Police at rest stops.
And remember, most of those folks in the cabs of those 18-wheelers are playing for the good guys. Enjoy what's likely to be a memorable trip.
Thanks so much for the feedback. I figure we drive 10 hours a day. Leaving Maryland at 7am we can get to Nashville no later than 6pm. Stay in a hotel for the night and day 2 hitting the road at 7am again and reach Dallas around 6pm.
I81 down to i40 is fairly hilly though not mountainous. It is a lovely and scenic drive.
I40 through Tennessee is also fairly hilly in places though less so than I81. Also a nice drive.
I40 from Memphis to Little Rock is pretty flat and not all that interesting.
I haven't driven I30. We stayed on I40 all the way to Arizona.
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