Best scenic drive: Durham, NC to Nashville, TN (Greensboro, Asheville: construction, living in)

[RDU2Nash]

Hello everyone,


I am moving from Durham to Nashville in middle June. I am considering driving instead of flying there.

The trip will be around 523 miles. Any suggestion for this road trip? Where to stop for a scenic view?

I am not a long distance driver. My record is two-hour drive up to now. So I was also wondering whether this trip is as easy as it looks like--just follow I-40 west. As a girl, I also have concerns with safety during stops. That is not necessary, right?

Look forward to hearing your suggestions. Thanks in advance.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by RDU2Nash

Hello everyone,


I am moving from Durham to Nashville in middle June. I am considering driving instead of flying there.

The trip will be around 523 miles. Any suggestion for this road trip? Where to stop for a scenic view?

I am not a long distance driver. My record is two-hour drive up to now. So I was also wondering whether this trip is as easy as it looks like--just follow I-40 west. As a girl, I also have concerns with safety during stops. That is not necessary, right?

Look forward to hearing your suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Well, once you get near Morganton heading toward Asheville the view will just get nicer and nicer. The drive from Asheville to the state line can be VERY intimidating. I know people who avoid it because of how winding the interstate is in that part, not to mention all the up and down of being in the mountains. Me personally, I LOVE it as its a bit like a roller coaster And the scenery is gorgeous!

I HATE, HATE going thru Knoxville - the interstate there has been under construction and road work for years and if you hit it at the wrong time you will be in some bad back ups. Once you get past it though the ride is no problem all the way to Nashville. You'll go thru another mountainous area where the grade is steep, but it's not nearly so scary as that area of wilderness between Asheville and the state line.

Since you aren't used to long distance driving I think you better plan to spend the night somewhere on the road.

[Asheville Native]

I40 is about the only reasonable option unless you choose to way out of your way.

You can get past Greensboro, Winston, Asheville without getting into the city traffic on the interstate, but sounds like Knoxville might be a different story.

I40 through "The Gorge" can be an interesting ride. 2 lanes, very little shoulder, walled in by concrete barriers, and lots of 18 wheelers. The trucks are supposed to stay in the right lane, but don't count on it.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by Asheville Native

I40 is about the only reasonable option unless you choose to way out of your way.

You can get past Greensboro, Winston, Asheville without getting into the city traffic on the interstate, but sounds like Knoxville might be a different story.

I40 through "The Gorge" can be an interesting ride. 2 lanes, very little shoulder, walled in by concrete barriers, and lots of 18 wheelers. The trucks are supposed to stay in the right lane, but don't count on it.

Yep, it ain't for the faint of heart!!

[trese]

When travelling alone, be aware of your surrounding when you make rest stops.

[jlrich]

Driving through the Pigeon River Gorge can be a bit intimidating but if you've been living in the Durham traffic you shouldn't have any trouble. Just slow down and take your time.

As far as Knoxville, take by-pass I-640. It should get you around Knoxville quicker and away from the construction.

Good luck in Nashville, it's one of my favorite places to be. I'd love to live there.

[Catrick]

I travel alone quite frequently to Florida. As stated, when you stop, just be aware of your surroundings. On I-95, I usually stop at the rest stops and have had no problems. You might be more comfortable at stopping at gas stations travel centers or restaurants. And if it comes to driving at night, that is where I definitely stop.

We are making the trip to Nashville in June so I was glad to get the advice given out here. Alas, I am faint of heart. Looks like my husband may be doing most of the driving!

Good luck and be careful.

[RDU2Nash]

Thank you for your suggestions!

I would miss NC so much. Six years just passed, so quickly. I would love to tour around NC before I relocate to TN.

[ElementalBob]

The easiest route that I have found is to take I-40 to Winston, then US-52/I-77 to I-81, then I-81 down to I-40. Overall, tbe roads are better and it is within 5 miles of the distance of taking I-40 straight through. There are great views as you climb into the mountains.

[hapaleeretired]

I40 through "The Gorge" can be an interesting ride. 2 lanes, very little shoulder, walled in by concrete barriers, and lots of 18 wheelers. The trucks are supposed to stay in the right lane, but don't count on it.[/quote]
A beautiful way to avoid this is to take US25/70 between Asheville and Newport TN. At times it runs along the French Broad River. It is a beautiful drive and, unless you are unlucky and get behind a truck, you don't lose any time.