Monteagle, TN (drive, limit, roads)

[shinestx]

I-24 is tons more safe than the two-lane alternatives. Also, that stretch of Interstate is far safer now than twenty years ago. The only part that makes me even remotely nervous is the sharp curve at the western end (downhill side) of the west-bound lanes.

Here's some advice for handling that (or any other parts):
Stay in the right (outside) lane and slow down to 45 (you don't want to go any slower than that!!!!) as you descend from that rest stop at the top to the curve. I'm pretty sure the speed posting is 45MPH (if not 50)... but you can help yourself very much if you don't have a lot of cars around you. When you go down, make sure you have space on both sides just to negotiate the turns. So if you have to do so, travel at non-peak times. I find that one car on my left can make it seem like I'm boxed in and heightens my anxiety. Otherwise, going down the mountain on the Eastbound side is very safe (keep it at around 55MPH) with three wide lanes, and keep in mind (God forbid) if you need the runaway vehicle berms on the inside, then they are there. Of course, you should always have your brakes checked and replaced according to the manufacturers specs. Good luck.

[jamalc]

There is no big deal about driving I-24 through Monteagle. There are many Mountain highways all across the country. Try driving through the Mighty Rockies in the West. The Rockies are hiundreds of miles long and several hundred miles wide in various places. I've been coming through Monteagle for over 45 years from Chicago to Atlanta. Before I-24 was constructed most all traffic took U.S. 41. It was the main highway from Chicago to Miami. Imagine the traffic on two lane U.S.41, which is far more curvy and dangerous than I-24.

My advice is drive careful and enjoy the ride and scenery. Drive with a content frame of mind, take your time but dont get in front of the trucks driving 35mph. Do the speed limit, and it's just a eight minute ride either up or down the Cumberland Mountain plateau. And drive safe at all times.

[gmslls6364]

ok i see all these post are form 2009 ...are there any better ways to go around the monteagle mountains...i am freeking out about having to do the drive from iowa to florida

[El Passeaux]

Originally Posted by gmslls6364

ok i see all these post are form 2009 ...are there any better ways to go around the monteagle mountains...i am freeking out about having to do the drive from iowa to florida

I don't know where in Iowa to where in Florida but I suppose if you didn't mind adding about 4 hours to the drive, you could take 55 down into Mississippi and take I 10 across the way if you want flat driving.

[Creekcat]

Once you get in Nashville take I-40 East toward Knoxville. You will come to Cookeville, look for Hwy 111 south, take that until you come upon Hwy 27, north of Chattanooga. It will merge into Hwy 27 South, going into Chattanoooga. Take the Hwy 153 exit. Hwy 153 will take across Chickamauga Dam then on to I-75 .

[Wartrace]

Originally Posted by Pimpy

I went to college on top of that mountain and really don't see what the big deal is, especially if it isn't snowy or icy. Just use common sense as well as your brakes frequently and you'll be fine.

And stay to the right if you are going slow. I have come up on many drivers spooked by the hill sitting in the passing lane going 10 to 20mph under the speed limit.

[zumaboy]

Once you tackle your fear of Monteagle you can take this on, lol: [URL="http://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/635-million-dollar-highway-usa.html"]Million Dollar Highway[/URL]

[GWoodle]

Originally Posted by El Passeaux

I don't know where in Iowa to where in Florida but I suppose if you didn't mind adding about 4 hours to the drive, you could take 55 down into Mississippi and take I 10 across the way if you want flat driving.

You could try the new I-22 from near Memphis to Birmingham. Most of the construction is at the 2 ends.

[ExIslander]

Originally Posted by El Passeaux

I don't know where in Iowa to where in Florida but I suppose if you didn't mind adding about 4 hours to the drive, you could take 55 down into Mississippi and take I 10 across the way if you want flat driving.

The same can be accomplished by coming to Nashville, but then taking 65 South. At Montgomery, hop onto US 231 as if headed to Panama City, and catch up with I-10 in the Florida panhandle. Won't add a lot of time, especially relative to a trip that long.

Originally Posted by Creekcat

Once you get in Nashville take I-40 East toward Knoxville. You will come to Cookeville, look for Hwy 111 south, take that until you come upon Hwy 27, north of Chattanooga. It will merge into Hwy 27 South, going into Chattanoooga. Take the Hwy 153 exit. Hwy 153 will take across Chickamauga Dam then on to I-75 .

I love that drive, but if someone's shying away from Monteagle, that part of 111 that crosses the mountain isn't going to be fun either.

[Creekcat]

Originally Posted by ExIslander

I love that drive, but if someone's shying away from Monteagle, that part of 111 that crosses the mountain isn't going to be fun either.

That's true.