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In about a month we're going to be driving from North Carolina to North Dakota. I've traveled to and from both states 4 times, but each time I went through Tennessee and Kentucky. I have sworn to never go that way again, as I am terrified of the mountains and really thought I wouldn't make it driving through them. Those times I had one adult passanger, but this time I will have a toddler and a large dog (husband will be in front or behind me in his truck and a dog).
So, I REALLY need to find a route that has no mountains/steep inclines, tunnels/etc. We're planning on leaving on a sunday around 4 am and going up I-95 (which is right by us), to 270 past washington, then hit 70 west through PA- though that road looks really curvy- does anyone know what that road is like? anything steep or cliffy? We'll follow 70 west to indianapolis, then hit 74 and so on. I'm really just concerned about everything leading up to ohio-i think it should be smooth..er sailing after that.
well, if you want to avoid ALL mountains.. it makes no sense to go north. you are going to have to travel in a huge circle around the southern appalachians.
I-85 to Atlanta
I-20 to Birmingham
I-65 to Indianapolis, and beyond
you will still go through the foothills of Georgia and SC, but those will be much smaller than I-70.
well, if you want to avoid ALL mountains.. it makes no sense to go north. you are going to have to travel in a huge circle around the southern appalachians.
I-85 to Atlanta
I-20 to Birmingham
I-65 to Indianapolis, and beyond
you will still go through the foothills of Georgia and SC.
Thanks for your quick reply! I'm ok adding extra time to our trip to avoid the mountains. So going north on those hwys I listed I WILL be going through mountains? I have no idea what the foothills of GA and SC are like either.
Thanks for your quick reply! I'm ok adding extra time to our trip to avoid the mountains. So going north on those hwys I listed I WILL be going through mountains? I have no idea what the foothills of GA and SC are like either.
well i haven't taken every route to see.. but looking at terrain maps, i don't see how it is possible to go north and avoid mountains, cliffs, tunnels, steep inclines, etc.
if avoiding mountains is critical, then i'd go to birmingham, AL, and plan your route from there. you might want to head west from Birmingham, to Memphis, Springfield, Kansas City, Omaha, etc... or head north from Birmingham, to Indy.
I've made the drive across I-85 to Atlanta, Birmingham, and Memphis a few times. It gets hilly, but not "mountainous".
well i haven't taken every route to see.. but looking at terrain maps, i don't see how it is possible to go north and avoid mountains, cliffs, tunnels, steep inclines, etc.
Yeah, the route you listed does look better. Thank you!
Thanks for your quick reply! I'm ok adding extra time to our trip to avoid the mountains. So going north on those hwys I listed I WILL be going through mountains? I have no idea what the foothills of GA and SC are like either.
Have you not looked at a map? The Appalachian mountains run from north Georgia into New York--the ONLY way to avoid them is to go around them (to the south). Anywhere north or west from NC will hit the mountains, obviously.
Have you not looked at a map? The Appalachian mountains run from north Georgia into New York--the ONLY way to avoid them is to go around them (to the south). Anywhere north or west from NC will hit the mountains, obviously.
Obviously, I have looked at the map or I wouldn't know the hwy's I had planned on traveling. 70 W through PA looked like the only route to go (when taking the northern route) that wouldn't be in huge mountain area's- it lookes spotty on the map on google, though the road looks very curvy. I've never been that way so I don't have a clue what it's like.
I really don't know why, when a person asks a questions, some people feel the need to be high and mighty and rude.
And to the person who left the reputation note: I came here for help on a route to avoid the mountains. You get over yourself and I'll work on getting over my mountain fear. Sometimes things aren't as easy as just "getting over it". I'm not used to the mountains and they make me sweat, and sick and scared to death. It's hard to focus and drive well under that pressure. SO before telling someone to just "get over it"- maybe you should realize that you don't know everything and step off your high horse.
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We went north to PA and across I 80. There are a few long inclines but no steep winding curves.
Thanks for your response! I-80 does look much better then 70. I think we've decided on going south. It'll add a few hours but it should be easier traveling/less stress and we'll still get to ND in 2 days.
Thanks again. I appreciate all the awesome helpful pp on here.
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