Fort Worth, TX to Red Bay directions and wait time.

[RJEV]

We are going to Red Bay on Oct 12. I've checked and most sites seem to route us through Memphis. We are not in a hurry and had just as soon avoid Memphis. Is there a better way from Fort Worth, TX to Red Bay.

I've been reading about wait times of 2-4 weeks. Since we have an appointment for 10-12 should we expect to get in on the 12th. Our only problem is front wind noise.

Thanks,
RJ and Evelyn

[Sixpack98]

On the return leg of our last trip we also wanted to avoid Memphis. LOTS of construction and cattle shoots through West Memphis on I -40. From Tupelo we took US-278 to US-49/61 and then NW on US-49 Brinkley, AR to I-40. Of course, you would reverse the route. Some 2 lane but good shoulder and little traffic. Very rural all the way. You would also be just a few miles south of Tunica if you wanted to lose a little money. DON'T take US-302 just south of Memphis to US-278. It is wall to wall traffic and LOTS of lights. It looks like a great route but, in reality, it is just the remote burbs of south Memphis.

[Elkhartjim]

Why not take IH 20 over to Jackson, MS and pick up the Natchez Trace north? Good fall colors and a great drive. We'll be a couple weeks ahead of you coming from Nashville down to Natchez.

[paz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJEV I've been reading about wait times of 2-4 weeks. Since we have an appointment for 10-12 should we expect to get in on the 12th. Our only problem is front wind noise. Thanks, RJ and Evelyn

If you have an appointment, you should get in on your scheduled day. I would recommend arriving at the Allegro Campground a day or two ahead of time. The wait times are for those who arrive for repairs without an appointment. When we were there last year, wait times were about a week, except for body work which was longer. I don't know what the waits are now; but since you have an appointment, you shouldn't have to worry.

[RJEV]

After all the input we will definitely avoid Memphis. The route to Jackson looks good but was wondering if anyone has gone to Texarkana and then cut across Ark. to Greenville, MS and then up I-55 to Tupelo. It's about the same distance as going to Jackson but thought the back roads might be more scenic and little less traffic than the interstate.

Suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,
Robert & Evelyn

[Elkhartjim]

If you haven't done the Natchez Trace, you don't know what your're missing.

I'm not sure what you call "the backroads" but our my recent travels, they interstate highways are in such bad condition they could be considered "backroads".

How do you intend to cut across Arkansas?

The drive from Ft Worth to Vicksburg (lots of history)is an easy one day drive and there's a pretty good campground at the casino there that offers free shuttle to and from the casino and free breakfast. Ameristar Casinos - Vicksburg - Hotel - RV Park

[progers]

I would avoid the 2 lane roads from Texarkana to Greenville. Last time I traveled that way they were not very good. Another option for crossing the river is Helena, AR. Take I-40 east to exit 216 where you will pick up Hwy 49 to Helena. When you get to Mississippi take Hwy 61 south to near Clarksdale. There you will pick up Hwy 278/Hwy6 east to Tupelo. The easiest way to get onto Hwy 78 from 278 is to take Hwy 9 to Sherman, MS. It's 2 lane but only about 10 miles.

Paula
North Mississippi