Ellijay to Asheville

[jspayne]

I am looking for some information on route from Ellijay, GA to Asheville, NC. The Good Sams Trip planner takes me through the National Forest on US-129 / US-19 / US-64 / US-7. How difficult is the drive? Am I better to backtrack to I-85?

[andy29847]

A lot of the US19/74 route is the smoky Mountains Expressway, i.e, 4 lanes limited access. There is a section through the Nantahala Gorge that is 2 lane, but the road is good there too. another option is US 76 east to 441 to 74. I owuld not backtrack to I-85. FWIW, Asheville traffic near the I-26/I-40 intersections is bad.

[Air Conditioned Gypsy]

Just came through Asheville today, heading south. It was a mess at the I40/I26 area as Andy stated. And from there, stop and go traffic on 26 to where we cut off on 25 toward Greenville.

I haven't gone Ellijay to Asheville, but have gone Clayton to Asheville and I think you should be fine.

Regards.

Chuck

[jspayne]

Just wanted to say thanks for the quick reply. We took your advice and had a nice comfortable drive with nice views.

[jmck1737]

We are in Franklin currently and drive the Rt 23-74 from Clayton, GA thru Franklin to Ashville and it isn’t too bad there are a couple of step mountains between Franklin and Ashville that are 7 and 8% grades but are 4 lane.