Florida to Hot Springs, Arkansas

[pddgm]

We left Crystal River, Fl yesterday heading for Hot Springs, Ar. Took the leisurely route up Hwy 19 to I-10 over to Hwy 231 and up through Montgomery, Al and on to Birmingham on I 65. Got on I-22/Hwy 78 in Birmingham and headed for Memphis. The roads in Florida were great, 231 from I 10 to Troy, Al leaves some room for improvements, rough in several areas. From Troy, Al to Montgomery was a nice drive. I 65 was a pleasant drive, just a nice interstate. I 22/78 was an excellent drive, just one small detour and we found one of the best Burger Kings I have eaten in ever. Not a lot of traffic on this road, not a lot of gas stations/restaurants and no rest areas. But a nice drive. Got into Memphis and I have never seen streets so rough, Finally got across the bridge on I 40 and about took the rig apart on the rough roads. Never saw interstates as rough as they are in Arkansas, long detours just outside Memphis in I 40. If possible please, route your trip around Arkansas, you won't be sorry and the rig you save might be yours. I can't believe I haven't busted a tire on the rig or tow dolly. Glad I only got 12 miles to go in the morning to my summer job. If I have to go back east or north, I might take the long way around via Texas and Oklahoma...LOL

[jlabit]

Agree 1000% on I-40 in eastern Arkansas. The part between Memphis and Little Rock is the worst highway I have EVER driven on. The portion in the western part of the state between Little Rock and Fort Smith wasn't too bad. I have been told that the bad stretch in eastern Arkansas is caused so many 18 wheelers.

[Nicurn]

Arkansas does have a lot of rough roads, but I-40 Memphis to Carlisle is the worst. That area was flooded & completely closed a couple years ago-the re-route was hours out of the way on 2-lane roads. Because of this, even the non-freeway routes are pretty rough. I hope you enjoy your stay in Arkansas despite the rough entrance.