Seeking NEW Route South.

[Chickadee]

Hi ALL:

Anyone have suggestions??

We're departing the Mitchell, SD area around Oct. 10th-ish and migrating to winter "digs" in central FL (Ocala/Silver Springs area). We're full timers driving a MH towing our small car. Since our son and family live in FL, we've made this trek a number of times using pretty much the same corridor(s):

(a.--Dakota over to Southern Illinois then through Paducah, Kentucky and South on I-24 to pick up I-75 at Chatanooga, TN and South to FL......OR....

(b.--South from Mitchell, SD via Sioux Falls/and I-29 to Kansas City then E. on I-70 to St. Louis picking up I-55 South through Memphis to pick up I-10 above New Orleans, then E. on I-10 on over to FL.

We've got about 2 or 2 1/2 wks. to arrive Nov. 1st, and we're wondering if someone might have a suggestion or two??? What do ya think about via Birmighham to Montgomery, AL?

Sure would like some ideas for new scenery.

THANKS.

Steve, Lynette (and da cats )

[DKO]

You could go south at Kansas City down to Joplin/Springfield/Branson area. 71 out of KC is four lane and good road. The Ozarks are nice in October.

From there you can get to I-40 either straight south from Joplin or out of Branson. I have driven both in our big rig. Hilly but not bad at all.

Out of Memphis you could take 78 to Birmingham then I-65 to Montgomery and 231 through Dothan down to I-10. 78 is future interstate and 231 is four lane as well.

It is nice to have time for different options. Have a safe trip.

DKO

[Chickadee]

DKO:

Hey, thanks for the suggestion. We have driven 71 South from K.C. way back in 03 or 04 in the conversion van we had before retiring and going full time in MH, but back then, although the route was fine, it sure wasn't 4 lane. Kinda think we'll take your advice though.

Thanks.

Steve & Lynette

[Wayne M]

Steve & Lynette,
I cannot give you a specific route, but we just finished 4600+ miles and left SD a little more West of you. We took US highways instead of Interstates and the roads were very good. A few bumpy areas, but no more than on some of the Interstates. US-83 and US-287 were very good (more west of you) but do consider just getting off the Interstate system and enjoying the scenery. I remember one time coming from the NE to Ohio and the GPS routed me the "Quickest" way. Yeah, right! Many of the turns were 25-30 MPH but the scenery was spectacular.

Happy trails.

p.s. Just check the AITA Low Clearance web site for any route you decide.

[Chickadee]

Wayne:

Thanks. Yup taking the state routes are often more enjoyable. AND.....keeping an eye on those clearances is a MUST!!

Steve

[Ding-a-ling]

Beach Rose Campground
Salisbury, MA

Two years ago we headed north out of the FL panhandle to Mobile and got on US 45 in the Mobile area. In AL it was two-lane but not bad traveling. At the MS state line US 45 changed to interstate quality 4-lane - but it was not limited access. What a nice drive! Took that all the way to Jackson, TN then US 412, I-155 to I-55 in the MO bootheel.

We have found many old US routes to fine highways with a bypass around the towns.

FJF