Community Forums

donsolcars · 06-23-2019, 07:38 PM

Im looking for suggestions for a trip to orlando from central illinois while avoiding chattanoga and atlanta. We plan on going through alabama but don't know the best way to cut across from I 65 to I 10. Thanks for your help Don

rk911 · 06-23-2019, 08:12 PM

right with ya on that. we're in west suburban chicago. this is how we do it:

I-57 south/I-24 east/I-65 south. then:

option 1: I-85 east at Montgomery to exit 9. exit 9 will be marked US 271/TO US 231. turn south at the top of the ramp. follow US 271 about 6-7 miles where it will dead end at US 231. turn left. follow the good 4-lane thru Troy, Ozark and Dothan to I-10, I-10 will be ~35-40 minutes south of Dothan. some traffic in Troy and Ozark but Dothan can be busy but much, much better than Hot-Lanta or Chattynooga. figure roughly 3-hrs from the I-85 junction to I-10 depending on weather, traffic, etc.

Option 2: Continue south on I-65 to US 80 east. Follow that to US 331 south to I-10. figure about 2.5 hours to I-10 and another 45-min to an hour to the US 231 junction.

we'll use one or the other depending on where we're going in southern 'bama or florida. let me know if you'd like campground recommendations.

RoaminRichards · 06-24-2019, 04:15 AM

We live in the Orlando Metro area. I just completed a round trip from Orlando to Granite City, IL. The above mentioned route of option 1 is good but you could also leave I-24 at Paducah, KY and take US 45 south through Jackson, TN to Tupelo, MS then I-22 from Tupelo to Birmingham, AL then I-65 south to Montgomery, AL. Be aware that there is lots of construction around Birmingham so pick your time wisely. Avoid rush hour traffic if possible. US Highway 45 is four lane all the way with less traffic than Interstate. Lots of choices for fuel, camping, etc. I can give you suggestions for both if needed. Safe travel and enjoy the trip!