Columbia to Hardeeville SC via US321

[Lakehouse 2]

We'll be heading to St Augustine in mid January coming from Ohio on I77 and are looking for a route to avoid I95 in SC. In looking at the map and Google Earth, US321 from the Columbia area to Hardeeville SC looks like a possibility. I realize that that's about 135 miles of 2 lane roads but that doesn't bother me as much as the pot holes and the beating the motorhome takes on I95. After a couple of days of Interstate travel and my wife will appreciate a few hours of 55mph travel and seeing a different part of SC.



Any insight from locals or people familiar with this route will be appreciated. Of course, any other routes through that area that you use to avoid I95 will also be of interest. Thanks and safe travels.

[BT3927]

It's certainly doable. It's 4 lane out of Columbia until you get to Swansea. Then it's 2 lane the rest of the way. I haven't traveled 321 in a number of years and I've never gone all the way to Hardeeville but as I recall it's a pretty good road. It does go through a lot of small towns though so you'll need to watch your speed. Take a look at it with Google maps street view.

[traveldawg]

We did that once not long ago but not towing. Those are mostly 2 lane roads and, while nice, will drive you nuts when you get behind a local driver who goes well under the speed limit; there are few places to pass.

After that one trip using something other than I-95 we decided I-95 is preferable and not anymore stressful - although the road does suck.

[andy29847]

Highway 321 is a good road. It goes through some small towns but the drive is certainly better than I-95.

[markpj23]

We traveled 321 along this exact route 4 days ago. No issues at all. We also took route 6 from north of the city, connecting with 321 to avoid the traffic. Lots of construction on I26 and traffic coming out of the NC mountains was awful.
We wanted to avoid I95 due to the bad condition stories here. I95 from Hardeeville to the GA line was in pretty good shape.

[johnhicks]

Also consider US-301 most of the way.

[Lakehouse 2]

Mark, is your comment about the construction on I26 and traffic coming out of the NC mountains that was awful in reference to the area between Asheville and Hendersonville? We came through there in April and was hoping that by now they might have improved that construction zone. That's one of the worst ones I've ever encountered and it was about twenty miles long. Two accidents in a short stretch had me on my toes and my wife praying!



Thanks for the update on US3231 in SC. I think I'll give that a try this winter.

[BT3927]

We came through there just last week. The construction is still going on with a lot of narrow lanes and traffic shifts. We didn't have any problems with the RV towing the Jeep but you definitely have to be on your toes. Lots of truck traffic.

[RickNC]

Originally Posted by johnhicks

Also consider US-301 most of the way.

I agree with John on considering US-301. We have used it several times as an alternative to I-95. Plenty of services and food along the way. You can even stop in Claxton and take a real fruitcake home with you.

[johnhicks]

And go slow through Ludowici!

[3XACHRM]

We have made the trip multiple times. Watch your speed -- speed limits change abruptly as you enter some small towns!

[markpj23]

Originally Posted by Lakehouse 2

Mark, is your comment about the construction on I26 and traffic coming out of the NC mountains that was awful in reference to the area between Asheville and Hendersonville?...

Yes that was the worst stretch for us. The only good news was that traffic was so heavy, speeds were low so the bad lanes through the construction were manageable. From the looks of things it will be 2024 before it's done..

[doc]

What Andy said. Road is straight and flat most of the way. Seems narrower in some sections than other and stretches with double yellow. Could not figure out why. Doable road in MH and towed jeep

[Lakehouse 2]

Thanks to all who took the time to share your thoughts on using 321. I think I will give it a try for this trip and I may try 301 on our way home.



Thanks again, and Safe Travels for all of you.
John