Hey all,

My wife and I are flying in to Atlanta and renting a MINI from Flexcar to attend MOTD. Octaneguy is doing the same.

I'm looking for the best or fastest route from ATL (Downtown or Midtown) to Fontana.

Time wise I want to keep it under 4 hours. But it isn't like we'll be super rushed. So if there is a very cool scenic drive that takes 3.5 over a non-scenic that takes 3, I'd take the scenic.

Right now the most direct route looks to be I-85 to I-985 to US441 all the way up to NC28 in Franklin. From there we'd just shoot across 28 to Fontana.
I did attend last year (drove from Louisiana via the Cherohala Skyway) so I am familiar with the major highways in the area.

Thanks in advance
Matt

 

Treat yourself to a much more enjoyable ride! 75-85N to GA400/19. Follow 19 through Dahlonega north to the junction with 129N (AKA Turners Corner - Good lunch stop) North on 129 to Dragon. From the airport should be in the 3 - 3.5hr range and some sweet driving through the mtns.

Keep us posted on your dates and times and you might be able to hook up with some of the ATL crowd heading that way. I'll be heading up around lunch Wed.

Tim

 

I saw the route you posted as an alternate method. Sounds good. Thanks for posting.

We're taking a red-eye out of Phoenix and arrive in Atlanta Thursday morning at 5:45am. But we won't be on the road until 7 or 7:30. I doubt they'll be anyone wanting to head up that early.

 

Last year, Pete Crosby from Atlanta MINIs gave a route that took me over Blood Moutain, that was very nice.!! But I have to say Dahlonega is one of my favorite towns!!

 

Post over at atlantaminis you might be surprised on the early risers! There is a common meeting point at the AwfulHouse in Dawsonville on 400 that would be a good meeting place for you. Traffic north from the airport that time of morning is going to really stink. Take your time and chill til about 8:30 and it will be much a much kinder start to your adventure. It will make no difference in your arrival time, just in your sit in Hotlanta's wonderful traffic.

Tim

 

I always take the one listed here:

 

Another way is to come via Chattanooga and keep heading North on 75 until just before Sweetwater, TN. Then turn right on TN-68, go about 11 miles until you hit 411 N. Go 13 miles on 411 N and then turn right on TN-72. After about 9 miles you will reach the promised land called US-129. Turn right and after a few miles you'll hit the twisties.

 

The center route in the map is the one I prefer.
Another really nice route is 75 to 575 to 515 to Blue Ridge north to Ducktown - Copper Hill to Tellico across the Cheola Skyway to 129 then hang a left. Funny what 2 lane junkies we have become!

 

My favorite is 400 n to Dahlonega - 60 to Suches - 180 to 129 and the TURN RIGHT toward Vogel State Park..... (away from the Dragon) follow 129 back to Turners Corner and take a right to 60 where you just completed (a circle) the "3 Gap" a popular cycling ride of about 35 mi..... climb back and this time at Suches go straight (great Mini road) to 515 take right to spur 60 and follow to NC 74/129 hook back up to 129 towards Robbinsville and the rest is just making your way to Fontana..... the additional circle will add some miles and about an hour but the driving is great and the scenery is wonderful...... see you there

 

I will have my Garmin Nuvi 350 and my Valentine as well especially since I'm not all that familiar with the area.

Richard

 

That sounds like a fun trip.

I read on a motorcycle website that a twisty part of Hwy 129 in Georgia is really worth driving. The little dragon, or something like that? I'm near the Lake Lanier area every now and then. Is it worth the effort?

 

Up I-575 is the fastest, which isn't always the desired path in a MINI

We live just a mile off of I-575, so if you go that way before noonish, be sure and wave

 

Are you on the 400 side or the 365 side of Lanier? Yes it is worth it! And LOTS more really nice twistys in N Ga as well.

And watch for the Federales if you use 515! Lots of sweet open road that will easily cause you to loose track of your speed! When i do not have time for fun, that is the route I take to save time.

Tim

 

Ain't that the truth...

I used to be a "fastest route" guy - not anymore.

 

Actually, I'm from Birmingham. But my intended is from Lula (up 985 and then some) so I'll be in the area.

Thanks for the affirmation.

 

I know Lula! LOL Doing the signage for a new bank there. Stay in touch when your going to be up that way......



Tim

 

PassatDoTD, you can always caravan up with someone from AtlantaMINIS. Just check out our board @ www.atlantaminis.net for caravan info.
See you at the Dragon!