Below is my intended route and timeline. I want to take this route as I've never been to Mississippi or Alabama and want to add them to my list. All times are appoximate and are open to change with discussion from others interested in following the same route. I'll also note approximate times when crossing other Interstates in the even others want to meet at some of these points.

Wednesday 5/2

6.00 AM Leave Plano for Tyler TX.

8.00 AM Arrive Tyler TX assuming East Texas folks want to pile on the train...

8.30 AM Leave Tyler headed east on I 20

10.00 AM Arrive Shreveport LA I 49 meets I 20 in that area. Continue on I 20

2.00 PM Arrive Jackson MS I 55 meets I 20 in that area. Continue on I 20

3.30 PM Arrive Meridan MS I 59 merges with I20 in that area. Continue on I 20/I 55 (Good place to meet with Houston Folks)

6.00 PM Arrive Birmingham AL I 65 meets I 59 in that area. Continue on I 55

9.00 PM Arrive Cleveland TN Spend the night.

8.00 AM Depart Cleveland TN and follow route found here http://www.metroplexmini.org/forum/s...1&postcount=43

1.00 PM arrive Fontana Village

Who's in?

Where do you want to meet?

What time?

PM me if you want in and I'll get you my cell #

Bring your radio's as well.

 

You definitely DON'T want to take that route. Well, maybe you do, but I've got a much better route from Birmingham.

I'll post it in here later. . .

 

When you are coming all this way from Dallas, I would highly recommend to spend the night in Chattanooga, TN versus Cleveland, TN. You'll get some amazing scenery and some awesome food selections. Unless of course you only are only looking for a highway exit motel.


From Chattanooga, you will need no more than 1:45 to the Dragon itself. Plus your meeting point in Cleveland is about 30 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. So you could have nice breakfast in Chattanooga and easily get to Cleveland before 10:30am.

 

I'm open to change. I'd love to check out places in Chatanooga, but have no idea where to go. I know I'd not be adverse to meeting with some local folks that know the lay of the land and can guide me or us.

I realize there are faster ways from Chatanooga/Cleveland to The Dragon, but if I'm coming this far why not take a bit of a side trip and enjoy the other good driving roads in the area. It's not everyday I have a chance to drive the Cherohala Skyway.

 

PM me and look at my blog What to do in Chattanooga
Cheers,

Herbert

 

sorry. I looked at where you were getting off the interstate and thought you were taking the most direct route through Murphy and Andrews which is really a crummy drive.

The Cherohala will be a fun way to get to the Dragon

My alternate route takes you further north on the Interstate so that you can get to Fontana through the dragon.

 

For some, a nice inagural run.

 

I think Moskito's route will bring you from the TN side of the Dragon whereas if you take the Cherohala you'll hit the NC side of the Dragon. The Cherohala is very beautiful, but also long. I found it tiring afterwards, minding those curves for 56 miles.

Moskito is right, Tennessee is a beautiful drive. You aren't missing much in Mississippi and Alabama is ok, much better on the Georgia side than on the MS side.

 

What about Sticky Fingers?!?! Woo Hoo!

 

Nathan,

I will see you at the Dragon, as were headed straight out I40.

 

Well I would come out & meet you to say HELLO in B'ham but at 6PM Wednesday night I will be at home frantically packing for my departure in the morning

 

Andrew is right, from Cleveland, TN you are less than 2 hours from the Dragon and Fontana.

 

From Cleveland, TN continue North on I-75 for about 37 miles (depending on which exit you start from) to Exit 60, turn right and go about 12 miles South on TN-68 until you hit 411. Turn left on US 411 for 12.5 miles and then turn right onto TN-72. (Watch out though, you can turn left onto 72 earlier, but do not do that)
After 9 miles on TN-72 and some fun twisty miles you'll hit US-129. You'll know you are almost there when you see several rubber marks on the road that various knuckleheads left. Once you hit 129 turn right and after a few miles of fairly calm roads along the water you'll hit the twisties known as the Dragon.

Total mileage this way to Fontana Village: 103

If you can hold your hunger till 8 or 9 I'll meet you at a restaurant in Chattanooga on Wednesday eve.

Mininana, I will add Sticky Fingers too soon as I love their Memphis Dry ribs.

Cheers,

Herbert

 

Sounds like a plan to me. I'm hoping others plan on caravaning along with me.

I'll send you a PM with my contact info.