Another plus for U.S. Rt. 231

[JandC]

I know it has been discussed before about using an alternate route (north/south) to avoid Atlanta if traveling from central states to Florida. Some like using U.S. Rt. 231 and some can't stand the stop lights and a few towns.

We have found we like using it much better than grinding it out on I-75 the whole way down, but that's just us.

Yesterday we were reminded of another reason Rt. 231 makes the 1200 mile trip much more pleasant. We stayed at Deer Run CG again (Troy, AL). Of course when you check in and pay your $27.00 they give you a couple bags of fresh popcorn. Then after we set up we headed in town for some fuel and food. Gal at the service station was very nice with that southern friendly charm. Then off to just a regular Pizza Hut where we met the best, friendliest, good natured waitress who demonstrated more of that southern hospitality.

You have to love going through Alabama! I never get that warm fuzzy feeling going down through Georgia on I-75 that's for sure.

[Phil P]

Hi

How about giving us the rout. Where do you get on 231 and where do you get off. Do you run any of the I-65 thru Alabama 231?

Phil P

[JandC]

For going northbound from Florida to central Illinois we get off I-75 and take I-10 over west of Tallahassee. West of there U.S. Rt. 231 exits north toward Dothan. You stay on 231 all the way up through Troy to Montgomery. At Montgomery you catch I-65. Almost all of Rt. 231 is divided 4-lane and a lot of new pavement. The few towns you have to go through have some stop lights but for us it breaks up the trip and we enjoy it more. Generally diesel is cheaper through that area also.

[DQDick]

Thanks!

[Phil P]

Thanks

[Eagleback]

We use that route all the time to go to Michigan. when you get to Montgomery going north on US 231 turn right on state road 8 and pick up I-80 then go west to I-65. it is easier than going through town. and if you need another campground there is one called Swancreek in Tanner Alabama just south of Athens. just off the I-65 at state road 24 then south on US 31. a good park for a night.

[Recumbent]

We have traveled on US231 from TN to the the Gulf and back many times, it is a good road and now is mostly 4 lane travel, we sometimes mix in some I-65 travel miles, but traveling I-65 through Birmingham is bad and bumpy even after recent reconstruction. We have dodged some of the worse parts by taking the loop around Birmingham on the east side to get to I-59 for going toward Chattanooga then I-24. We have also taken US431, and US331 down to the Gulf, and they are ok, but much more 2 lane travel, but you get to see more small towns in AL.

[JandC]

I agree, I-65 still has some pretty rough pavement. We will be pulling our 24' enclosed car hauler (full of household stuff) from Illinois to Florida at the end of June. We will probably use the same route and go down Rt. 231. I will have to look at going around the Birmingham area.