Best route Lexington,Ky to Cape Canaveral

[rubble express]

Can anyone reccommend the best (easiest) route through the Smokeys? Map Quest shows two routes that are exactly the same distance (914 miles). One goes through around Knoxville and towards Ashville and then down the coast through Jacksonville. The other goes through Chatanooga and Atlanta then towards Tampa and then across the state. I've gone through Ashville before and it was pretty steep and slow going at times. I think the Interstate speed limit was only 45mph in alot of spots (for good reason). Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

[capn chris]

We've done the I-40 from Knoxville to Asheville and it wasn't bad. I-26 from there is hilly also, to Spartanburg, but you should be fine. Beats doing Atlanta?! We liked Rt. 17 rather than 95 in SC. Others can give you tips re. alternatives to J-ville area. Take your time and enjoy!!!

[boylanag]

I-75 through Atlanta is fine if you travel right through Atlanta during the day (not at rush hours) and not take the by-pass. If there is a truck crash (and there are many) on the by-pass, traffic is tied up for a loooong time. We can usually do 45 through town. There is a book called "Along I-75" by Dave Hunter. This takes the route from Detroit into Florida and breaks it down in minute detail explaining things to see along and near the interstate, places to eat, fuel stops and also interesting history from along that route. We got ours at Borders.