Verifing Directions to Harlan (from Raleigh area)

Yay!Gurrr

Yay!Gurrr

Better Faster Stronger
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Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Location
N. N. Raleigh, NC
Larrys Directions From Hickory:
I-40 to I-26 north (Asheville)
I-26 turns into I-181
I-0181 to hwy 23 at Kingsport
Hwy 23 to Hwy 421 north
Hwy 421 to Harlan, ky
Right onto hwy 38 to Evarts, Ky
hickory.nc2evarts.ky.jpg

WOW !! mapquest had a new feature that allows you to AVOID a particular road then reroutes accourdingly.. So i skped that one road based on the advice (below) and basically it says go down I81 then get on I181 so then from there follow Larrys advice.

raleigh.nc2evarts.ky.jpg
 
I took the same route Larry is directing you on my way home. On my next trip that's probably the route I'll take again, especially now that I tow my rig.

On the way there I took 421 all the way from Winston-Salem to Harlan. This is not a route I'll ever take again no matter how direct it looks on a map. As the wrecker was pulling my friend's rig out of the house he crashed into they were all suggesting we take the northern route (77 -> 81 -> 23 -> etc.) next time.

I don't think we've met but based on your sig I'm guessing you tow your rig. Avoid towing the 421 section from Boone to Duffield if you have a better option. Those mountain switchbacks can't be safely traveled at more than 15 mph or so.
 
vanguard said:
Avoid towing the 421 section from Boone to Duffield if you have a better option. Those mountain switchbacks can't be safely traveled at more than 15 mph or so.
Click to expand...

Maybe with a 3500lb, 122" wheelbase "tow rig" pulling 4200+ lbs of trailer and trail rig... :flipoff2:
 
You guys are kidding right ??? With coments like that it no wonder no one offers up info. helps anyone around here. Not everyone tows w/ 1 tons. The purpose was to gather input about directions from Raleigh.

I'd guess you'd feel better to be stuck behind someone pulling that combination up that road.. Could always just tail gate them and blast the horns hoping they pull over to let you pass....

As matter of fact my 238" WB Toterhome would probably have problems if there are large switch backs... Maybe not... But id rather get more seat time driving it on easier roads...

And prior with my light duty chevy gasser id still want to know about the switchbacks..

Anyway, that's exactly the stuff id like to hear about..
I did see 421 as a straight route but would rather stay more on highway.
 
IMO the way to go from Raleigh would be to take I40W to 52N to I77N to I81S. At the bottom of Mike's second map go north on I181 at Bristol to 58w to 421N which is what is shown on map 1 from I81 to Evarts, KY. From our area this route has the best roads and least grade. The pull up Fancy Gap on I77 and out of Duffield on 421N are the only major climbs. Takes me 4:45 from Greensboro with 1 gas stop and 1 rest stop.
 
thanks ! I edited the top post with the new map but mapquest has an avoid feature and i skiped that one road and it rerouted to even skip 58w and go down a few more miles to hit I181 more/less like larrys directions..

Thanks...
 
The route Larry give you( at the top of the post) isn't the way we went when I followed him. The way we went was real friendly for a long rig, or weak rig. Might wanna ask him about that route.
 
Nope, even with a decent tow rig, a lack of trailer brakes and wet roads can very easily turn out like this. 421 is crooked and is just an all around slow road to be on.

aimg.photobucket.com_albums_v126_cumminsdzl_WHIP003_1.jpg

aimg.photobucket.com_albums_v126_cumminsdzl_WHIP009_1.jpg


And no, its not mine, but i was right in front of him.
 
im ok with the I77 I81 etc.. just looking for the best route from I81 on in. Slow is fine.. If larry can make it with his motorcoach I shoud be ok :D
 
I took the route CYJKrawler suggested back in July. For the most part it was a very easy drive(except for the busted radiator going up Fancy gap). Once off of 81 take 181,23,421. The pace slows down a little once off of 81 but you'll have good roads all the way to Evarts.
 
OK, oK, I was just poking a little fun at him..

And didn't we hash it to death that the kid driving the dodge is/was a dumbass, and that a lifted shortbed on mud-terrains isn't the world's best tow rig anymore?

Mike, when ya going to Harlan?
 
I was planning to go this coming weekend... Was being key word, camper not ready and jeep really not up to the task... Traveling to St.Louis for work really put me behind...

Im actually thinking the URE work weekend coming up on the 21st might be a better 1st run for the camper and the jeep...

So thats the new plan... URE work weekend... Maybe head down friday afternoon camp friday/sat.. Maybe grab site at arrowhead..
 
vanguard said:
Ok Rich, next time I see that impeccable FJ buggy I'm ramming you with my rig's stinger. :driver:
:lol:
Click to expand...

No problem.. as long as I get to do the same thing between the tow rigs.. :lol:
 
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