Which route Atlanta to Sylva, NC?

[MOD Guy]

we will be traveling up from Florida, from I-75 South of Atlanta, we need to go to Moonshine Creek Campground (in Sylva, NC), just South of Waynesville, NC.
Should we go North of Atlanta and take I-575 / 515 / US 76, or do we go N East from Atlanta I-85 / I-985 / US23? The first route is a bit longer, but I think it will be a better route for towing the camper. We will be traveling on July 3rd & 4th. We want to overnight on the 3rd on the "leaving side" of Atlanta (whichever way we go). Any suggestions (route and/or overnight stop)?
We usually overnight on the South side of Atlanta, but I want to try and get past Atlanta for the night in order to have a shorter drive on the 4th. We could push and drive it in one day (we are leaving from N FL), but with two kids and holiday traffic, you never know how its going to go. I would rather play it safe and make it a two day drive.

[SKnight]

Here's what I'd do. I'd go I-75, then take I-675 just north of McDonough, then I-285 EB around to I-85N, take that to I-985, US23 like you mentioned. Being a holiday, I'd avoid downtown Atlanta like the plague. According to Google maps that way is shorter in miles and time.

https://goo.gl/maps/q7blj

As for where to stop, there's many, many options in the area along your route that look good, I've been eyeballing Old Federal COE CG for a while and looks to be a good overnight.

http://campgroundreviews.com/view_campground_review_details.php?cgid=888®ion=Ge orgia&city=Flowery-Branch&park=Old-Federal-COE

OLD FEDERAL, GA - Campground & Camping Details - ReserveAmerica - [nrso]

[C. Brown]

You probably want get into Old Federal over the 4th. It is more than likely booked by now.

[C. Brown]

Really can't think of another campground on north side of Atlanta going up 985. If you find something, you need to book now.

[SKnight]

Very true. I've found RV park reviews a great resource, here's the page for GA in general.

Georgia - Reviews of RV Parks and Campgrounds - RV Park Reviews

[leencharlotte]

Not sure on overnight locations but agree with SK on route. Spent 5 years at WCU (7 miles from sylva) and went to from Atl many times and best route for sure

[gmacklem]

Originally Posted by MOD Guy

Should we go North of Atlanta and take I-575 / 515 / US 76, or do we go N East from Atlanta I-85 / I-985 / US23? The first route is a bit longer, but I think it will be a better route for towing the camper.

Your first route (up 575) includes one pretty large mountain with a climb from about 900' to 3,800'. I live near the start of 575 and that is the route I take to Asheville w/o the camper. I haven't taken the camper to Asheville yet, but when I do, I will go up I-985. But I am still relatively new to towing campers so maybe it can be done, but I don't want to try it.

[forthefunofit]

You might want to consider Hwy 441/129 in Macon and following that North. You will bypass Atlanta and this is 4 lane for a good part of the trip.

[Bryce]

On July 3rd, rush hour is going to start about noon and last until they clear off all the wrecks that'll happen. I say get an early a start as you can and you might be better off staying on the south side of town Thursday night and heading out earlier in the morning on Friday the 4th.

I think if you take the 75/575 route you are going to hit a bit of 2lane road for a bit before you get into NC, so, in your case, I'd go up 85/985.

[anitag]

X2 on the 441 route. I live outside of Athens and we take Hwy 441 up that way several times a year. It is 4 lane and an easy drive. I will do just about anything to avoid Atlanta.

[fvstringpicker]

I live in West Georgia and spend two to three times a year in N. Georgia and western N.C. The route you mentioned ( I-85 / I-985 / US23 ) is the route we take, albeit Atlanta can be a hassle. I use my GPS, traffic, to warn me of traffic jams and decide whether to take I-85 through Atlanta or I-285; keeping in mind that one minute there in no traffic problem and the next minute there is. Traffic is especially bad on Friday afternoons. If you go through Franklin NC, there's a pretty good grade starting north on town. I know I'm on it with my Duramax and 9,000+ load.
I've never stayed in a camp ground along I 75 so I can't recommend one.

[Bamaman]

This is the way from Florida to Sylva, NC:
Up I-75 to Stockbridge, GA where you take a right fork onto I-675.
Take a right onto I-285 East--the circle bypass around the eastern side of Atlanta.
Take a right onto I-85 North (in the northwestern part of Atlanta)
Take the left fork onto I-985 taking you out to Gainesville, GA.
Keep going straight and the road turns into a great 4 lane--Route 23/365.
Follow the road all the way to Franklin, NC where you'll have to make a right turn.
You'll pop over a small mountain and come down into a town called Dillsboro, NC. Just past Dillsboro, turn right onto U.S 19/74, and Sylva will be a couple of miles--the first town you come to.

By taking this route, you only have 6 miles of 2 lane roads just before you get to Clayton, GA. It's mostly interstate quality roads all the way.

My RV stays in the NE GA Mountains, and I know the area intimately.

[MOD Guy]

Thanks everyone for the info. I have decided on the I-85 route out of Atlanta. We found a campground to overnight on I-85 in the Norcross area (Jones RV Resort). I have dealt with GA I-75 / Atlanta holiday traffic a few times before. I know it can be fairly smooth, or complete hell. We plan on an early start from home and hope to be to the south side of Atlanta by lunch time. I think this will allow us enough time for traffic issues. If we get in early, great, more time to relax. If we get stuck in traffic, we still have a good chance of getting in before it gets too late.
Thanks again everyone.