THE GOOD AND THE BAD: Most of this route is scenic and four-lane. Traffic can be heavy on I-40, but it thins out once you get on 74 and 23. Highway 28 and 143 are two lane roads in fairly good condition except for the ten-mile construction zone. The most scenic place is at Stecoah Gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses 143. The altitude is only 3600 feet, but the view of Stecoah Valley is magnificent.

TOTAL DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 100 miles
DRIVING TIME: 2 hours