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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Winnipeg, Manitoba to Pass Christian, Mississippi | |
Coming over from the Cincinnati thread to offer a few more thoughts.
I don't know what size of camper you are dealing with, but if it is not too large or cumbersome, there are a couple of limited access parkways, overseen by our National Park Service, that are worthy of a look. Closer to where you are heading is the Natchez Trace Parkway, of which I have no personal experience. The second is the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Appalacian Mountains. Been on various parts of that one several times. Think a very well maintained, 2-lane ribbon of asphalt, carryfully carved through the mountains. There is no advertising or services, but there are access roads that cut accross occasionally that can take you back to civilization. Plenty of pull off points for grand views, trail access, or simply to take a breather. No camping on the parkway, but there state parks with camping branch off at points.
Speaking of camping, if you don't already know about it, check out "freeroam.app". You can access from a computer browser window, and they also have phone app versions, which you can install. Basically, a crowdsourced boondocking app, with reviews. You can also turn on various layers, such as T-mobile, Verizon, or ATT phone coverage, topography, Walmarts (for free overnighting) ecetera. My son used this extensively while sleeping out of his car on an extended western tour last fall.
Also, this is not on your original path, but if thinking about the Blue Ridge Parkway, you might consider Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with caveat to stay out of the park center. The great majority of park visitors clog 441, which is the North/South artery which bifurcates the park. The Cades Cove area, and northern boundary are the busiest. Again, if your camper isn't too large, I would suggest the Cataloochie Valley in the SE section of the park. There is also a well maintained dirt road which connects Cataloochie to Deep Creek.
Again, not on your original path, but I would probably head back through Michigan. On the NW corner of Michigan's LP is Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Do the Pierce Stocking Scenic Loop in the evening, and catch a Lake Michigan sunset. Head the warnings and do NOT hike down to the water level from the overlook. A really beautiful and relaxing place to hang out and camp. That whole region from Manistee on up through Petoskey tickles my fancy. Route 22 and the Mission Penisula is worth some time. Once you finish in the LP, you can head across the Grand Mackinac Bridge and see the UP. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in on the Superior side of the UP. While worthy of a stop, you need to get out on the water to see the beauty of this spot. There is regular tour boat that operates out of Munising. Swing through northern Wisconsin and stop in Minneapolis on the way home, if interested.
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