Heading to Maggie Valley next week from the Dayton OH area has any one been on US 23 out of Portsmouth OH all the way to Asheville. Is this a nice ride? Condition of road? Places to eat? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

That is a great trip. I live just outside of Charlotte and will take that route to Ohio rather than travelling I-77. It is all 4 lane highway but not all of it is limited access. Most of the bigger towns do have on and off ramps so you get through them easily but when you are in the rural areas there are a lot of intersections. Although you do not have a stop sign. It is very scenic with wide sweeping curves and there is rarely much traffic to deal with, even on weekends. We have stayed at Jenny Wiley State Park a couple of times and they have a nice menu in the lodge. Other than that no other place really stands out in my mind. Do it. You won't be disappointed.

 

I have to agree it looks like a very nice ride. From Dayton going this way to Maggie Valley it is about 470 miles, 9 hours. From Dayton to Maggie Valley going the slab it is 380 miles 6.5 hours.

I was just looking at the map and had thought about staying at Jenny Wiley State Park Lodge, this is about half way and should make a great trip.

Thanks

 

Headed down that route in 2 weeks. Going to divert at Kingston toward Tellico plains. We traveled the route north a couple of years ago and it is a good route. We experienced a lot of truck traffic near Louisa and Inez, but it was tolerable. We're not too far from you, bout 20 miles north of Athens.

 

BTW, I assume your reason for starting in Portsmouth is that you will be visiting the mural wall. If this is not your reason, stop and see it, it is time well spent. There's a great place for steaks and ribs also, The Scioto Ribber.

 

I am originally from the Sandusky area of Ohio and we go back regularly to visit family. Jenny Wiley does make a good 'half way stopping point'. If we are not pulling the camper we will stay at the lodge. The rooms are somewhat dated but they are clean and as I mentioned before the food is good. Plentiful and cheap also. Staff is very friendly. If you are thinking about stopping anywhere in the area where North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia meet, be sure that there is no race going on in Bristol at that time. You will not find a hotel room for miles around. Have a safe trip!

 

I will be heading that way in 2 days and it is a great ride. I live near Portsmouth and the Scioto Ribber and the Murals are definitely 2 reasons to stop in P-town. Route 23 is well maintained and for the most part a divided 4 lane. The portion in Virginia is my least favorite. Good place to take a breather is top of the mountain about 50 miles or so south of Pikeville, KY. Ride Safe

 

Thanks to all, I am now safely tucked in at Jenny Willey Lodge. Nice ride out of Dayton, heading to Maggie Valley tomorrow.

 

23 is too close to riding an interstate for my enjoyment, but helps if you're looking to make good time.

 

I would agree.