Avoiding Atlanta on road trip

Question

Hi, we are planning a road trip from Decatur, AL, to Wilmington, NC. What alternate routes can we take to avoid Atlanta?

Answer

If you're planning a road trip from Decatur, AL, to Wilmington, NC, and want to avoid the congestion of Atlanta, there are a few alternate routes you can take to bypass the city. While Atlanta is a major hub, you can use smaller highways and back roads to detour around it. Here are a few options:

Route 1: I-65 South to US-280 East
This is a great way to avoid Atlanta if you don’t mind taking a bit of a scenic detour. From Decatur, take I-65 South toward Birmingham. Then, take the exit for US-280 East toward Alexander City. Continue on US-280, and you can connect to I-20 East, which will take you into Georgia and bypass Atlanta. This route is a little longer but avoids the city's traffic.
Route 2: I-20 East to US-278 East
Another option is to take I-20 East toward Georgia. However, rather than continuing straight into Atlanta, you can take US-278 East. This route cuts through smaller towns like Oxford, GA, and leads you to the area around Madison, GA, where you can connect back to I-20 East without entering the city. It’s a bit more out of the way, but you’ll avoid the I-285 loop around Atlanta.
Route 3: I-59 South to US-431 South
If you're looking for a more rural detour, take I-59 South from Decatur toward Gadsden, AL, then switch to US-431 South toward Anniston. This route will take you farther east of Atlanta, through small towns in Alabama and Georgia. You can continue south until you connect back to I-20 East or take smaller highways east toward Augusta, then head north toward Wilmington.
Route 4: I-85 South to US-64 East (via Greenville, SC)
If you’re looking for a longer but quieter route, you can take I-85 South, which passes through Greenville, SC, and avoid entering Atlanta altogether. From Greenville, take US-64 East toward North Carolina. This path takes you through more rural parts of South Carolina and North Carolina, connecting you to Wilmington without having to navigate Atlanta.

These routes will help you avoid the bulk of Atlanta’s traffic, though some might be a bit longer or involve taking smaller highways. Depending on your preferences for speed vs. scenic routes, you can choose which detour works best for you. Keep in mind that road conditions and detours might vary, so it’s always a good idea to check for updates on the day of your trip.