I-24 to Paducah, US60 across the river at Cairo, Pick up US 60 again at Sikeston, pick up I-44 at Springfield, on to Joplin. Mostly 4-lane all the way, light traffic all the way on 60. Hill and curves through the forest, but not bad for a gasser with toad. Easy but long. Overnight at Lake Wappello COE, full hookups @ $20 per, $10 with Golden Age Passport. See the new Grand Canyon of Missouri while you are there!!
Noel and Betty Johnson 2005 GulfStream Ultra Supreme, 1 wife, 1 Poodle
Noel, thanks for the info. Is 60 mostly 4 lane? I assume there are some truck stops along the way? How long is he drive in e forest area with hills etc.?
I know that US60 from Sikeston to Springfield is all 4lane, and is in pretty good condition. Construction on a bridge right at Springfield, but we had no problems getting through with our 30' class A and toad. I have not travelled the road from Paducah to Cairo in several years, it was a good two lane last time we drove it. The bridge is high and two lane, but we made it across OK. From Cairo, go up to the interstate, and take that bridge across the Mississippi. Seems like last time we were there, the old US 60 bridge was closed, but the new Interstate bridge is great. Last time we were that way, I crossed the Ohio bridge with a 30' Hurricane and toad, no problem.
Seems like about 50 miles or so through the Mark Twain National Forest, all of it was good 4-lane, although our GPS thought we were off to the side of the road. There are a number of small but good gas stops between Popular Bluff and Springfield.
Our route brings us onto US60 from the south near Popular Bluff, so I am not too sure about the section on over to Sikeston, but the maps show it all 4-lane.
We are heading out beginning of next week fron Nashille. I wonder if I should head out this way this time of the year? Tornados are my concern. Our ultimate destination is Reno. I guess I could go north to 80 and then west. What do you think?
Johno02 has a good route. Took it last year. Was fine except for a couple short detours due to flooding. US60 is good road all the way to Springfield. I wouldn't bother going up to I80 to avoid tornadoes. Tornadoes are a crapshoot anyway. Best bet is to get a good weather radio and monitor it as you travel. Good Luck!
Ron
2003 Gulf Stream Ultra Supreme 33'
F53 Class A
'95 Tracker toad
You can drive Nashville to Joplin in one day on Johno02's route. You should allow about 9 hours for that trip.
The tornado risk will be highest between Joplin, and Amarillo TX.
If tornadoes truly horrify you (they shouldn't) drop down to I-10, or maybe I-20, because anywhere north of that up to the Canadian border through the Midwest is tornado alley.
BTW if while on US60 somewhere between Cairo, and Poplar Bluff if you see a white Ford F-450 sitting on the side of the road with it's hood up, give a wave, it will probably be me.
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