Jacksonville FL to New Orleans...

[etsisk]

Thinking about doing this as a little side trip next spring - anyone with any experience doing this? The Southern Route seems to run along US 90, and I don't know much about that route. Any info would be appreciated! Thanks.

[etsisk]

Just bumping this up - I'd like to do this section as a way to chip away at my end goal of circumnavigating the US. I figure every little bit helps, and if I'm already going past St. Augustine (figured out that Jax isn't the best place to start this section), I won't be in a better spot to do this! I'll have already done the Wilmington NC to Key West chunk of the Atlantic Coast Route and will be heading back up towards NC with my wife. So any wisdom and knowledge shared will be appreciated!

[Chad]

Hey there.

I am leaving tomorrow to do that ride, in reverse. I am taking a train to New Orleans, and then riding to St Aug. I routed my own roads to fill the gap from New Orleans to get to the Southern Tier route just north of Biloxi.  I'll try and stop back in 2 weeks and report any tips I might have, as well as what roads I took off of the ACA maps.

[etsisk]

That would be great! I'm sure you'll have fun on the ride. What route are you planning across Florida? ACA says 90 (?) but someone posted that 20 might be the better road.

[Chad]

I have the ACA maps and was planning on going off those, but may choose my own adventure as I go. My initial plan is to take the Southern Tier to St Aug, then the Atlantic Coast trail up to Charlston SC, then hop on a train back home to Chicago from there.

[etsisk]

That's pretty much what I'm aiming at for April, but I'll be riding from Wilmington NC to St. Augustine, then across to the gulf on 20/27 (I think 27) and joking up with the ST in northern Florida.

[staehpj1]

US 90 would probably be my choice for that section based on what I have seen of it and the other choices.  For this section that opinion is based on having driven most of it in a car as I have not ridden most of that section.

Different area, but I rode the ST from San Diego to Pensacola and used US 90 more than AC recommended,  I think that I'd consider using it for it's entire length (Van Horn TX to Jacksonville FL) if riding the ST again.

[etsisk]

I read somewhere else here that 20 was flatter and quieter, neither of which I have a problem with!

[John Nettles]

I'm late to the discussion but I rode from Key West to Galveston last year mainly along the coast.  It was nice.  However, there is a lot more traffic (except when taking the county roads).  I only used US-90 from between Ocean Springs and New Orleans with short sections here and there in other places.  You could then hug the coast until you get to Perry, FL then FL-20 to High Springs where, I think, the ACA ST intersects.

The pros are much better scenery (road between Pensacola and Navarre is one of the best around), all the seafood you can eat (I got sick of eating shrimp and fish everyday), more services.

Cons are heavy traffic from Ocean Springs west to New Orleans; from near Top Sail SP in Florida to Navarre, around Panama Beach (do NOT cross the FL-30 bridge from Panama City to Tyndall AFB on a Friday at quitting time (one of my worst experiences ever); little stronger wind, slightly cooler.

Overall, I would do again, especially east of Grand Bay if you do not want to go to New Orleans.

Have a good trip!

John

[staehpj1]

I read somewhere else here that 20 was flatter and quieter, neither of which I have a problem with!

Yeah, I have heard that some folks prefer 20.  Regardless which way you go, have a great trip.

[Westinghouse]

90 is the way to go. I would use the Mobile bay ferry west of Pensacola. I strongly advise against trying 90 going west out of New Orleans.

[etsisk]

90 is the way to go. I would use the Mobile bay ferry west of Pensacola. I strongly advise against trying 90 going west out of New Orleans.

Westinghouse! You're the one who said to go 20! lol! Seriously though, now you recommend 90?

[etsisk]

The right time would not be for the roadway itself, but the eateries along the way. Places were not open or available before which made a bad impression for cycling. This last time restaurants and cafes were open. I would prefer 20 over 90.

   

[John Nettles]

90 is the way to go. I would use the Mobile bay ferry west of Pensacola. I strongly advise against trying 90 going west out of New Orleans.

I agree.  When I did it this past October, I took the parallel parish (county) roads though they tended to be longer as they followed the rivers.  I was only on US-90 for a couple of miles total between Luling (bike path to Luling) and New Iberia.  When I was I had a full lane shoulder. 

[John Nettles]

90 is the way to go. I would use the Mobile bay ferry west of Pensacola. I strongly advise against trying 90 going west out of New Orleans.

Westinghouse! You're the one who said to go 20! lol! Seriously though, now you recommend 90?

I believe he was talking about Florida 20.  The quote you gave is for WEST of New Orleans.  West of New Orleans, US-90 is not fun at all especially since there are quiet parish roads nearby.