It happened the other day.....We were on our way back from the Miami area. We had to cross "Alligator Alley" in the west bound direction. We left the Miami area About 4 something PM. Before we got to the toll plaza, we became aware of the fact that a large brush fire SHUT DOWN the alley. OK...we'll just go to US 41 and take that across. The FHP was at the exit for '27' and held up signs that said take 27 south to 41 west. Only one problem....27 DOESN'T CROSS 41!!!!!!!!!!!We were 'lost' on the east coast trying to get to 41 to get home. Unfortunately I didn't have a map that could help us. So by 9 pm, we headed back into Miami (to the inlaws) and stayed another night. We headed out early the next morning and I made certain that we had at least an internet map to guide us just in case. Needless to say.....Maps are forthcoming.....with plenty of alternate routes.

I've found that most states will have either a rest area or travel center which usually has free maps. Also if you know the destination ahead of time you can go to the state web site and request maps and travel info. Were heading to TN the end of this week and I requested maps and such a while back.

Also Delorme has state topo map books (state atlas)

Lee

Are their maps as bad as their software?

While I prefer USGS topo maps to my deLorme books, I carry the later in my car. They don't have the detail, and I have found a few errors, but nothing major (they misnamed the mountain my parent's live on, usually not a big deal). And it they are updated every years, unlike the quad maps which might get an update every 20 years in some places.

I think in this case a $10 road atlas may have helped. I always keep an updated atlas in my car. When travelling long distances, I use my laptop/GPS combo.

I second the $10 all states road atlas -- carry one in each car...

We have those but they don't have near the deatil a regular fold out map has, usually just showing the main routes.

Here is an example, since I have to drive through KY I'll stop at exit 177 according to this list http://www.roadnotes.com/interstate/ky.htm and pick up a state map
Then when i pass into TN, I'll stop at 161 and get a map there.

if you have a AAA membership, you can all the maps you want for free(state, regional, major cities). The cost of the maps alone if you paid for them is probably more than the membership price.