If you're going to get a Rand McNally Road Atlas, get the trucker's one.
same size, but a lot more info.
The maps may look a bit funny, there's orange lines all over the maps...
But these lines show which roads the trucks are allowed on.
One good thing... you know these roads are decent (usually)
One bad thing.... there may be a lot of trucks.
But then you also know what roads to avoid.

The best info in the Truckers Atlas is the pages and pages of distances between cities.
Way more than than the regular atlas.

A GPS is helpful. Especially if you're lost on in a city trying to find the hotel room you've reserved earlier in the day.... and it's cold, wet and windy.... did I mention a Texas downpour? With the rain pouring sideways? And road construction? And at night?

If you're planning on motelling as opposed to camping... check the major chains, although they're usually near the interstates or in cities... You can sign up for their frequent visitor programs ...free.... give them your info. They also have directories of all their hotels/motels, get one for each chain. Super 8 is now pretty good, fluffy mattresses and lots of upgraded motels..not all yet, tho.

When you're traveling, you can decide how much further you'd like to go that day, pick a place, and call the toll free number of whatever chain you prefer.
They'll already have your info when you reserve a room. Also tell them you'll be arriving late. that way they will hold your reservation. Most of the chains have a 6PM limit on canceling a reservation.

Came in real handy when I was traveling from Flagstaff Az back to Texas. I reserved a room in Amarillo, Tx. But ...kinda forgot New Mexico was between Az and TX. When I arrived at the Holiday Inn at 10:30 PM, I was so wet the gal at the desk was laughing. But... they had me park my bike right in front of the window so they could watch it, and told me that if I wanted a few extra hours in the morning, just to call down to the desk, no problem, no charge.

Have fun and check the maps, even with a GPS. With my Garmin, I can change roads and it will just recaculate.... again and again.
Mary

I like Mario Caruso's Rider's Guides for Arkansas, Colorado and West Virginia. Here's his link Arkansas Motorcycle Touring Guide!