Chattanoga, TN to Asheville, NC

[Wayne M]

When I plug a directions into a map system it wants to route me across the Smokeys on US-74, US-19, US-129, US-23 (Basically all the same highway).

Has anyone made this trip?

What are your suggestions?

[Hitchhiker]

That's called the Great Smokey Mountain Expressway across there; it's a four lane highway and a nice scenic ride. I've traveled on parts of it frequently towing a fifth wheel, you'll have no difficulty going that way.

There are some hills on it but I'm sure you're expecting that if you're coming to the mountains.

[RustyJC]

Wayne,

From Chilhowee Lake in Tennessee to just over the North Carolina border is a stretch of US129 known to motorcyclists and sports car types as the Tail of the Dragon or Deals Gap. 311 curves in 11 miles, some so sharp that semi-trucks are strongly advised to take an alternate route. I've ridden it a number of times on motorcycles, and it would be no fun in a long MH with a toad.

If your map program is routing you over this stretch of US129, I would look for an alternate route. If not, go with Richard's advice.

JM2CW

Rusty

[faye]

there is a nice scenic route in the foothills i think it is hwy 11 that the tourist bureau told us about, no problems with steep grades and inclines...you could go to n.c. tourist bureau and they could give you this...i have their printed directions if i can find them, i'll post it.

[Hitchhiker]

Rusty,

That's a different stretch of US129 up on the west side of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. He'd be on 129 down around Murphy and Andrews.

As an alternative, if you are afraid of the mountains, you can take I-75 up to I-40 through Knoxville and back down to Asheville. It's farther to drive but it is all Interstate Highway.

[RustyJC]

There you have it.....go with Richard's advice.

Rusty

[Hitchhiker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by faye there is a nice scenic route in the foothills i think it is hwy 11 that the tourist bureau told us about, no problems with steep grades and inclines...you could go to n.c. tourist bureau and they could give you this...i have their printed directions if i can find them, i'll post it.

That may be the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway you're referring to which is SC-11 and is down in South Carolina. I take that frequently when I go to Atlanta, it's a nice drive. Wayne wouldn't be anywhere near there when going from Chattanooga to Asheville.

[Wayne M]

Trust me! I have been on the Tail Of The Dragon with a motorcycle. I would never try to take an RV of any type on it. Different part of US-129 Rusty.

Richard, thanks. I was hoping to hear that. I had looked at the alternate using Interstate, but would like the scenic way. It's been 35 years since I have been in the Smokey's and it's nice to have someone who has recently ridden it tell of the "newer' byways. Four lanes! Who would-a-thought.

[Wayne M]

Richard,
Looking at US-74 through the mountains using Google Street View, it looks like only 2 lane. ???

[Hitchhiker]

I had forgot.

There's a stretch of about 20 or 30 miles that's two lane over in TN, that part runs through the Cherokee National Forest. The rest of it is all 4 lane. Just hold it between the yellow and the white lines and enjoy the drive.

If you saw the roads here in my county you'd probably cringe. Narrow with grades up to 16% and switchbacks that you need to take the entire road to go around with a trailer.

[Wayne M]

Yellow! White!
Which side of the road is what color?

Have you ever driven US-199 from Crescent City, CA to Grant's Pass?

It definitely increases your driving skills.

I looked at the street view of many of the sections of US-74 and it does not look that bad.

What country are you in?

[Hitchhiker]

Quote:

Yellow! White! Which side of the road is what color?

ROFLMAO.............. around here in Mitchell County, NC the yellow lines (double unbroken) are in the middle and the white lines are along the edge. I hope it's that way in your neck of the woods too.

We went through Crescent City, CA after stopping at Redwood NP on our trip to Alaska a few years back, but we took 101 up the coast, didn't take 199.....must be a mean road.

[Elkhartjim]

Y'all keep the info coming cause we'll be behind them by about 3 weeks. I spoke with a local today and he advised that I 40 is as crooked as a dogs hind leg from Knoxville to Ashville..

[Wayne M]

Now Jim, I told you that no matter what route I take I'll call you and let you know that US-74 is okay. Okay?