Community Forums

awheaton56 · 05-27-2014, 07:32 PM

As anyone driven through the park in a Class A on Hwy 441 through the tunnels? Any problems?

BFlinn181 · 05-27-2014, 08:15 PM

The road is 2 lane federal highway from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, but it is very twisty and not for those who get carsick. Biggest worry is overheating, not from engine working too hard but idling caught in traffic. From west of Pigeon Forge to the top of Newfound Gap summer traffic can be a nightmare.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f42/hwy-4...ins-47434.html

Bamaman · 05-27-2014, 08:43 PM

I really wouldn't cherish driving a RV thru Hwy 441. Depending on where you're going when you get to the other side, there may be other ways that are less demanding over the Smokies.

777 Driver · 05-27-2014, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awheaton56

As anyone driven through the park in a Class A on Hwy 441 through the tunnels? Any problems?

We drove US-441 from Cherokee to Gatlinburg (south to north) in a 41' motorhome towing a Subaru Outback in the spring of 2012 with no problem. A very pretty drive.

Now, on the west end of the park, there's a fun little stretch of highway, US-129 from Deal's Gap to Calderwood. TAIL OF THE DRAGON AT DEALS GAP (Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, motorcycle and sport car two lane tourism serving Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner28, Devils Triangle, and Six Gap North Georgia.), with 318 curves in 11 miles, is America's number one motorcycle and sports car road. Although my Subaru does NOT qualify as a sport's car, that's one fun road.

Take care,
Stu

ChallengerRN · 05-28-2014, 04:35 AM

We drove the "tail of the dragon" in a 36' RV towing a toad. Never had a problem.

Russell

Bamaman · 05-28-2014, 06:02 AM

I have traveled the area extensively, including all back roads.

The Tail of the Dragon is simply gut wrenching and not a road I care to go on. You should see the place when they have a Porsche, Mini Cooper or motorcycle weekend. As long as drivers don't cross the double yellow line, State Troopers let drivers go as fast as their car/cycle will go.

I much better prefer the Cherohala Parkway which runs from Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC--south of Fontana. Its 40 mile route easier to drive and just as beautiful as roads in the Smokies.

DegoRed · 05-28-2014, 06:15 AM

Drove it last summer in our MH pulling our Jeep, zero problems, zero hassels, was a nice drive and would not hesitate to do so again.

Giant Jeff · 05-28-2014, 07:25 AM

About how long of a drive is it? Obviously this depends on traffic and sight seeing stops. But roughly is it reasonable to go from Pigeon Forge to Cherokee in a couple hours or more like 4 to 6 hours.

aauummm · 05-28-2014, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awheaton56

As anyone driven through the park in a Class A on Hwy 441 through the tunnels? Any problems?

Did it last summer in our MH towing the CRV. No problems, not much traffic, tunnels no problem. Very nice drive, road in very good condition. Stayed in Cherokee at the KOA.

Wizard · 05-28-2014, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giant Jeff

About how long of a drive is it? Obviously this depends on traffic and sight seeing stops. But roughly is it reasonable to go from Pigeon Forge to Cherokee in a couple hours or more like 4 to 6 hours.

Depends greatly on when you go and traffic. Holiday weekends can be really long. Don't forget Bears. When one crosses the road, people tend to park in the middle of the road to get out and look. Once with us it backed traffic out of Gatlinburg for 4 miles back into the park for 2 hours.

Bamaman · 05-29-2014, 05:45 AM

It's 36 miles, so you can make the drive between Gatlinburg & Cherokee in about an hour most times in an automobile. The road's busy, but it's well paved, etc.

Worst roads to drive in the region: Tail of the Dragon, Hwy 34 from Bristol to Mountain City, TN, Hwy 58 East of Abington, VA and Hwy 66 from Rogersville to Sneedville, TN (The worst!)

awheaton56 · 05-30-2014, 03:41 AM

Good info thanks to all!

MCJones · 06-10-2014, 07:19 AM

We live 5 miles outside Cherokee and have driven to Pigeon Forge many times - but not in the motor home. Last week we took 74 east to 40 west and that route took 2.5 hr. It is a "safer" way to go to avoid bicycles, lookers, and tourists and easier to drive. But over the mountain is half the distance and about half the time IF no hold ups come along. Don't drive on weekends and maybe you could save time. I have a 43 ft with a wrangler toad and for us, the drive is as much fun as the destination anyway so we take 74 and 40.