Gaffney to Gatlinburg

[RonK]

Next week we will be traveling to Gaffney SC to Freightliner and when finished there we are wanting to go to Gatlinburg TN for a few days before heading back to central Ohio. Any suggestions on best routes to get to Gatlinburg from Gaffney that doesn't take us the Cherokee route. Been there done that in the car. Don't think I want to traverse the 2 lane mountain road in our 42 footer.

Thanks

[GaryKD]

Hi RonK,
Consider this route:
1. Gaffney South on I85 to I26.
2. I26 West to:
2a. I40 if Westbound is open from the rock slide. Go to NCDOT: I-40 Rock Slide News & Information for current information
2a1. I40 West, exit 440 to Route 321.
2a2. Route 321 to Gatlinburg.
2a3. Or continue on I40 to exit 431 (I think) to route 411.
2a4. Route 411 to Sevierville.

I've done 321 and 411 with a coach and toad. While there are a couple of turns that can wake you up, overall the roads are okay for a coach and toad.

2b. Continue on I26 West To I81
2b1. I81 South to I40 West.
2b2. I40 West to exit 407. Follow the signs to Sevierville.

For me, I'd still to the Cherokee route through SMNP as a first choice. I've done it several time in the coach/toad. For me it is no problem.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonK Don't think I want to traverse the 2 lane mountain road in our 42 footer.

RonK, Don't blame you at all. Come down I75 from Ohio and get on the I40 East and stay on I40 southbound until you get to I26. Continue on I26 to Spartanburg, SC and bang a LEFT and roll on in to Gaffney!

To get back to Gatlinburg reverse the route and come on in on Route 66. I was on the 411 and it was a little tight in places.

I hope you can attend Camp Freightliner while you're there!

Camp Freightliner - - Part 1

Have fun!

[RonK]

Thanks guys for the reply, yes driver I'm signed up for the class. By the way, any good shopping places in/near Gaffney for the wife to do the first day of class while the MH is being serviced?

Thanks again

RonK

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonK ... By the way, any good shopping places in/near Gaffney for the wife to do the first day of class while the MH is being serviced?

RonK, Yes tell her to come out the Chesnee Hwy entrance turn right and drive South/East to West Floyd Baker Blvd past Exit 92. She will pass by several shopping areas and eventually that will bring her to the mid-town area. I didn't spend a lot of time shopping BUT I know it's there.

Revolutionary War fans might like to check out Cowpens, SC just up the road west on I85.

[historyljc]

RonK,
If she'll take the service road (we prefer it) or interstate back down to exit 90 there is a big outlet shopping center there. Also located there is a Cracker Barrel if you like them for breakfast or supper (or you wife might wish to lunch there-you get lunch at Camp Freightliner). If you turn left out of the service center on RT 11 (Chesnee Hwy/Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy) and go about 8 miles you run across the Hwy 11 Cafe. Great food and some of the best steaks you could ever hope to have.