Help Needed

HobbyJack · 09-23-2007, 05:59 PM

I am driving a Winnebago 2001 Jounney DL 36ft from Knoxville to Townsend, then to Piegon Forge, Gatlinburg, and over to Cherokee and Maggie Valley, NC. Can anyone tell me how the roads are, or should I not try this route? Would it be bette to go from Knoxvile on 40 to exit 276 into Maggie Valley, NC?? Any help would be appreciated.

HobbyJack · 09-23-2007, 05:59 PM

I am driving a Winnebago 2001 Jounney DL 36ft from Knoxville to Townsend, then to Piegon Forge, Gatlinburg, and over to Cherokee and Maggie Valley, NC. Can anyone tell me how the roads are, or should I not try this route? Would it be bette to go from Knoxvile on 40 to exit 276 into Maggie Valley, NC?? Any help would be appreciated.

paz · 09-24-2007, 03:37 AM

We're headed that way in a few weeks. Haven't been there for years and when we were, we didn't have an RV.

When we go, we are planning to take I-40 over the mountains to NC. Our Delorme Street Atlas is showing low clearance in 2 locations (11' 1" and 11' 4") on US 441 through the park. This is the most direct route from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, but it doesn't look like it is suitable for RVs.

doc · 09-24-2007, 04:12 AM

The road from Townsend to PF is a twisty narrow little trail so be careful in the curves. You will be over the center line and can't help that. Shouldlers are non existent in places. They drive tour buses this route however so it is doable, just stay alert.

Road from PF to Gatlinberg is a no brainer, but Gatlinburg streets are very narrow.
Trip over the mountain to Cherokee is not a problem, just pull over occasionally and let the cars pass. You'll make friends doing this.
Cherokee to Maggie Valley, up past the casino, gets narrow at times and again - no shoulders.

Lorna · 09-24-2007, 05:56 PM

Semi's also use those roads... move over when you see one coming towards you because they sure won't. If you are not comfortable driving on very narrow, winding roads (in other words... do you drive roads like that all the time), then I would suggest that you take the interstate in he RV. Drive the road up to the overlook in your car. It's a beautifull drive. It would be a shame for you to miss the great views. Also the tourists drive like morons. And the wildlife sometimes freaks them out.... you'd think they'd never seen a bear strolling across the road!!! Then again maybe they haven't!

Generally, I suggest to the tourists to keep their RVs on the interstate. You will be much happier that way. Stay in
Bryson City/Cherokee area and take your car to the overlook and beyond as it is a very comfortable daytrip (we used to daytrip to those areas from Franklin when we lived there). You really don't want to drive a big RV thru Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Cherokee. Tight roads, crazy drivers.

Colette and Joe · 09-25-2007, 03:42 AM

You did not mention when you would be doing this.
Oct. is packed with leaf lookers all over WNC. be pre pared to just fall into a train vehicles.
There is a bypass around Gatlinburg from PF to 441 thru the Smokies. This is a very nice drive at any time. The road has been lowered thur the tunnels to allow for high profile rigs, aka tour busses. This is slow but easy travel. And Beautiful. Shortest way to Cherokee from PF.
If it is not leaf season and school is in session, there will be much less traffic.

If you prefer 4 lane travel, do 40 to exit 20, Maggie follow signs to Western Carolina Univ. , this takes you to hwy 74 and right to Cherokee exit with no narrow roads. Longer distance but very fast travel.