Need I-40 info

Need I-40 info · 10-26-2009, 10:36 AM

LOML and myself are going to Pigeon Forge, Tenn. tomorrow. I just saw about the rockslide on I-40. I wonder if anyone who knows the area can direct me around the closure?

pcooper · 10-26-2009, 10:51 AM

Check out a good up to date map, (not being sarcastic here) and look at the route for Maggie Valley going through Cherokee. I don't have a map in front of me, but I had to go that route when the highway washed out in 04 and that was the way I took, and goes right into Pigeon Forge and surrounding area.

Ozzie-x · 10-26-2009, 11:18 AM

Yes, Philip is correct, just take I-40 to exit 27 and head toward Maggie Valley. Go through Maggie over Soco mountain to Cherokee and take the Parkway across the mountain to Gatlinburg. It will take longer but the other choices are a LOT longer.

Robert · 10-26-2009, 11:19 AM

I've driven that route several times. Its a bit slow, but still quicker than the alternative. Warning it is curvy, take your time.

You'll take I-40 to Waynesville, 23/74 to Cherokee, 441 to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. I'd map it on google just to have a hard copy with you.

Enjoy the views.

PurpleThumb · 10-26-2009, 05:25 PM

Do it in the daylight, it's a beautiful drive through your National Forest. Beautiful trout streams and a historic farm are along the way, as well as a casino.

gesiak · 10-26-2009, 06:17 PM

I appreciate the information. I was just going to ask the same thing. Driving to Anderson, SC from Chicago at Thanksgiving. Thanks, John

Dragon · 10-26-2009, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by skeeter

LOML and myself are going to Pigeon Forge, Tenn. tomorrow. I just saw about the rockslide on I-40. I wonder if anyone who knows the area can direct me around the closure?

On WBTV this morning they were giving an alternate route taking I-26 out of Asheville and going north to hit another Hwy, and then back south to I-40 avoiding the slide. They said it was about a 50 mile detour so plan an extra hour or so. YMMV

Splinter · 10-26-2009, 06:54 PM

Skeeter,

If you take the route from Cherokee to Gatlinburg there is also a working Grist Mill on the left - up a lane - just past the old farm noted above. It is a beautiful drive over to Gatlinburg. Lots of curves including a 360 degree one. If you get a chance take a drive through Cades Cove. You get to it via a road down beside the Park Visitor's center just before you get to Gatlinburg. Enjoy.

skeeter · 10-26-2009, 07:09 PM

Thanks for all the info. Good doctors report on the thumb today. Now just waiting till in the morning to get on the road. I will try and be in Hickory on Friday or Sat.

Tarhead · 10-26-2009, 11:43 PM

Charles,
If you and/or your rider(s) are the least bit likely to get motion sick the I-26 route from Asheville to Johnson City to I-81 to I-40 to Sevierville to Gatlinburg route is my suggestion. I-26 is a new road without the switchbacks and lots of beautiful long range views. Plus you get to stop in at Cootie Browns in Johnson City for Tamales and the best Peach Cheesecake you ever put in your mouth. In this situation 50 miles longer may be an hour shorter as a lot of traffic will clog up the back way into Gatlinburg.

JackLeg · 10-27-2009, 08:45 AM

+1 for visiting Cade's Cove. It's a fascinating story of how these people lived, some of them never leaving the area for their entire lives. The church there still holds services, I believe. The wildlife has almost no fear of man. It's a beautiful area and well worth the time to visit. Take the "hayride" if yo get the chance.

ashley_phil · 10-27-2009, 11:04 AM

if you've never been to Cades Cove I'd highly recommend my grandmothers folks were from there.

it along with joyce kilmer national forest are some of the national treasures along the blue ridge.

skeeter · 10-27-2009, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by Tarhead

Charles,
If you and/or your rider(s) are the least bit likely to get motion sick the I-26 route from Asheville to Johnson City to I-81 to I-40 to Sevierville to Gatlinburg route is my suggestion. I-26 is a new road without the switchbacks and lots of beautiful long range views. Plus you get to stop in at Cootie Browns in Johnson City for Tamales and the best Peach Cheesecake you ever put in your mouth. In this situation 50 miles longer may be an hour shorter as a lot of traffic will clog up the back way into Gatlinburg.

This is the route I wound up taking. Sorry I missed "Cootie Browns". Heavy rain all day. I will give it a try on the return trip.

skeeter · 10-27-2009, 10:12 PM

I come up to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge a couple times a year and always go to Cades Cove at least once on each trip. Although not as historic, another great place for wildlife watching is Roarinjg Forks in Gatlinburg.