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rodknocker's avatar
rodknocker
Explorer
Dec 26, 2014

From Gatlinburg to Chattanooga thru Nantahala

Thinking about taking the scenic route from Gatlinburg pulling my 5ver. Any practical experience with hwy 74 and 64 over Cherokee?
Thanks

3 Replies

  • Like Jaco said, the Nantahala area can be very slow spring thru fall and is one of the main access routes to the Smokies from the south especially. And the southern end of the Appalachin trail as well. Ocoee is much less traveled compared to Nantahala.
  • Time of year makes a big difference, summer rafting traffic is a real pain. After rafting season it's not to bad. But through both the Nantahala Gorge and the Ocoee Gorge there are very few places to pull off. And in parts of the Ocoee Gorge not even any shoulder. The lanes are full width, but if you need extra room it has to come from the other lane. Like Lizzie said lots of trucks and RVs use it every day, it’s the major highway serving a large area.
  • I am not sure of your question. Are you asking about towing through the Nantahala Gorge from Cherokee NC and taking US 64 to Chattanooga? If so, you should have no problems. Both the Nantahala Gorge and the Ocoee Gorge are narrow curvy roads but big semi's and logging trucks travel them all the time. Take you time and drive slowly. Pull over when you can to keep the drivers behind you happy. lizzie