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mrs_jarhead's avatar
mrs_jarhead
Explorer
Nov 20, 2015

Gatlinburg, TN

We have a 38 ft. Motorhome and will be towing a car. We are planning a trip to Gatlinburg or surrounding area towards the early fall of 2016. I am horrified of steep hill, hairpin turns and narrow roads. I have been researching and found a few roads to avoid. We don't have to stay in Gatlinburg but would like to stay nearby like in Pigeon Forge or somewhere close. We will sight see via our tow vehicle.....I just can't take steep hills........ Can anyone give me a route that is not "white knuckling" and much more Motorhome friendly to get to Gatlinburg or the surrounding area.........I understand there are lower passes we will be able to travel on.......We will be traveling from Louisiana......Thanks in advance.......:h
Roads and Routes

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  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2015
    We stayed at the Riverside RV park, which is located a few miles south of I-40 on the 66.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2015
    Take I59 to Knoxville I40 to Sevierville turn off. Go to Pigeon Forge. Stay at Pine Mtn RV Park.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2015
    In respect for the Gatlinburg tourist business, I have seen people there in bigger rigs, and tour buses do it all the time. The bus drivers get paid for it, and have no problems with blocking roads, or obstructing traffic. And have special permits to do so. They are carrying lots of money-spending tourists, and that is the name of the game. Personal Motor homes are a different story, but then, it still depends a lot on how much money is involved. Private buses for big-name stars have no trouble.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2015
    through Knoxville on I-40, then down to Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Lots of really nice campgrounds and RV parks that you can get into before getting into the mountains. No road problems from Knoxville, Hills and curves are just interstate normal. Park MH, use car for local trips, no problem except traffic. I-40 across East Tennessee has mountains, long grades, and is somewhat twisty. It is the major east-west route for trucks, and they manage it OK, abet somewhat slower. To get to Gatlinburg from Louisiana, you gotta cross the mountains somewhere. You will(should) NOT be taking the Motor Home into Gatlinburg, or into the Park at all. It just won't fit, period. In Gatlinburg, even bicycles are a challenge.

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