I-40 heading south through the Smokey Mtns

Weather is the determining factor that time of year. The gorge is not all that bad but it is moderate grades and frequent curves, about 20 miles worth. There are 2 tunnels south bound but they are large with no clearance issues. Fall in behind the semi trucks and you will be fine.

The drive is very picturesque if you have never been through there. Being an interstate the road is very well maintained and short of a snow storm you should have no issues.