I 40 knoxville to Winston Salem

When you get past the Sevierville/Smokey Mtn Prk exit, within a few miles you will get into the gorge area with limited passing, a couple of tunnels and some curvy roads. I have done that a few times and with a LOT of truck traffic I was not comfortable with passing and being passed in those curves. THere has been bridge and lane work for the past few years and I don't know if it is finished or not.
I cannot comment on the route from Statesville to W/S. There was extensive work on ramps, lanes and widening in the Statesville area a couple of years ago. That area is growing big and fast.
Distance? 250-260 miles maybe. I remember being exhausted driving from Statesville to KNoxville. Knoxville to W/S ? 5-6 hours I expect

Its been 2 years since I came that way but I don't remember enough construction to worry about and the tunnels weren't a problem as were the hills and curves. I at that time was pretty long (73ft including trailer)and the Jake brake was good enough on the one long hill--Black Mountain. I was out past Winston last week and saw no construction at all. I am 81 years old and if I am ok most others should be. Be heading to Pigeon Forge in a couple of weeks so let us know how it goes.

The Gorge is not a big deal. The construction is done and aside from minor guard rail and landscaping things the road is open. Just fall in behind the trucks and be patient. Passing can be done if the trucks get too slow.

There is a long pretty steep downhill grade east of Asheville about 6 miles long. Gear down and don't ride the brakes. There are flashing signs that will tell you if you are going too fast. No real sharp curves in that stretch but just control your speed going down.

It's roughly 4 hours.

Work still happening at I40, I77 junction at Statesville but not a problem.

Did that route last October, no issues at all.

Thanks for all the responses. We're thinking about a trip that way near the end of September. Just trying to plan ahead.

I just drove that way westbound a few weeks ago and it was gorgeous.