Need info on condition of US64 along the Ocoee River

mikestock wrote:
Haven't passed this route that parallels the Ocoee River in years, but I remember how difficult it was, towing a large/tall fifth wheel. Now it may even be more problematic with a 40' motorhome plus toad.

Does anyone know if there have been any improvements made to the section of the road where you have to cross the centerline to avoid overhanging cliffs? My destination would require a long detour to avoid this section of road and I will be passing through on a very busy Sunday afternoon.

I love US-64 in that area ... it's a great road for a motorcycle! Otherwise, I'm not so sure. We go up to Lake Toxaway (east of Cashiers) regularly and, for what it's worth, here's what our destination's website says about US-64: "While your navigation system or other mapping service may recognize our address, they may route you over narrow and treacherous roads. Motorcoach travel is not recommended on US Hwy 64E from Franklin to Lake Toxaway, nor on NC routes 215, 178, or 276!!!" That does seem a bit overwrought to me (three exclamation points?) but I guess they feel pretty strongly about the advice. Anyway, I've never driven that section in a motorhome so no personal assessment ... just passing the info along. Mountain Falls RV Resort advice on getting to and from Lake Toxaway is here: Mountain Falls driving directions.

Skip

Pulled our 30 foot TT thru there twice last week.

A couple of years ago they significantly widened the pavement on both sides of that sharp blind curve you refer to. It is much better but the trucks seem to still coordinate meeting each other there on the CB.

They are working on about 1/2 mile of the road - not sure what they are doing - but it is ONE WAY right there. They have those portable traffic signals set up on either end, with a "guaranteed" wait time not to exceed 3 minutes.

While the road was a bit narrow in this section, the biggest problem we had was rafting buses and raft traffic. We went thru both times on Saturday mid-day and the creek was really busy. Much congestion on both sides of the road and lots of slow traffic. But, nothing I would detour for.

I WOULD, however, strongly suggest you avoid Chattanooga. We had to detour thru Georgia going and coming to avoid 10+ mile traffic stoppages on I-24.

That overhang is what I remember. Seems that there was a speed limit there of 15 or 20 mph but what 20 year old respects a sign like that.

When you're 40' long and towing a car you don't have too many options, so you just hope everybody else respects the hazzard.

Yea, like Lizzie said TDOT took that overhang out while they had the road closed in 2010 after the big rock slide just below the #2 dam.

I know the turn with the overhang you are referring to. The overhang was cut back some years ago and should not be a problem.

We always stop at the Whitewater Center for a break.

A huge rockslide closed US 64 through the Ocoee Gorge for about 10 months a few years ago. The resulting repairs included widening and installing shoulders on some of the curves and providing more opportunities for pulling off the road. It is still winding and can be crowded during the summer with the rafting traffic, but is vastly improved. There was a fatal accident there two weeks ago when a truck crossed the center line and hit another car headon but this can happen anywhere. We buy groceries in Chattanooga so travel the Gorge every week or so. Take it slow, stay in your lane and you will be fine. lizzie

Good to hear. I remember a 15 mph blind curve in one spot where 2 vehicles my size could not pass. Hope it has been removed.

Went through there last week in a 40 ft motorhome towing a toad, had no problems. There are a couple of areas where we had to stop for road construction, but the wait was short.

I was there about 2 years ago and don't recall any place with overhangs on the road. It's winding but not overly narrow, and the surface was in good condition at that time.

Definitely hit it on the weekend to avoid log trucks---they drive like maniacs and are very dangerous. The tourist traffic is busy but not dangerous.

You could also contact the USFS district office--Cherokee Natl Forest Ocoee district. They are very helpful folks.