I have been around Boone and Blowing Rock and Spruce Pine and some points in between and from that experience you need to be careful taking 'side roads' because you can get into some steep grades and hairpin switchbacks on some of those roads. What are you in? 42 ft. class A? Pulling a 5th wheel? Be careful getting off the state roads. Is making good time important to you? Go up to 81 if it is.
Looking at the sat. view on Google maps 88 looks OK to take over to 421/321/26 and pick up 321 again out of Johnson City. Takes you to Newport TN and on into Sevierville. Where in Sevierville if I may ask? Might make a slight difference on how to come in. ...I live near where 81 comes into 40.
