Recommended Route in the Smokies
We are staying a few days at Bryson City this summer, and then a few in Cades Cove. We are looking for the easiest / best route to travel when moving from Bryson City area over to Cades Cove. Dr...
Forum Discussion
In all honesty if the BRP gave you white knuckles, take I-40. I-40 to US-411 at Newport TN. Then thru Sevierville and Pigeon Forge and US-321 to Townsend and TN-73 into the park.
My thoughts exactly. If you didn't enjoy BRP, they you wouldn't even enjoy the stretch from Sugarlands Visitor Center to the junction with 73 near Townsend. Good news is though that you shouldn't have a problem going into Cades Cove.
Best fuel prices on the route is the Walmart at Newport. Over in Townsend, there is fuel at descent price at IGA a couple miles to the right from where 321 turns in Townsend.
You have already been advised against Rt 129. I enjoy it and the shocked looks from the photographers stationed along the road, but I don't have a trailer.
Furthermore, don't take Foothills Parkway off of I-40 if you do decide to go through Gatlinburg. Instead go up one more exit to Hwy 321. Foothills Parkway goes up and over a mountain, definitely not enjoyable for you.
