US 441 thru Smoky Mountain N.P.

The speed limit through the park is 35 mph.

On behalf of all my friends who have to drive that route to and from work everyday; don't do it! Traffic will pile up for miles behind you as you white-knuckle it up and down the grades, not to mention the mess you will encounter in Gatlinburg. Spare your nerves and add years to your life...go through Waynesville. lizzie

kohldad is right, go thru Waynesville. Going thru the park is do-able and a very pretty ride if you are prepared for very steep grades. I have seen Rv's of all types with burned up brakes every time I have gone thru. If you are experienced with driving on steep grades, both up and down, then you might want to tackle it......BUT... depending when, what day/time of day, you get into Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville you might hit very heavy traffic. I have seen it bumper to bumper all the way from G'burg to I-40, about 20 miles worth. SO....if its time you are trying to save then go thru Waynesville. If you have never been there its a nice small town worth stopping for lunch in.

It may be the shortest but it will not be the quickest. 441 climbs to about 5,000 feet before descending down into Gatlinburg. Then you would have to deal with the Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge traffic.

Recommend you take 23 to 74 to Waynesville then 276 over to I40. You will then go through the Pigeon River Gorge on I40 but it is much easier and just as quick.

But yes, 441 is navigable for any size rig if you can handle the grades. Make sure to use lower gear for engine breaking on the way down and watch out for the pedestrians in Gatlinburg.