Cherokee KOA best route

I would call the campground and ask them about the roads coming in from the route you will be taking. Taking advice from people that don't live there can get you into big trouble when pulling a trailer or driving a big vehicle.

Right- 19 from Maggie valley to Cherokee is steep and twisty. You could take 74 to 441.

74 is the Smoky Mountain Expressway, exit 27 on I-40. 74 to 441 is the only other way into Cherokee. Its still in the mountains. Not as steep and twisty as 19 but its mountains. I hope you have some experience with mountain driving and using your transmission to slow your decent on the down hill and rev the RPM's on the up hill. I have been on both roads. A good driver experienced in mountain driving can do 19. If you have doubts then go 74 to 441.

Heading out from Cherokee KOA last year I felt adventurous and drove the Blue ridge parkway to 19, through Maggie Valley and then onto 74. I have a 2500 HD, a 31' TT and a lot of nerve, LOL. I wouldn't recommend it if you're squeamish but wow was that a beautiful drive. I pulled off at a bunch of overlooks to enjoy the views. Mind you I drive a trailer every day with that truck so I "knew" what I was doing.

Side note: about halfway between the campground and Cherokee shopping area on Big Cove road is a very nice roadside firewood seller. This guy had it organized into types of wood and it was $10/wagon. I loaded up big time there and got through 9 nights with the wood I had.