Cherokee,NC

I think a hotel is a good idea, otherwise I-40 to 23.

For the small mileage difference go south to I-40, take I-840 over to I-24 down and down to Chattanooga. I-75 north to exit 20 and US-74 up to Cherokee. Most of US-74 is four lane, the 2 sections that are not are the Ocoee and Nantahala gorges. This route keep you out of Nashville, Knoxville & Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg. IMHO US-441 thru the park is a better choice than US-129 around the south edge.
Towed our 35’ 5’th wheel up US-74 from Chattanooga several times with a 05 3500 Chevy without issue.

I-40 to North Carolina Rt. 276, exit 20, to Rt. 19 through Maggie Valley and on into Cherokee. You are still going to have some good hills but not as bad as going through New Found Gap on 441.

Where would you be staying on the TN side?

And OMG, DO NOT go 129 on the south edge of the Nat'l Park. That is the infamous Tail of the Dragon. Google it.

ken56 wrote:
I-40 to North Carolina Rt. 276, exit 20, to Rt. 19 through Maggie Valley and on into Cherokee. You are still going to have some good hills but not as bad as going through New Found Gap on 441.

Where would you be staying on the TN side?

And OMG, DO NOT go 129 on the south edge of the Nat'l Park. That is the infamous Tail of the Dragon. Google it.

Think Tail of the Dragon is now limited to either 22' or 30'LOA. Did it a couple years ago in the truck. Grades are not bad but, oh the turns. Motion sickness does not usually bother the DW but the Dragon got to her.

Both of the routes suggested above by Jaycocamrs and Ken56 are good ones. I have towed a fifth-wheel over both at different times. I have always enjoyed the drive through Natahala Gorge, but I also enjoy Maggie Valley and have stayed at Creekside RV Park on 276.

You have two good choices. I don't think you'd go wrong with either.

I don't believe you can go through the park,Gatlinburg to Cherokee, with your 5er because of the tunnels. I've been over that road many times and would not attempt it with my rig even if it was legal. I have only seen 1 small TT on that road. Gatlinburg north to I-40 then east to Jonathan Creek Road Exit then south to Maggie Valley then south to Cherokee is how I go now. About 2-3 hrs. We like Smokemont CG in the park near Cherokee (no hookups) if your set-up for that. Several commercial cgs near Cherokee but I am not familiar with them. Bryson City 5-10 miles from Cherokee and Waynesville approx. 25-30 miles are interesting and Nantahala Gorge and river are great for kayaking or rafting. Ashville with Biltmore House is about 1 1/2 hrs from Cherokee, touring Biltmore House can take most of 1 day. "Unto to these hills" drama in Cherokee,outdoors at night in the woods is the story of the trail of tears and was very well done when we have seen it. UP THE CREEK cg in Pigeon Forge is our favorite on the TN side. Nice sites, good hook-ups,"NO"other amenities except the creeks, more like camping used to be.

If you don't find a campground you like in Cherokee take a look at Tuckaseegee RV Resort near Whittier Nc. Not far from Cherokee and very well run on the banks of the Tuckaseegee river.

Stay off 19 and take 74 if you go.

It sounds like it’s trying to send you down 441. I’d go “around” by using I-40 to 74 I think it is.

440 miles going over 441 by way of the NP
461 miles Chattanooga to 74 to Cherokee
473 miles by way of I40 to 276 to 19 Maggie valley Cherokee

anything but towing over 441, it can be done but your truck will not like you.