Best roads from Pigeon Forge to Cherokee

Gatlinburg to Cherokee is about 28 mi on 441. Going around to I40 and 19 will add a good amount of time and miles to your trip with not much advantage in avoiding grades and curves in my opinion. I have been over the gap quite a few times and always see rigs of all lengths being towed. Gear down to use the engine to help slow your vehicle and don't worry about the people behind you. Just don't burn up your brakes by not gearing down as some of the grades can be steep. The road is plenty wide and on the tight curves they added width so rigs can make the turns. You will get a workout for sure, just be safe about it and pay attention to your speed on the down grades. Every time I have gone thru the gap I see someone who burned up his brakes, I can't stress this enough here, gear down! Its really a great drive, beautiful sceenery and vistas.