Best roads from Pigeon Forge to Cherokee

[wesntes]

Will be traveling in July from Pigeon Forge to Cherokee and know the roads can be treacherous! We are pulling a 39' fifth wheel. The map shows one way . . . very winding road. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Much thanks!:C

[taylorcat]

We are in Gatlinburgh now. I would cross the mountains on 441 in our travel trailer most years. However, there is construction on 441 now and even driving is a nightmare afer nine or ten in the morning. (one lane traffic with flagman going up mountain)

[Camorhino]

If you are comfortable driving mountain roads, it would be okay. I have pulled my 43'FW over it, and would say the grade from Newfound Gap down to Cherokee is the grade to take your time on. Just long, but roomy. The bridge and the circle above Gatlinburg was picturesque to say the least, but 45' long tour buses negotiate it every day. I did have a jake brake, and manual trans when we did it. Gatlinburg is full of tourists, so use caution there, but at the time they were paving 441, and detoured us through town, so I'm sure it is way better now.

[ken56]

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.

[lbrjet]

I took I40 to 74 to 441. I drove 19 east of Cherokee (without trailer) and would not recommend it pulling a long rig.

[rv2go]

Newfound Gag Road(US441) may be intimidating to someone not familiar with mountain driving. You see all sizes and types of RV's going and coming.

It's about 13 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Newfound Gap(the summit) parking area. I am not sure of the miles down to Cherokee, but I think the road down to Cherokee is less of a problem than going up from the Visitor Center.

If you are there at the Rally, talk to some of your fellow RV'ers. I bet some of them have been over the mountain.

[sch911]

Have seen several RV's going straight over 441. I would do it with my MH.

[bgum]

I40 to 276 to 19. You could chance it over the gap but there is one severe corkscrew and several tunnels. I wouldn't try it in a gasser.

[austondog]

I've driven that route in a car steep grades and narrow winding road. Probably a challenge pulling 39' fiver. Might consider going back thru seiverville and going around like you were going to Ashville. Biltmore house over there and worth the visit