Gatlinburg from Interstate 81??

[2008Wildcat]

We are heading towards Gatlinburg this year for a week, and I am looking for some advice on the route in.

We are staying at Smokey Bear Campground, which is on 321.

We are coming from the north, down I-81. It looks like it is a fairly easy route in, down 40 until it merges with 321, then 321 straight in.

I guess my question is, is it really that easy? Is 321 a decent road after it breaks off of 40?

It looks like I don't really have many choices, according to Google Maps....

[ken56]

For sure go down I-40 to exit 435, Newport exit, its a right turn and Walmart is just 1/2 mile on the right. Rt 32 (again a right turn out of the parking lot) runs into 321, turn right and follow to the campground. Its a rural road and a little twisty but all kinds of RVs go on it no problem. If you were to go west to 66 (exit 407) and south from there ...... I have seen that road bumper to bumper all the way to Gatlinburg from I-40 and is a trial in patience. And you really don't want to pull a trailer thru downtown G'burg. Its a wonderful area with lots to see and do. We love living here.

[2008Wildcat]

Thank you for the suggestions.

RoyB- is that the Walmart Supercenter that is just off 40, on Rt 32?

[RoyB]

This is how we go...

I81 to !40 EAST to NEWPORT Exit - take 33 SOUTH - Stop at WALMART and stock up on groceries for the night then continue on down 33 until it gets to 321. Take 321 (SOUTH) and follow a few miles until you see Smokey Bear Camp pn the right. We always stay at ARROW CREEK which is the next camp ground SOUTH of Smoky Bear on the right. You are still a few miles NORTH of Gatlinburg...

Smoky Bear Camp is just a few miles South of COSBY

Roy Ken

[JayGee]

You do have a choice of going through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg but I would come in like the campground suggests on their website. 321 should be no problem for you.

[bgum]

I40 to 66 to 441