I-40 heading south through the Smokey Mtns

[Toolguy5]

Considering traveling I-40 through the Smokey Mountains in the middle of February. Is this a easy drive? Wha kind of weather could we expect?

[Merrykalia]

As others have said, it is just a toss-up what the weather will be like in February. If it is snowing, I would suggest you pull over somewhere, hang out for a few hours and let the snow stop, then give TDOT a chance to clear the roads and then go for it. Once the snow has stopped, they will work it until it is clear. If you get there DURING a snow storm, I would suggest an overnight stop. If you have never towed a vehicle in the snow, this is not the place to be trying it out to see if you CAN do it.

[ken56]

Weather is the determining factor that time of year. The gorge is not all that bad but it is moderate grades and frequent curves, about 20 miles worth. There are 2 tunnels south bound but they are large with no clearance issues. Fall in behind the semi trucks and you will be fine.

The drive is very picturesque if you have never been through there. Being an interstate the road is very well maintained and short of a snow storm you should have no issues.

[jeff-n-tn]

I live fairly close to this area, where exactly would you be coming from and going to?

[jeff-n-tn]

I live fairly close to this area, where exactly would you be coming from and going to?

[Ivylog]

Middle of February is going to be cold and a good chance of snow. Depending on where you are headed, I would us I-75 as more likely to be open if you are on a fixed schedule.

[ThomBoles]

Trucks are limited to the right lane and during heavy travel times they can make quite a train. As much as you may not want to you may have to pick your spot to pass. There are a few straights that will allow for you to get by a few but it gets hairy being stuck out in the left lane on some of those turns.

[DutchmenSport]

February, anything is possible. Could be clear, could be snow covered. Just watch the weather reports for that area and have an alternative route if they get hit with snow.

We traveled that route once in March and we had a snow storm, had to use 4x4 towing a 31 foot trailer and barely got over 25 mph on the good spots. Other years, in December or March, perfectly clear!

If roads are clear and weather is good, you'll have no problem driving the route. You REALLY do need to travel the posted speed limits or slower and don't worry about anything coming up behind you. If you travel the posted speed limit, you'll do just fine. Most of the drive once you hit North Carolina from Tennessee is 55 mph, some places drops to 50. DO IT! and you'll be fine.