Myrtle Beach to Gatlinburg via I26

Handbasket is the winner with the correct descriptions of the grades you will encounter on the way to Gatlinburg.

Not sure how you plan on getting from I-40 over to Gatlinburg. Unless you really want to test your rig, do not take Foothills Parkway (Hwy 329). Instead go the extra few miles to Hwy 321. 321 is relatively flat road over.

Depending on your actual destination, either 321, 411, or even I-40 all the way around to 66.

Seems to be some corn-fusion here.... About 4-5 miles after you cross into NC, your first grade on I-26W will be Saluda Grade, where you've got an almost straight road uphill, 6% for about 4 miles. This is most of the climb up the Eastern Continental Divide. A few miles further, you'll hit a reduced speed downhill-uphill crossing the Green River Bridge, at 7% for about 1 mile each down and up. The top of this is the geographical Divide proper. There's another short steep uphill-downhill just past the Biltmore Park exit, going up to the underpass for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

To get to Gatlinburg, follow I-26 to Asheville, then take I-40W into TN. Sams Gap is further up I-26, well north-west of Asheville, and would take you well out of your way unless you need to go that far north. I-40W from Asheville is a fair road, but twisty from NC MM 20 to about MM 4 in TN. No real grades, but but lots of curves as you follow Pigeon River Gorge.

Jim, "Next time you wave, use more fingers."

The Green River Gorge Grade, is the what we call Saluda Grade. When the RailRoad came thru. It was the steepest regular run RR Mountain Grade in the US. However the grade on I-26 is not so bad as Black Mountain. We go up pretty easily with the TT in tow. You should have no problems.

IF when you get to the top. You want to visit one of the prettiest little towns in the NC hills. Dive off into Saluda, and go back in time.

Well, there are several places along the way. First, you will encounter the Green River Gorge, just outside of Spartanburg, SC. It is steep, but it is a good road. It is a 7% grade and is about 6-7 miles long. Thousands of vehicles of all sizes travel it each and every day. Take your time, if you need to stop and let your vehicle cool down, do it. About 50 miles further, just past Asheville, NC, you will come to Sam's Gap. It is again a 7% grade, about 5 miles long and offers some spectacular views on both the NC side and again on the TN side. The TN side offers several overlooks and the views are amazing. From there, it's smooth sailing all the way to I-81 and then to I-40.

If you are going to be arriving on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, PM me and I will give you some alternate directions so you don't have to hit the dreaded PARKWAY into Gatlinburg.