Heading out from Cherokee KOA last year I felt adventurous and drove the Blue ridge parkway to 19, through Maggie Valley and then onto 74. I have a 2500 HD, a 31' TT and a lot of nerve, LOL. I wouldn't recommend it if you're squeamish but wow was that a beautiful drive. I pulled off at a bunch of overlooks to enjoy the views. Mind you I drive a trailer every day with that truck so I "knew" what I was doing.
Side note: about halfway between the campground and Cherokee shopping area on Big Cove road is a very nice roadside firewood seller. This guy had it organized into types of wood and it was $10/wagon. I loaded up big time there and got through 9 nights with the wood I had.