You will definitely want to enter the park from the south. The question is do you want to climb the mountain on TN-111 from Dunlap, or TN-8 from McMinnville. TN-111 up from Dunlap is 1200' in 3.75 miles, this includes a long fairly flat piece about halfway. The top is section steeper. TN-8 is about 900' in just under 3 miles and is a fairly constant grade. Going around and up thru McMinnville TN will add time and miles to your trip. The shortest way from B'ham is up I-59 to I-24 west. Take exit 155 to TN-28 north. TN-111 is on the north side of Dunlap a short ways past the Walmart. While FCF has a good camp store, I would suggest that you pick up any last minute supplies in Dunlap, there isn't a lot up on the mountain.
2018 Silverado 3500 DRW
2011 Montana Mountaineer 285RLD