Traveling to Cherokee NC area campground

[martinto]

Has anyone had experience with traveling I40 out of Asheville onto Hwy 19 and into Cherokee, NC. Is Hyw 19 two or four lane? Steep grades? Other road conditions to be aware of? Appreciate any feedback.

[tragusa3]

Hey Martinto, we're just north of Greenville. We've been several times and 25 to 26 to 40 to 74 is the best route we've taken. We did 19 once. It's slow and twisty, won't do it again.

74 is a four lane with a few sections of long 6% grades. Nothing to be concerned about.

[lbrjet]

We took I40 to 74 to 441 last week. Best way to the KOA/River Valley in my opinion. We drove 19 without the trailer and some parts are pretty tight.

[FFWyatt]

I go there every year and take the same route as described above. Safe road pulling a camper. We are leaving tomorrow and staying at River Valley Campground. Just a few miles before the KOA.

[martinto]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm coming from near Greenville, SC area. About 50 miles from Asheville. We're going to the Cherokee KOA. Sounds like 74 may be the best route. Thanks agin folks.

[bodyshop_bob]

Blugrass has given you great advise and you should heed it. Hwy 19 is not made for the RV crowd. Not sure where in SC your coming from but you can come I-85 S into Georgia to Exit 129 (Hwy 53) go West (stop by and mow my yard please) to I-985 N which becomes GA 365 to Hwy 441 to Cherokee. A very easy, very scenic route.

[blugrassbassman]

I would recommend you stay on 74 (great smokey mountain expressway) to exit 74, and then follow the signs for the casino, that's the best way to go. 19 is too curvy and long, for my taste, 74 is 4 lane the whole way.
What campground you staying at? we stayed at the KOA a couple weeks ago and it was nice.

thanks safe and happy travels!