Best Way to get to Pigeon Forge (Charlotte, Asheville: hotels, casinos)

[thestem]

With I-40 still closed, what's the best way to get to Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg?

thanks

[brokensky]

Were you looking for something other than the official detour?

Here is a map and info on the detour:

Travel Alerts/Road Closures « Carolina Lifestyles

If you are here in Charlotte, there really isn't a better suggestion (as far as miles) to get you to Gatlinburg, TN, especially this time of year, with periodic snow/ice on secondary roads.

Maybe someone has another suggestion, but I don't. At least you can rest assured that the detour route will have roads that are cleared from ice/snow.

[thestem]

thanks for the quick reply - looking for a different way - that's 53 miles for than the "regular way" - wondering if going up thru Cherokee is better option. I'll be going 1st weekend in April so I don't THINK snow will be an issue...

Anyone else for their $.02?

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by thestem

thanks for the quick reply - looking for a different way - that's 53 miles for than the "regular way" - wondering if going up thru Cherokee is better option. I'll be going 1st weekend in April so I don't THINK snow will be an issue...

Anyone else for their $.02?

Check the casino at Cherokee. Harrah's Cherokee Hotels: North Carolina Cherokee Hotel and Casino They are listing an alternate route. I'd stick to listed alternates to avoid road condition problems.

[brokensky]

Originally Posted by southbound_295

Check the casino at Cherokee. Harrah's Cherokee Hotels: North Carolina Cherokee Hotel and Casino They are listing an alternate route. I'd stick to listed alternates to avoid road condition problems.

I thought that route would put you right on the same one as the official detour - up 81 to VA. Or maybe I am reading something wrong.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by anifani821

I thought that route would put you right on the same one as the official detour.

It probably does, Ani, but since the question was modified to using Cherokee, I gave him what was available from there.

If it was anytime other than winter, I think there would be more options.

[brokensky]

Originally Posted by southbound_295

It probably does, Ani, but since the question was modified to using Cherokee, I gave him what was available from there.

If it was anytime other than winter, I think there would be more options.

Yes, if the Blue Ridge Parkway were open, that is another suggestion.

If he were further North of Charlotte, he could do the Boone/Johnson City/Kingsport route and be on 81 to TN.

Maybe it's a good time to stop in at Harrah's and at least enjoy the longer trip, lol.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by anifani821

Yes, if the Blue Ridge Parkway were open, that is another suggestion.

If he were further North of Charlotte, he could do the Boone/Johnson City/Kingsport route and be on 81 to TN.

Maybe it's a good time to stop in at Harrah's and at least enjoy the longer trip, lol.

LOL, yup!

Now, many years ago, the ex & I took the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville & went to the Biltmore. From there, we went to Cherokee & took a funky old road across the mountains to the Interstate to go to Chattanooga.

I pulled up a map & it appears to be 441. It goes to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, but I would not attempt that road unless it was clear, dry, & sunny. (& snow can come in early April)

[lumbollo]

I highly recommend a drive through Maggie Valley/Cherokee/Smokie Mountains park, but keep in mind there is a lot of 2 lane highway through there, so there are a lot of backups, especially headed into the the town of Cherokee these days. (the rock slide on I-40 may have made it worse) This probably won't be a way to save time in getting to Pigeon Forge.

[thestem]

looks like i-40 toward cherokee then up and over Smoky Mountain Nat. Park will be the winner...(pendind snow of course) looks like it's 55 miles or so less than the suggested detour and 1/2 hour shorter...

still open to other suggestions tho...and thanks