US-441 travel question (Newport: dangerous, car, paint)

[jabogitlu]

Ah, sorry, it's actually 74, ie the one road that comes off 441 that runs through Sylva and Waynesville to I-40.

Not sure what map software you're using, but it's hard to beat Google.

[creeksitter]

I think in this case you really need a paper map. It will help you visualize the alternatives. A Delorme atlas is wonderful if you want to get an idea how curvy the backroads are. But a state highway map will do if you don't plan on being adventurous.

While it's possible to get from Knoxville to Greenville or Charlotte during 1 day using any number of very scenic routes, I worry about your plan to sleep at the nantahala center and then make a flight out of Charlotte that very day. Too many back roads and opportunities for detours or getting lost.

[alikair]

I was not clear on my itinerary. I will be a total of 7 days, with Knoxville as my last city before turning around and heading back to Charlotte via Greenville.
I will try to be back in Charlotte at least a full day before getting back on the plane.
I was planing out the trip back, as a worst case scenario where I miss the plane because I am stuck in the snow.

The reason I am looking for a route thru 144 heading south, is to pass the 2 rivers and 2 lakes I would most likely use if I were to live in Greenville.
the Nantahalla & Chatooga, Jocassee / Keowee

But I have a hitch. There is a person coming with us from Hawaii and he has small island mentality (as I did when I first left there). For him, 2 hrs in a car will be hell... on us!

The trip I was trying to plan would take 5 hrs thru the backwoods, just to go from Gatlinburg to Greenville heading SE. Even if I were to break up the trip by spending the night at the Nantahala outdoor center, I'm afraid to much vacation time will be allocated just to get a small peak at this areas. I may be better If I could find a tour plane to fly above these areas.

The whole reason for this trip is to scout out Knoxville, Greenville SC, possibly Charlotte for a relocation in 2010-2011

[creeksitter]

Hmm, interesting about the friend. Maybe you can work on him or bribe him with something??

Last monday I returned from Sylva by way of Franklin, Hiwassee Ga & Blairsville, bypassed blue ridge GA by mistake, came through McCaysville, Ducktown, Tellico plains Madisonville and home to knoxville. Probably close to 4 hours driving time, much more if you count lunch & stretching my legs. And I HATE driving long distances. But the scenery was so beautiful it was worth it.

I think you need to experience it on the road. A plane won't do it justice.

[alikair]

Sorry Creeksitter, I think your travels are why over my head. One thing about travel by GPS is you don't know the roads like the locals do.

Maybe you can at least give me a suggestion on my trip from Asheville into Knoxville?
I think the gov web site says to go north of Asheville and come into TN via I-26. Seems like a long detour. Anything out that way to make it worth while?

As were leaving TN, we will be hitting the tourist spots like Gatlinburg and PF. Then on the way back we will travel back Via 441.

[jabogitlu]

The northern I-26 route takes you to Johnson City, TN, a small little city up here in NETN. We're part of the greater Tri-Cities CSA centered around NETN and SWVA. The scenery on I-26 at the border, the Sams Gap area, is breathtakingly beautiful and; a little different looking than the more southerly, GSMNP/PF/Gatlinburg.

There's also Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town and home of the international storytelling center and a very historic downtown.

And The Bristol Motor Speedway (NASCAR) hahaha.

[mbmouse]

My brother was stationed at Hickem AFB for 6 years and I went to visit him there for 3 weeks so I can somewhat relate, he had the same problem for a while once he came back to the continental states. My suggestion is gum and or hard candies available to your friend at all times and a book on CD. It makes the time fly and easier to handle longer trips for those who don't prefer them. We listened to the new Dan Brown "Lost symbol" on our trip back from Myrtle Beach SC to the Tri-Cities area in TN and were bummed that the trip wasn't longer so we could have heard the whole book at one time.

[alikair]

I think I may need to sedate him with lots of beer. : )
back home if your friend moves 20 miles away, you would visit him on the holidays if lucky hahaha

[creeksitter]

The route I would suggest is Asheville to weaverville to hot springs, then rejoin I-40 at newport.

[alikair]

yes, I do think I will take that route Creeksitter. looks like that route will take me along side the French Broad River.