Yesterday, I posted about best route to Sevierville,and also one about campgrounds there Many good posts, and thank you. I also recieved some PM'S about other areas and campgrounds there. One was about Townsend,TN. Now my question, Altho my truck is very capable, it is I who is somewhat leary of Steep grades!!. Townsend would put us closer to the park, and to Cherokee both which is the main interest of my wife. Can I take 75 South to either Hwy 129, then 321, or 75 S. to I-140 to 129, to 321 without any steep climbs, and which route would be better? any and all reply's are greatly appreciated! oh, btw, we are planning this trip for next june or july. thanks again, Jerry
'07 Chevy 2500HD Classic 8.1L/Alli /4.10's, Tow Pkg,Factory Camper Mirrors. Equal-i-zer, Prodigy
'07 Homestead 292RKS All Options! (34' Trailer overall!)
Would be glad to help, but if you don't like grades and you are most interested in Cherokee, you do not want to come in on the 129-321 side to Townsend. If you do, you must take 441 over to the top Newfound Gap [read steep] and down the other side to get to Cherokee or go down 411 [not a typo of 441] to Madisonville then 68 over to Tellico Plains and take 165 across and over the mountain [read steeper :B but is it fun!] and come up from the south through Bryson City to get to Cherokee. And if you take 411 south, highway 129 turns off going east into the mountains and you [u]do not[/u] want to take this route...it is known for many fast motorcycles and many, many, many curves, and has hills too. If you do not want steep grades, cross over into NC on I-40 and go south on 19 at Waynesville to Cherokee. But if you come down I-75 you still have Jellico mountain.
Or if you are nervous about steep grades and towing, stay (park your RV) on the Townsend side of the mountains, and go over the top on 441. It is really not that steep to be worried unless you are concerned about your braking capability if towing an RV. We use this route as a means to get to/from NC. If you ever have a problem and loose brakes, just put it in the ditch and have your car/truck fixed, no big deal, but it will not happen anyway unless you burn them out by riding them or towing a heavy rig without rig brakes. Take advantage of the many pullouts on either side, but be aware that some may be full, so take advantage when available. There are few pullouts, though, that can handle a truck and fiver/trailer.
Steep is not a problem, it just makes you go down the hill without pushing on the [i]go faster [/i] pedal.
I just noticed you are from WV..oh, come on, WV is nothing but steep. Even the cows are born with two legs shorter one one side than the other; helps them stay upright on the hillsides to eat; they usually end up at the top or the bottom though and starve cause they cannot turn around :B .
When I die, and if I go to heaven or the other place, I want to stop over in western NC for a few days... It is profoundly beautiful place...
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edited 11/23/04 09:49am by an administrator/moderator *
Maybe I am way off base, and if I am I appologize. From WV have you considered I-77 to I-81 to I-40 just north of Knoxville? You talked about Cherokee. I don't know if you mean in NC or not. If so, it might be easier to stay on I-77 all the way to I-40 in NC. Then take I-40 to Asheville, and go to Cherokee from there. The only bad grades you run into is I-77 at VA/NC boarder and just before Asheville. They aren't real bad though. Like I said, if it isn't Cherokee, NC you want to get to then disregard this message which will self destruct in 60 seconds.
Jack & Marie Good Sam Life Members Amateur Radio -K4FRU-
well thanks for the reply's. Maybe I should clarify some!. We want to only pull the trailer to either Sevierville or possibly Townsend, then we'll drive the truck solo into Cherokee and the park, and surrounding areas. So I'm wondering about the route from 75 south into Townsend for steep grades. Altho I live in WV, we dont camp here much lol, and travel either west 64 or north 77 getting into other states! I'd rather go 100 miles out of my way rahter than going up steep mtns !! that's just me tho!. thanks again and keep the reply's comming!
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