Take a look at this Cataloochee. I have only been in by auto and really can't comment on the CG. It is a beautiful valley. You might want to consider a private CG outside the Park and just drive in for day trips.
The road is dirt and at points narrow but folks drive there all of the time. That's why you need reservations. But your rig won't fit, 31 ft is the largest.
The Smoky Mountain Natl Park might be pretty crowded around your trip time as they will be hosting the Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) which are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns. The males fly and flash and the usually stationary females respond with a flash. Peak flashing for synchronous fireflies in the park is normally within a two-week period in early to mid-June.
This really draws a crowd inside the Natl Park and usually results in road closure and limited passage thru the park area. The synchronous Fireflys are centered around the ELKMONT Camp ground inside the Natl park.
The is the only place in America where this happens so its a pretty big deal.
Not sure if this will affect your travels to this area or not. Catalooche is on the Cherokee side of the mountain I think...
This is a site to see for sure... Read about it online...
My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - PM me Roy and Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS
POPUP PHOTOs-Pg52-Pg56
Reservations are requested... there's a sign at the top of the mountain requesting you call the listed number to get them. After you crest the mountain, cell coverage is very limited.
The road over the mountain is narrow and has quite a few tight switch backs. We traveled there in Oct 2011 with out 30' TT (another Cataloochee discussion). It was tight and I had to move over several times to let traffic pass. Most folks were understanding and would get over if they could do it safely while we passed.
I guess if we could do it with a 30' TT and long pickup, you would probably be okay with a 34' Class A. Though the road is better suited for TCs, small TTs, and PUPs. Be prepared to take it slow and easy. Keep one eye on the horizon for on coming traffic and a spotter would be good while going through the switch backs... my wife would hang out the window and let me know when I was passed the curve or if I was too close to the edge.
As for the sites, some are small, but we didn't have any issues fitting onto them or navigating through the campground.
It can be done.But like stated its going to be tight.I would suggest to start into the park @ day break to maybe avoid some of the traffic.Around 8;30-9;00 folks will start to come and go and backing might be a little hairy if you meet someone.We go too the cherokee area @ least twice a year and always make a trip over there to see the Elk,turkeys,bears,and other wildlife.It is very beautiful.My TT is too big to make it in there but maybe one day I might buy a small one for places like this.You can go in from Maggie Valley next to I-40 or you can come in from the Tennessee side @ Cosby.Also the nearest store for any type of supplies is appox.1 hr away from the C/G.Hope you have fun!
2006 Dodge Quad-Cab 2500 CTD,4;10 gears,pulling a Forestriver Flaggstaff 831qbss
I wouldn't even attempt it in the summer time when and if they have had rain the the gravel and muddy sides of the road become slippery. It can be quite hairy even in an F250 on the narrow turns if you meet someone coming from the opposite direction.
I would have to agree with the muddy road comment. If the road is wet and you're pulling a heavy load, you may have problems. I was concerned our dually (not 4WD) would loose traction on the gravel... but she did very good.
Again, it is tight. If you're not comfortable in tight places, it's probably not for you; however, it is doable and there is room to let others pass when necessary. Just take it slow and easy.
We went into the valley around 10-11am on a Saturday in Oct... there was a LOT of traffic coming in/out. We even met up with a 20 person church bus and a camper or two. We were able to navagate the road with little issues and never got into a spot where I felt we was truly in danger... though it was a bit stressfull for my DW.
Also at certain times of the year, I don't know if there is a "good time" to go over. Folks go in/out all the time. Some of the campers have early plans and go into town early... some folks stay late into the evening then leave. We returned to camp late one night (9 or 10pm) and didn't expect to pass anyone coming out... we were wrong. We passed 3 or 4 vehicles coming out.
Our TV is a Dodge 3500 dually with the mega-cab... it's a pretty long & wide truck. We came in/out several times meeting several vehicles with no problems.
Offline
.JPG)
