441 in the Smokies - Diesel Forum

JDWHITTAKER · 10-28-2009, 11:57 AM

Have any of you towed a Travel Trailer up 441 through the Great Smokie Mountains National Park?
We're supposed to go camping in Pigeon Forge for Thanksgiving, but with the rock slide on I-40 we're looking for a reasonable alternate route.
We live just outside Charlotte, and are unfamiliar with the area around Pigeon Forge or any alternative routes to get there.
We'll be towing a 2007 Sandpiper 301 BHD with the Excursion listed below.
Do any of you know of a good alternate route, or should we consider going after the rock slide has been cleaned up?

Thanks for your help.

Dave

davydee · 10-28-2009, 12:40 PM

We did 441 with a 2001 F250 and 28 ft TT and had no problems. I'd do it again with our current setup. It's an enjoyable ride - unless an unexpected snow-ice storm pops up.

artkelly · 10-28-2009, 04:36 PM

I've done it a bunch of times. The only time I get uneasy is in the dead of summer if I have to follow a string of traffic going slow. I like to keep moving and keep the TC locked up.

If you have a choice, don't go on the weekends, but even then it's OK.

IIRC, the steepest, curviest (is that a word?) part is approaching Newfound Gap heading south.

Have a nice trip.

Art

JDWHITTAKER · 10-29-2009, 12:06 PM

Thanks guys, this makes my decision a little easier.
I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Dave

Rodeofox · 11-01-2009, 11:55 AM

Being a local I thought Id throw in some extra advice for you. Thanks to the stimulus package the park service is doing alot of work on 441 with lane closers on 441 and generally narrower lanes. You would want to check the nps website for info on when and where this is happening. With the rock slide, 441 is alot busier!! Also the park service has been ticketing alot of RV and tour busses on the route that don't stay in there lane (its hard too at times) this started after a F250 towing a 30TT went out of lane around a turn and hit a motorcycle couple and killed them. Be safe!! but check the nps.gov website for info about the work schedule up there!

artkelly · 11-01-2009, 05:15 PM

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Repaving Work to Begin on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. National Park Service)

Riggodeaux · 11-03-2009, 09:44 AM

JD, I haven't towed over 441, but it is pretty steep and curvy going up from the south [Cherokee] and can be busy - especially if they are working on it and with the 40 rockslide. I would at least consider the option of going the longer way around - the four lane past Bryson City to the beginning of Nantahala Gorge, then 28 N toward Fontana, left across Johnson? Gap to 129 at Robbinsville, then N on 129 through the dragon's tail [Deal's Gap] to the foothills parkway and back east to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg on the north side. Pretty drive, too - you could even do the Cade's Cove Loop en route. Of course, if you do it on the weekend, you'll inhibit the fun of the cyclists who love the dragons' tail ....

JDWHITTAKER · 11-03-2009, 10:46 AM

Thanks to all of you for the advice.
I think we're going to postpone the trip for now.
If I understand you correctly Riggodeaux, the route that you're suggesting would add about 2hours to the trip. That's probably a little more driving than we want to do on this trip, but we're really looking forward to getting over there to see the area.

Thanks again,

Dave

hallison · 11-19-2009, 11:13 AM

We are going to try Riggodeaux suggestion and go around from Georgia through Bryson City, The dragon's Tail 129, Foothills Parkway to Walend then 411 to Sevierville to Piegon Forge.... Has anyone else tried this yet?

Dirtcheap · Yesterday, 07:15 PM

i havent towed there but, i rode a fat boy through that area.. beautiful!

artkelly · Yesterday, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hallison

The dragon's Tail...Has anyone else tried this yet?

I stumbled into it by mistake with the truck & camper (10,300 GVW), but not the trailer. It's no big deal except for getting in everyone's way.

Beautiful place, best left to the Fat Boys and Shelby Cobras.

Art