jimcolorado

When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. There are other options including I-40 to 441. I understand that the traffic congestion can be pretty bad getting into Gatlinburg, depending on road work, tourist count, etc. Is there one better route than another? I am not particularly bugged by heavy traffic and would opt for a route that has better views.

Gretchen

Take I40 to the turn off for Pigeon Forge and drop south to Gatlinburg.

jent103

The I-40 route is the most common, but if you're really coming from the airport (not just using it for directions), I think it's out of the way for you. TYS is south of town, and getting to 40 would take you north more than you need to go (though it would be on mostly interstates, so it might not take more time, I'm not sure). I've taken Chapman Highway (TN 71) to get there before; South Knoxville isn't very scenic, but it's not a bad drive.

The most scenic way is probably to take US 321 through Townsend, but that's a slower drive. Only takes you ten minutes more than the TN 71 route per Google, but it probably depends on how many people are heading to Gatlinburg from Cades Cove when you're trying to get to town.

jimcolorado

Thanks for replies. Yes, I will be starting for Gatlinburg from the airport. I hadn't considered the 321 route, but it looks interesting and a good possibility. No offense to the fine folks from Tennessee, but driving on almost any section of I-40 is about as interesting as watching paint dry. Ok, there are some sections thru the Smokies that are pretty nice, but the rest is like driving for hours in a tunnel. I did Nashville - Bristol - Nashville a couple of years ago and couldnt wait to get off I-40.

jent103

If you've done Nashville-Bristol and thought *that* was boring, you should never drive from Nashville to Memphis. Have a good trip!

tlm550

Just like Interstate travel anywhere else, what is wrong with Tennessee? I don't enjoy Gatlinburg and it's extremely overcrowded roads and sidewalks and what seems to be every second of every day, but I don't see anything wrong or unpleasant about traveling the Interstate through the mountains. The only problem is the idiot drivers who continue to pass me and then immediately slow down in front of me (while I have cruise on as much as possible).

Paul

I have taken the 338 Route and thought that it was absolutely Bee-You-Tea-Full!

RagtopGirl

A lot of the route decision depends on the day of the week and and time of day. Pigeon Forge on a weekend is brutal this time of year. If it is a Friday afternoon there is no way I would do I-40 to Gatlinburg through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. It can be a solid parking lot with view of billboards and shops.

I would suggest coming in through Maryville to Townsend and then either going through the park to Gatlinburg via Sugarlands or cut over through Wear's Valley and then you hit Pigeon Forge. If you are staying north of Gatlinburg up towards Cosby, I would do the I-40 route and avoid Pigeon Forge all together. Have a good time.

jimcolorado

LOL jent103, if you only knew. Two years ago, the three of us flew into Nashville, spent a few days, then drove to Memphis. Spent two days(MMMMMMMM Gus's Hot and Spicy!!), then drove back to Nashville for two nights then drove to Bristol for the NASCAR race. I still feel beat up from the experience. The worst was the traffic the next day after the race. It took us 5 hours to drive from Bristol to the I-40/I-81 junction. Miles and miles of cars and trucks!!

I am attending a Christmas light Expo in Gatlinburg last of June, so this is not just a casual trip. I envision Gatlinburg like several tourist towns in Colorado that the beauty of the area is over burdened by too many tourists and traffic. Still I am looking forward to the trip. Gotta say that once you arrive I just loved Nashville, Memphis and Bristol, it's the drive that gets to you. Thanks for the other advice. We will be arriving on a Tuesday and departing on Sunday.

jent103

Gatlinburg, in my opinion, is basically a tourist trap in a nice setting, but it does have some good shops and restaurants if you know where to look (lots of threads on these forums). The aquarium is good, especially if you have kids - you can pet the sting rays - and the Arrowmont crafts store is one of my favorite stops in town. Pigeon Forge is basically a long line of outlet stores and laser tag/minigolf places, again with a few good things to do (including Dollywood). Growing up in Knoxville, I went to both a lot. I don't go very often now without a specific reason (last time I went to Gatlinburg, I was chaperoning a church youth group trip). I love the Smokies, but now I usually rent a cabin with friends and just go into town if we want to go out to eat or do some shopping.

My best advice, if you're not into shopping or Ripley's attractions, is to get out of town when you're not doing business - drive up into the mountains, go to Cades Cove, something like that. It really is a gorgeous area. Gatlinburg is fine and fun for awhile, but I'd rather be in the mountains themselves.

Whatever you end up doing, have a good trip! I live in Nashville now so, except for a few years of school, am a lifelong Tennessean. I love my state and hope you enjoy seeing more of it. (And don't judge traffic all year by race weekend! )

jimcolorado

We ended up doing the 321 route, Wears Valley Road to Lyon Springs Road to Little River Road and on into Gatlinburg. Advised by rental car employee to avoid Cades Cove at this time of year, also wife prone to car sickness. Thought this route was very pretty and enjoyable drive. Thanks for advice.

gatlinburgs

We ended up doing the 321 route, Wears Valley Road to Lyon Springs Road to Little River Road and on into Gatlinburg. Advised by rental car employee to avoid Cades Cove at this time of year, also wife prone to car sickness. Thought this route was very pretty and enjoyable drive. Thanks for advice....... Sounds like you had a really good time. We are planing to get a cabin over there. We will need some Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals Pet Friendly cos we have to take out pet.