stuartriver14

Flying into Knoxville for a long weekend as Sugar Maple Cabins. Our cabin does permit checkin prior to 3PM and since were arriving early, I wanted to take a scenic route from Knox to Sevierville. Ive heard US441 is less congested than I-40 but Im looking for a slow, scenic drive "off the beaten path". Any suggestions?

RagtopGirl

The airport actually isn't in Knoxville, it's in Alcoa,TN and there is a much better route. When you leave the airport take Highway 321 through Alcoa and Maryville (sister cities) to Townsend, TN. In Townsend, stop at the Visitor's Center for great information and there is also a new heritage museum (gsmheritagecenter.org) to explore. In Townsend, turn left at the only traffic light onto Wears Valley Road and it will dead-end into Pigeon Forge (about 15 miles). It's a great scenic drive, but like all of the area it has a lot of traffic right now. It's a much better view than I-40 and the shopping madness from the interstate to Pigeon Forge.

It's one of the busiest fall weekends due to the colors and the UT/Alabama game on Saturday.

I'm local and will be glad to answe any other questions. Have a great time.

stuartriver14

Wow, thanks so much. This route appears to be worth looking into. Our trip is actually planned for Valentines Day. Are there signs for Hwy 321 at the airport or must we travel off site to locate the highway? Weve heard of Townsend and will definitely check it out. Will 321 lead into Sevierville after we visit Townsend? Whats the best lunchtime restuarant to stop at en route to Sevierville? Is the terrain mountainous?

RagtopGirl

It's easy - when you leave the airport you only have two choices - one to Knoxville and the other to Alcoa/Maryville. Take the A/M and within a mile the highway will fork and you want to stay left. Keep going about 16 miles and you will end up in Townsend. Do take the time for the Townsend Vistor's Center and chat with whoever is on duty. But after thinking about it, I'm not sure they are open every day in winter.

When you turn left onto Wear's Valley Road after you get to Townsend you have about 15 miles before it runs into the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. When you get to Pigeon Forge (another world from Townsend), turn left and you are only a few miles from Sevierville. Tell the cabin rental firm you are coming from Townsend and depending on where they are there may be another way in off the main roads.

A lot of restauants in Townsend close in winter or have limited hours so I would eat in Maryville/Alcoa or wait until you get to Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge is always open.

While in the Smokies I would suggest going to Cades Cove and driving the loop road because there won't be heavy traffic in Feb. Check out the GSM visitor's center at the park entrance at Gatlinburg and drive up to the Clingman's Dome area unless the road is closed for snow. I don't recommend the casino in Cherokee.

The question about terrain made me smile It's really nothing more than hills and curves until you get into the park, but depending on where you are from that may be mountainous!

stuartriver14

Thanks Ragtop.Im glad I made you smile. Being from Florida its tough to even get a rolling hill, neverless a "mountain". If you dont mind, I might post a million other questions in hopes of tapping into your expertise. Can you tell me if Sevierville is a dry county or will certain place serve a cold beer with lunch? Also, most of the research has shown there to be lots of family style resturants. Would you recommend any high-end places to bring my bride to? Hows Alamo Steakhouse? It would appear that Pigeon Forge will have more dining possibilities. How far is Pigeon Forge from Sevierville? If there was one "most do thing" what would you tell us to do during this time of year? Well definitely hit Cades Coves (read tons of cool things aboiut it already). Were mostly interested in staying away from crowds and traffic (as if you couldnt tell).