I-40 in NC from I-81 to I-26?

[leslie]

Now that I know I can back up my trailer, I am planning my escape from some of the miserable winter weather, which has already started! I will be driving by myself from Louisville to southeastern Georgia in mid-December.

One possible route would take me from I-81 on I-40 to I-26, through the Great Smokey Mountains. Is anybody here familiar with this route? What are the ascents and descents like? What are the conditions like in mid-December?

[subaruwx]

The head hills aren't bad, but the curves can be sharp.  The biggest issue in recent years is closure due to rock slides. It seems to happen every couple of years.

[djsamuel]

They've already had some roads closed due to snow in the Smoky Mountains National Park.  Be sure to check the weather.

[leslie]

I think I will change my route. Thanks.

[subaruwx]

They don't generally close I40 for snow.  National Park roads are different because they don't plow those.   I40 through western NC is a primary route for lots of traffic, including tractor trailers by the hundreds each day.  It is somewhat scenic (for an interstate), but the curves kept from from fully relaxing the last time I towed through there. Then again, I have a hard time relaxing at all when I tow.

My suggestion might be to run 75 to Atlanta to avoid the mountains if you're anxious. Then, come back up 26 to 40 on your way back after you've had more hours towing your new Camplite and feel like a pro.  I will say that 26 to 40 to 81 is much better than trying to run up 77 to 81. I77 between NC and I81 is notoriously foggy and dangerous in the colder seasons.

[leslie]

I-64 goes through Louisville east all the way to I-95. I am familiar with I-64, as that is how we go every year to the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Virginia. It will add time, but the route through the Appalachians is pretty smooth.

[spot1]

We have towed I64 through Louisville/Lexington, I75 to Knoxville, I81/I40 to Asheville, most of I26 to I95

There are some long grades on I75 close to the Tenn line and I26 south of Asheville before passing NC Rt. 74 heading south in NC

Last time we were on I75 (September) there were construction traffic jams heading south on I75 about 20 miles north of the Tenn/KY line

[vmcmn]

Leslie, Having lived in Haywood Co. NC which borders Tenn.and I-40 goes through, I have driven that stretch through Pigeon River Gorge many times. It gets very tight through there with the semis sometimes and can be intimidating towing a trailer.I've posted a You Tube video for you to look at of the West bound lane which is going downhill and doesn't travel as slow as the East lane which is going uphill. Also heading east on I-40 there is a fast downhill set of curves around the Buncombe/Haywood county line about 15 miles or so before you get to I-26 cutoff in Asheville.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VClZD2yVlVY

[leslie]

Very interesting video. I have watched some youtube videos about towing in Colorado, as well as some showing RV accidents.

My husband and I have made several trips in the Appalachians, but we were in passenger cars and we enjoyed the trips. A novice RV owner towing under conditions such as this video shows would be an unpleasant, white-knuckle experience. I will definitely choose a smoother route until I get some towing experience.

I have driven through Chattanooga several times on the way to Florida. I am not going that way next month, either, although I was just fine going there in past years in December driving a passenger car.  

It has been several years since I went on I-95 to Florida. I have seen discussions on other boards that the pavement on I-95 is very rough in Georgia close to the Florida border. I suppose that I could just slow down for that area.