Trip to the East this weekend Advice

[pops572]

Headed to the mtns this weekend, didn't think about the BIG game, and I am sure traffic will be terrible. I have also been hearing horror stories about construction all the way from the other side of Lebannon to Sevierville. So my question is anybody have a shortcut that might keep this from turning into a 6 or 7 hour trip to the mtns.? I know about the Lenoir city exit, but I am more worried if there is a project before we get to that exit. Thanks

[Bubba0031]

Check TDOT website for road construction project locations and delays. The majority if not of your travel route will be either a state hwy or interstate.

[peejman]

The UT game time traffic will not affect your trip, unless you intend take the long way through downtown knoxville. I've found that during the game is a good time to run errands. There will be more people on the interstate heading in/out, but you should exit before it gets ugly.

Hwy 321 is a reasonable route. Expect some rush hour slow downs in Lenoir City, Maryville, and Pigeon Forge. Otherwise, it's fine. While there are a few local backroads that can help get you around problem areas, some can't be avoided. Timing is everything.

http://ww2.tdot.state.tn.us/tsw/smartmap.htm

[Mike.357]

I am unaware of any construction or other problems from Crossville to Sevierville.

Gameday traffic is over rated.

[R1100R]

I was there this past weekend. They were paving twice eastbound coming out of Lebanon. After the Kingston exit it was fine.

Check TDOT.

[Guest RevScottie]

I am unaware of any construction or other problems from Crossville to Sevierville.

Gameday traffic is over rated.

Isn't there construction on the main 4 lane leading into town from the interstate (66?)? When I was there last month it was a mess depending on what time of day you arrive or depart.

[Guest m&pc9]

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is crazy busy right now. There is a craft fair and the leaf people are in town. Traffic was a nightmare last weekend.

[Guest grays]

btw if your heading to cades cove I heard on the news there was a rock slide on the road up there. Just a little fyi

[R1100R]

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is crazy busy right now. There is a craft fair and the leaf people are in town. Traffic was a nightmare last weekend.

+20 It took a hour or better going in or out.

[enfield]

Depending on where in the mountains you're headed, there are alternate routes that don't go through high-traffic areas.

I didn't see another car on the Unicoi Turnpike.

[Erik88]

I would take the Lenoir City route. It's much more scenic and I bet I will be quicker given the possibility of game day traffic.

[Guest Letereat!]

As Long as you bust out early you should be able to avoid the worst of the traffic, pre dawn like early. I did some trails on the Greenbrier side last summer, thats where all the massive old growth trees are, you'll know when you pass one as they are just Gi-friggingantic! Theres half a dozen great trails from 4 up to 8 miles round trip.

If you do head that way. Be careful about getting all fired up to do Ramsey Cascades as it will kick your ass, very difficult with lots of elivation gain, a tough 8 miles if your a not in marginal shape at least.

This should help.

http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/location.htm

[titan14]

I think its hilarious that you westerners call East Tennessee the mountains. Hell, I guess I live in the mountains.