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barrettjl · 06-21-2013, 08:55 AM

Hi, We're going to GSMNP this summer. The website says to "use caution" on Little River Road between the Townsend entrance and 441.

I called the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and was told it was "probably doable"

Anyone done it? Should we route up 73 to Pidgeon Forge instead?

Our TT is just under 26'.

Thanks in advance!

Luckyducks · 06-21-2013, 10:37 AM

That road is fine. I camped last week at Elkmont Campground, which is on that road and we traveled from Townsend up to the campground and then later we went in to Gatlinburg. We also traveled down that road going to Cades Cove one day and then finally again as we left the GSMNP going back through Townsend. We have a 25' Flying Cloud but I saw bigger rigs on that road. If you haven't been on it before, it follows along the river and is very narrow with lots of curves.

AirsDream · 06-21-2013, 11:41 AM

Yup, it's absolutely do-able. Have done it any number of times with my 23' er. There area a few places where the "suggested" speed drops due to a tight curve, so pay attention to the signs and you'll do fine. But as noted, lots of curves and lots of traffic, and you'll likely be holding up quite a line of people. So do pull over where there are pullouts and let folks get by. Townsend side of the park is much quieter and less traffic than Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge side. For the last ten years or so, I've completely avoided the Gatlinburg area and have never regretted it.

barrettjl · 06-21-2013, 01:44 PM

Thanks!

BAB · 06-21-2013, 06:18 PM

Very helpful to have this info, as I'd like to do this with my 28'....gorgeous countryside.

barrettjl · 07-25-2013, 07:58 PM

Just reporting back... We ended up bypassing Little River Road after all.

We drove down Little River Road without the trailer to visit the park (we were staying in Townsend at Mountaineer campground). We decided not to go that way with the camper. The road is narrow, there is no shoulder and there is a significant drop-off from the pavement in several places. Also, several curves were pretty tight with oncoming traffic on one side and a wall of rocks almost up to the pavement on the other (read that: no room for error). I didn't think my driving skills and my nerves were quite up to the task

I'm sure others would be fine.

Instead, we routed up through Pidgeon Forge (which was interesting in a more-Branson-than-Branson sort of way) and then took the Gatlinburg Bypass (which was beautiful). Hwy 441 through the park was fine, with frequent pullouts.