To Cades Cove Campground from Points East - Fifth Wheel Routing

[MJMCCAND]

Hi All,

Looking for some advice with towing my 30-foot 230RL Fifth Wheel down to Cades Cove Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park soon. Normally (when towing a 23-foot tag-along) we'd take I-81 South to I-40 West to US 66 then on through Sevierville to pick up US 441 into Pigeon Forge, then take Wears Valley Road (US 321) over to Townsend then on into the Park. There is one section of Wears Valley Road that has some tight turns, but I think I can navigate them okay.

Alternatively in Sevierville I can take US 441 west on over to Maryville to pick up US 321 and come into Townsend the west. It's a longer route and Google Maps indicates about 20 minutes longer travel time.

For those who've towed longer campers along these routes, what would you recommend and why?

Thanks all!

 

[TNFisher]

I know the curve. A 30 footer will not be an issue. Take your time and you will be fine. I’ve pulled my 32 TT many times on that route.
Enjoy.


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[triplethreat]

I know the curve. A 30 footer will not be an issue. Take your time and you will be fine. I’ve pulled my 32 TT many times on that route.
Enjoy.


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Since you are familiar with the road he's talking about, what about a CrewCab Dually, 8' bed, pulling a Momentum that is 44' long. Total length of truck and trailer is right at 61'.

 

[MJMCCAND]

Since you are familiar with the road he's talking about, what about a CrewCab Dually, 8' bed, pulling a Momentum that is 44' long. Total length of truck and trailer is right at 61'.

Here's the sharpest part of the road, not far from Townsend:


Looks like a commercial truck toward the bottom of the picture...

 

[triplethreat]

Here's the sharpest part of the road, not far from Townsend:
View attachment 33702

Looks like a commercial truck toward the bottom of the picture...

Thank you for that pic....I've camped several times in Townsend, but I've come into Townsend from the west and never tried to take my trailer up 321. I might have to take a closer look at it. There are quite a few campground on 321 headed towards Sevierville.

 

[TNFisher]

Since you are familiar with the road he's talking about, what about a CrewCab Dually, 8' bed, pulling a Momentum that is 44' long. Total length of truck and trailer is right at 61'.

That may be a little different story. I would probably go through Maryville and spend the extra fuel. Safe Travels


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[Bamaman]

Commercial tractor trailer trucks use Hwy 321 all the time. I wouldn't hesitate to take a travel trailer or fifth wheel down Wears Valley Road any time.

If coming down I-81, going through Knoxville and south to Maryville before turning east is just too far out of the way. And I-40 is just too busy with heavy truck traffic.

 

[Tennesseepowerstroke]

Here's the sharpest part of the road, not far from Townsend:
View attachment 33702

Looks like a commercial truck toward the bottom of the picture...

Haven't been through that turn lately but there used to be a lot of roadrash from trailers dragging the pavement in that turn. I would go US441 but that is just me. Never attempted it my old 35' travel trailer as it was a Holiday Rambler that sat very low to the ground. I need more experience with a 5th wheel before trying that.

 

[MJMCCAND]

Thought I'd report back on the trip to Cades Cover via Wear's Valley Road with the 230RL Fiver...we had no problems whatsoever taking this road from Pigeon Forge to Townsend...plenty of room all along the way. The "tight" curves weren't tight at all, they've widened the lanes on them substantially. Easy-peasy.