Looking at taking a trip to Deals Gap later in the month and wondered if anyone had a preferred route from Nashville to avoid taking I-40 to the I-75 junction. Also do you prefer to ride Cherohala Skyway going Northwest or Southeast? Will be my first trip over the Skyway and should be pretty if leaves are not all gone at higher altitude.

 

Other than suggesting using Mapquest for alternate routes, I wish I could help you. I've used only I-40 in that area due to time constraints. Decent enough ride for interstate but the trucks make it interesting. I hope that you have a great ride on the Dragon.

 

You can go US 70, it parallels I-40. I would check with TDOT to see if any road or bridge construction is going on.
I have been thinking of the same trip.

 

I took Highway 64 across the bottom of Tennesee into North Carolina. It ties into 74 which will take you right to 129, "The Dragon". Have fun!

 

+1 on 64

 

Maybe take I40 to Lebanon and pick up 70 go over through Sparta,Crossville,Rockwood to Lenoir city and pick a route from there.
I rode from Crossville a few years ago on 70 and made a loop around 129 the Skyway through Telico plains but don't remember all the roads we took.
Print out some google maps and pick a route. It's all pretty nice riding off the interstate! Have fun and be safe!

 

TN her is a route we have taken a few times,and will again on the 22nd. Beautiful scenery.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Sm...ia=1,2&t=m&z=8

 

Kind of a toss up about which way to ride the "Dragon" and the Cherohala. The safest way to ride the dragon is south to north. This puts the hill on your right side and the steep drop off on the other side of the road. If you are haulin' a**, and screw up, there are safer options going north and screwing up than going south.
That being said, the prettier view on the Cherohala is going west. Although going either way it's incredible views.
Highway 62 goes east from Nashville too but it will take you to Oak Ridge which is north of where you want to go if you are going to the Cherohala first. It is also more remote and in the sticks than hwy 70.
If you are on 70 headed east you will need to turn right on right on 321 about 15 miles past Kingston. That will take you to Lenoir City and then Maryville. If you stay on 321, you will go past the Foothills Parkway, which you can take to the dragon. It's a really pretty ride and my favorite way to get to the dragon.
BTW take some really warm clothes on the ride across the Cherohala as it can get really cold up on top real quick.
Good luck and have fun.

 

Just returned from Franklin, NC. Rode 28, 209, and Wayah roads. They make the Dragon look tame. Was at the Dragon on Saturday but way too crowded to enjoy.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.