View Full Version : I40 and The Smokies
Chaco Taco
12-14-2009, 16:48
I saw this in the non AT section and thought Id see if it would make it here because it is very relevant to the AT. Im thinking of a long overnight hike and am wondering about getting into the northern end of the park. I have looked at the DOT but are there some of you that know of ways to get around the park to STanding Bear and other places. May go hit Newfound Gap and want to know if Ill have any traffic issues.
As usual, I'm a little confused. Are you wanting to get to Standing Bear from Asheville to start? :confused:
Chaco Taco
12-14-2009, 17:18
As usual, I'm a little confused. Are you wanting to get to Standing Bear from Asheville to start? :confused:
Im thinking about doing Newfound to Standing Bear, or may just go to Newfound and go up the Boulevard
Im thinking about doing Newfound to Standing Bear, or may just go to Newfound and go up the BoulevardI'm looking to do that section as well, but it'll take me 3 days probably. When you looking at going? Using Curtis for a shuttle?
I-40 is closed east of exit 451?, Waterville School Road which is where Standing Bear Farm is. I don't think it would be easy to get there from Ashville (there is a gravel road going from Cataloochie to Big Creek, but that would be SLOW). Your best bet would be to call Curtis and ask him.
I-40 is closed east of exit 451?, Waterville School Road which is where Standing Bear Farm is. I don't think it would be easy to get there from Ashville (there is a gravel road going from Cataloochie to Big Creek, but that would be SLOW). Your best bet would be to call Curtis and ask him.To get around the rockslide to Standing Bear from Asheville, I think the best bet is to take 26 from Asheville to 25-70 and through Hot Springs, up to Newport and then back to I-40. Not a lot of options to get to Standing Bear from Asheville until the rockslide is cleared later on this winter.
sbennett
12-14-2009, 18:19
going to be hard to get there; no way around that
the hike itself is doable as an overnight (at least I've done it during the summer) but I don't know how ice/snow is going to impact your progress...
Chaco Taco
12-14-2009, 18:36
The way up to Hot Springs is what I am thinking. Adds about an extra 45 minutes. I was planning on maybe doing Newfound to Tri Corner, then Tri Corner to Standing Bear. Lookin doubtful Ill be able to do it with the amount of driving. May just try and get up to the Art Loab
Bulldawg
12-14-2009, 19:31
But what does the Boulevard Trail have to do with this?
Chaco Taco
12-14-2009, 19:33
But what does the Boulevard Trail have to do with this?
I may go up and back out of Newfound and get a ride at Newfound
Tennessee Viking
12-14-2009, 21:04
I may go up and back out of Newfound and get a ride at NewfoundChaco
You pretty much have to head up to Hot Springs from Asheville. Then around Newport, you can either go 321 or TN 73 to get on 40.
curtisvowen
12-14-2009, 23:18
Cat-ah-looch? Cataloochie road?
That's I-40, Exit 20 & then 1.5 hrs. drive time to Exit 451/Big Creek etc.
Go see some Elk.
The Solemates
12-14-2009, 23:56
Cat-ah-looch? Cataloochie road?
That's I-40, Exit 20 & then 1.5 hrs. drive time to Exit 451/Big Creek etc.
Go see some Elk.
really? 1.5 hrs? i dont remember it taking that long. do you drive slow? :)
Chaco Taco
12-15-2009, 17:37
really? 1.5 hrs? i dont remember it taking that long. do you drive slow? :)
Dont ask questions about his driving.....:D:D:D:D:D
curtisvowen
12-15-2009, 19:02
Well if you can average 15-20 mph on that road, which is over 20 miles long, 1 lane mountain road, then kadoos to ya.
I've done it in 1 hr. but I know the road.
What else can't you remember?
The Solemates
12-15-2009, 20:09
Well if you can average 15-20 mph on that road, which is over 20 miles long, 1 lane mountain road, then kadoos to ya.
I've done it in 1 hr. but I know the road.
What else can't you remember?
ok good. i didnt think it was that long. 45 min it is :D
Coming from Tennessee..it says it's open to local traffic only up to exit 451. Do you qualify as local traffic if you are getting off at 451 to go to Big Creek?