Road???? - Montana Owners Club

scductman · 10-25-2009, 03:44 PM

Folks we are going to pigoen forge wed. I seen today where a section of I-40 at mile marker #3 has a rock slide again and both sides are blocked. they are saying to take I-26 to I-81 at johnson city. I know that way but has anyone ran I-26 to exit 19 and taken 25-70 to newport exit 432 and I40. that is where I normally get off for 411. We have never been that way so dont how hard a pull it would be. it looks like good road. let me know if anyone has been that way lately. thanks bobby

bw2 · 10-26-2009, 05:03 AM

Bobby,

I believe this is the route I had to take (20 years ago) on my way home from Myrtle Beach. The mountain was closed on I40 due to heavy snow at that time. 25/70 is a two lane road that is narrow with tight turns and (what I would call) switchbacks as well. There were a few places on turns where there were rock outcroppings close to the road.

I would not want to take the 5'r that way, though there were semi trailers driving that day.

scductman · 10-26-2009, 02:46 PM

Thanks Bob I am still trying to decide which way to go. I dont mind the small roads as long as there is not any mountains. my old truck dont like them with the montana. are you guys back home yet sure hope you had a good time. I have been renovating the montana for 2 wks. I got some really good ideas in goshen.
bobby

bigmurf · 10-26-2009, 04:00 PM

We had to run US 70 before there was a I40.

bw2 · 10-27-2009, 07:49 AM

Bobby,

We are home, now. We just returned from a two week trip to Charleston and Asheville. We had to check out the old downtown Charleston and then the Biltmore Estate. Trying to also stay in some warmer weather than at home.

That route is also in the mountains. You can probably go that route and make it to other side, but if I40 is closed, then I would expect that you will also run into on-coming traffic with semi trucks and cars. It appears to be the only route that does not take you all the way to I81.

You could try to go over to Cheyenne and take the road through the Smoky Mtn park. We were there last fall and there were a few 5'rs and travel trlrs on the road. The road itself is ok, there are switch-backs and over hanging outcroppings to be careful with on the drive.

Be safe!!!

bw2

mail2us · 10-27-2009, 02:31 PM

Bobby, a suggestion, if not too late... using Mapquest, simply click Directions at top of page, then enter Effingham, SC only then enter Pigeon Forge, TN only as destination. Once it comes up it will include I-40. To the right of that I-40 segment, click Avoid, and it will re-route you from I-26 into Asheville via I-240. Then look at next segments that will get you to Pigeon Forge without I-40. Roads should be fine. It places you on rt 411 toward the end of the instructions. Hope that helps...Dennis

just sent you an email with the mapquest layout.

scductman · 10-27-2009, 02:51 PM

Thanks guys I am looking at I-26 to I-81. Dennis I used to go 411 across the mountian every time but my camper has gotten alot bigger in the last few yrs. That is a great ride to gatlinburg though. Bob I talked to someone in asheville and they said 25/70 is about the same as 411 across the mount. So I am thinking about the long way. Hey I am "retired" I am no longer in a hurry. I am finally getting used to this retirment thing I believe I am going to like it LOL.
bobby

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