[ncpilot2]

Quote: "Another, and I won't go into details, would be to take the 276 exit off 40 and utilizing some forest service roads and going looking for brookies and elk, pop out over at Big Creek. Not a bad detour for a fly fisherman. Easy to spot on a Gazateer, and certainly faster than going up Future 26 to 81."

I think I'm familiar with that route, I believe it might involve 20 plus miles on a twisty, gravel road, but probably quicker than going up 26 to 81. There are some great vistas as well as some decent fishing

[Rocketroy]

Originally Posted by Rodn276

Looks like a mess

Folks.........If this engineering foul-up alarms you,the proposed routing of Interstate-3 from Savannah to Knoxville will scare all,........ that appreciate what we have in the park! I urge you to visit www.WaysSouth.org. and see the Federal/State plans now under consideration,to split the heart out of SMNP! WaysSouth is the new name, for the former Stop I-3 movement,and needs all the support you can give,in this critical phase of the feasibility study,that is on-going! HELP! Regards, Rocketroy

[fleming13]

aerial photos. Man did they ever botch that stretch.

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pb...1026012&Ref=PH

[g.hodges]

I always want to sneak off to the side of the road in that valley or take one of those gravel roads by the tunnels and fish the river along I-40.

Has anyone ever tried that?

[o1pilot]

We were headed east on I-40 and one of the first cars stopped and routed off the interstate. Had to backtrack to Newport, TN, then to Hot Springs via 25/70 and then south on 209 back to I-40. Sure glad we did not leave earlier that morning.

[tnharvey75]

My parents were driving home from the Smokies the morning after it happened. First time seeing pictures ... doesn't look too good ...

[palmettores]

Drive it up and back today from Gville to Knoxville. Took the 26 to 81 detour up and it was 4 hours. On the way back did Newport to Hot Springs. It was shorter in distance of course and was a little quicker. With the rain the off the highway trip was more enjoyable to me and would have been really nice on a sunny day (and probably would have been even quicker had it not been late afternoon and raining). I like those small mountain towns anyway.

[bspitt]

Originally Posted by g.hodges

I always want to sneak off to the side of the road in that valley or take one of those gravel roads by the tunnels and fish the river along I-40.

Has anyone ever tried that?

@ Harmon's Den exit---Be careful though.... I hear its majorly polluted from the paper mill in Canton!!!

[Riparian]

Originally Posted by g.hodges

I always want to sneak off to the side of the road in that valley or take one of those gravel roads by the tunnels and fish the river along I-40.

Has anyone ever tried that?

Yes, Sortof. Not the Pigeon though Paper Mill dont leave much.

[trtman75]

Heard this morning they expect an extended clean-up. 4 months now. I understand the long clean up time around Mt Mitchell on the Parkway. Preservation and limited access, but why is a clean-up on a major East to West route expected to take that long?