MrClean

That's a good question, Joe.

I've looked at a couple routes on Google maps and there does not seem to be a quick way of getting to Fontana Village from Alcoa with 129 closed.

To get around the rockslide on 129, you will have to go way south or way east to get around it before getting back to Fontana. It's looking like a 2.5-3 hour drive from Hooters in Alcoa, which is about 110 miles according to Google maps.

If you plan to head directly from C-Bus to Fontana Village, I'd say the listed route 2 via Gatlinburg appears to be the slightly faster way to go (by 20 minutes).



Does anyone else know a way that Google Maps is not indicating?

StrangeDaze

Those were the options that I came up with from Google Maps.

I'm kinda ambivalent about going through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg (though I think there is a bypass of Gatlingburg) just due to concerns of slowdowns and traffic even though Google says it is a quicker route.

I think when I've done the Cherohala in the past, I ended up heading back to Maryville using that same route outlined in your map. I'm sort of leaning that direction as I feel somewhat more familiar with it especially the closer we get to Fontana from that direction. Kinda a go with what you know theory.

This rockslide detour has really made me aware of why so many truckers think 129 is going to be a short cut for them. Looking at the map it seems so reasonable compared to these two alternate routes...

JHo

I did the Gatlinburg section as part of work and it was slow even in the middle of a week day, so I don't see why it would be any different. With all the slow downs I would write off going that way.

thebosn

You all have a safe trip and enjoy the run. Enjoy! Take plenty of pictures.