Has anyone ever driven thru the smoky mts in winter?

[Tricializ]

We are traveling from Omaha to Disney on the 19th/20th of January. The quickest route takes us through Tennessee (Nashville to Chattanooga). I have driven this route and the mountains are beautiful in summer. Wondering how treacherous they get in winter. Our other option might be to head straight south and cut across through Arkansas etc. Thanks.
Tricia

 

[ZacinIndy]

I would contact Tennessee's Dept of Transportation, they should have someone who can advise you of the situation.

AAA.com has their online mapping tool which tracks construction delays, I'm not sure if inclement weather warnings are included.

 

[campingcorgi]

Okay, the only mountain to worry about from Nashville to Chattanooga is Monteagle. If the weather is bad, they'll close I-24 over the mountain. If there is snow in Nashville, Nashville shuts down so that would be a concern. If the weather looks bad for Monteagle, you can go south on I-65 through Alabama. That gives you options--cut over from Birmingham to Atlanta, or take 231 from Montgomery to I-10.

Knowing Tennessee weather as well as I do (and trust me, I live in Lakeland now but I'm still a Tennessee girl at heart!) you probably won't have any trouble. Tennessee snows (and ice storms) are different from the weather up north--it is a problem while it is snowing and for a few hours after. Then it usually warms up and the roads clear quickly. They'll try their best to keep the interstates clear and they'll shut them down if they can't.

PM me if you have any more specific questions about this--I've been down that road a lot!

 

[Tricializ]

Thank you both for the advice. I am bringing my laptop with my wireless aircard so I can check online for weather info etc. while we are on the road. I guess if we are flexible we should be ok. And, I have to say to you native Tennesseeans that the stretch of road between Nashville and Chatanooga might be some of the prettiest scenery I have ever seen. I always want to pull off around that big lake and just stay there. But, we are always hurrying down to Disney. LOL Thanks again.
Tricia

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

The main road through the Smokies does close from time to time due to snow or ice, but you won't be going anywhere near the Smokies so that shouldn't be a problem. As was said earlier, roads through the area you will be driving clear quilcky on the rare occasion they are closed for snow or ice.

 

[Tricializ]

The main road through the Smokies does close from time to time due to snow or ice, but you won't be going anywhere near the Smokies so that shouldn't be a problem. As was said earlier, roads through the area you will be driving clear quilcky on the rare occasion they are closed for snow or ice.

Ok, Geographically Embarassed. LOL I thought that whole mountain range was the Smokies. Shows what this yank knows. LOL
Thanks for the help.
Tricia

 

[rbork]

Mountain driving/towing just got me new brakes on an Expedition with 34k miles on it! So, I admire those who are not afraid to tow over the mountains let alone in the winter!

 

[poohbearwithme]

FYI...(and anyone else interested) here is a phone number that will give you the road conditions for that day in the Smokey's. 865-436-1200.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

We have come down I-75 and hit snow from Knoxville North to Jellico before.
Knowing first hand how snow removal works up here I thought they did a pretty good job on the roads.

We came through there on Wednesday and it was only 26 degrees at 8AM.....

We came thorugh Atlanta a few years back and it was snowing, widespread panic, not anxious to do that again.

Scott

 

[jennifer293]

I think you will be fine!! The weather has been unusually warm for this time of the year.