TN DISers - how long does it take to drive from....

[CarolynFH]

We're planning a trip in March to the Smokeys, but there are several places in Tennessee we want to visit on the way there and back. I'm trying to figure out a reasonable route that allows time to stop and see things, not just drive past. I know I can use MapQuest and/or mapping software, but they don't always show accurate travel time (MapQuest says it takes 1 1/2 hours to get from Denison to Paris, TX, but by experience we know it's only an hour WITHOUT speeding). So I was hoping some of y'all that live there could help me out!

So, how long would it take to drive from Memphis to Savannah (Shiloh Battlefield) via Hwy 57? How about via Hwy 64? Any advice on which route to take (better scenery, better road surface, less traffic, etc.)?

How long from Savannah to Chattanooga via Hwy 64?

Chattanooga to Gatlinburg via I-75 to Hwy 321? Or via Hwy 411 to 321?

Thank you SOOO much!

Carolyn

 

[shep]

 

[Boots]

I have never been to Savannah, but I count Etowah, TN, as home and it is on Highway 411. I'll try to help all I can though. I am about 60 minutes interstate wise from Chattanooga and about 90 minutes 411 wise from Gatlinburg. 411 is much nicer than the interstate. In Etowah, we are very close to the Cherokee Forest. Beautiful, very beautiful! If your family likes to white water raft, there is both the Hiwassee and the Ocoee Rivers. Hiwasee is the tamer one. Also Etowah has a huge old depot that is on the Historic Register and is a sight in itself. It is free and has a museum in it. Also on 411 you have the benefit of seeing Starr Mountains on your drive. There are waterfalls and many other things to see. When you arrive in Maryville on 411 go to Townsend. It bills itself as the quieter side of the Smokies. Gorgeous in itself. Then you either either go to Cades Cove which is a one way loop that has many old churches and a working meal on the loop and come in the south side of Gatlinburg. You don't have to do the loop but it is worth it. Or you can go the Wear's Valley Road and arrive in Pigeon Forge and arrive at the North end of Gatlinburg. I can tell you just about anything you want to know. There are trails galore, waterfalls, long and short hikes, and scenery everywhere. Of course you will find your tourist traps too. If you want to email me please do. If you would like me to send you some printed info I can do that too! Have a wonderful vacation!

 

[perdidobay]

I live on the other end of the state Hi Boots!
From Memphis, the way we get to Shiloh is by taking highway 72
south from Collierville Tn and into Mississippi to Corinth MS. From Corinth head north on highway 45 to MS 2 /TN 22 to Shiloh. I know this is not any of the routes you asked about, but it is the quickest, with the best roads and better scenery than the other two ways. Travel time is 2+ hours depending on what time of day/ where you start from in Memphis. I live north of Collierville and it takes us 1 hour to get to Corinth via 72. If you are interested in the Civil War, Corinth has many museums and civil war sites http://www.corinth.net/attractions.htm
Highway 57 is two lane and passes thru many small towns, while 64 is 4 lane all of the way to Boliver TN then 4 lane in parts the rest of the way. If I had to pick between the two, I would take 64 over 57. There is a good mennonite bakery and also an apple orchard that has fruits and cider and apple cider slushies for sale near Whiteville Tn on 64.
Driving time from Savannah to Chattanooga is about 3 1/2 to 4 hours, if you get onto highway 41 at Winchester Tn and take it to 1-24, then south to Chattanooga.
Hope this helped!

 

[crazelion]

Chattanooga to Gatlinburg 2 hours max if don't run into constuction. Watch out for construction big time going that way it took four hours to get Dollywood this summer it only took two hours.

 

[AngieBelle]

Oh I've been to Shiloh! It's really neat, but I love historical sites. I haven't been there in ages, but I remember it takes about 2 hrs to get there from Germantown, right outside of Memphis.

 

[CarolynFH]

I knew I would get some good advice!

Boots, what would be good outdoor activities in March (specifically 3/7-13)? I don't think we'll try the white-water rafting (even though DS 19 would want to!), and I have read on the Smokey Mountain NP site that the Clingmans Dome road is closed until April due to snow. I am interested in fairly easy hiking - neither I nor DH is in the greatest shape for strenuous hikes.

Perdidobay, anytime someone tells me about a route that is the quickest AND has the best scenery, I'm going to take it! It's rare for both adjectives to apply to the same route (unless it's the ONLY road that goes from there to here)!

TIA!

Carolyn

 

[shep]

There are a lot of waterfall trails to do...
Lots of them off the beaten path!!
They usually flow pretty good in March...
If you want some recommendations just send me a PM..
The Smokies is one of our favorite places to go..

 

[CarolynFH]

Thanks, shep. I'm going to bookmark this thread so I can find it easily over the weekend and pmail and email some of y'all!

Thanks,
Carolyn

 

[CarolA]

I normally go I-75 to Gatlinburg, but lots of people say that 411 to 321 is faster and it would be much nicer. Traffic in Gatlinburg should not be a problem that time of year and going I-75 I would estimate about 3 hours from Chattanooga. The slow part is from the interstate to Gatlinburg thur the lights in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. I don't think you can do it in 2 hours unless you get really lucky with the lights!

 

[shep]

We always take 129 to 321 out of Knoxville..You go through Alcoa & Maryville..A lot better than going through Sevierville and the first part of Pigeon Forge..ugh..

 

[CarolynFH]

Thanks again!

It's been over five years since I was in Gatlinburg, and that was the Saturday before Memorial Day, so we weren't surprised then at the traffic. Didn't realize that Sevierville and Pigeon Forge were so full of traffic lights now!

I'm so glad that I can get local advice so easily via the DIS! We've now figured out our itinerary on the way to and from the Smokeys. As our trip gets closer, I'll have more questions about what we might do during our week in Gatlinburg.

Carolyn