Advice Regarding Towing Through The Nanthahala National Forest Between Ellijay, GA and Asheville, NC?
BillA said
09:14 PM Sep 12, 2012
I am unfamiliar with this area and am seeking advice from those that have driven this route. I need to travel from near Ellijay, Ga (Doll Mountain COE park on Carters Lake) to Asheville, NC towing a 38' fifth wheel. The direct route is mostly on state highway 74 through the Nanthahala National Forest and about 170 miles. This skirts the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountain National park and I am sure has it share of twisty up and down road. My question, is it reasonable to tow a 38' through this route if one uses proper speeds and caution? The only alternative to this route is to go west to I-75 or south to I-85 before heading east either of which will add 100+ miles to the trip. Would appreciate benefit of your experience on these roads.
-- Edited by BillA on Wednesday 12th of September 2012 09:16:10 PM
Jim01 said
01:28 PM Sep 13, 2012
We have never been on this road, but from looking at maps and knowing what that area is like, I'd say that it would be pretty slow going, which isn't bad if you're not in a hurry.
Like you said, it looks like a lot of hills with lots of twists and turns. I'm sure you could go that way if you're comfortable driving on those kind of roads. You may find that it would take you less time and maybe even save on fuel if you take the longer route. Plus, if you're not real comfortable on the roads you would be much more relaxed when you arrived at your destination.
I'd take the longer route, but of course the final desision is yours.
Travel safe,
Jim
Terry and Jo said
06:04 PM Sep 13, 2012
I don't know the area at all, but here is another thought.
If you have to take the shorter route at a slow speed, is there a chance that your going slow is going to slow down all the other traffic on the road? I don't know how many and how long any straight sections will be or if there are places that you can pull off to allow others to get past you.
I mention this because I heard that if one is pulling a trailer in Alaska and more than "x" number of vehicles gets behind one, the it is required that the RV pull over to allow traffic to flow.
Terry
Bill and Linda said
01:17 AM Sep 14, 2012
I’m from North Carolina and know much of the GA area.If you aren’t really comfortable with mountain roads and feel your truck struggles somewhat with the trailer then I would go, believe it or not, up I-85 and then up I-26. I-26 is a climb but anyway into Ashville is a climb.You can go up I-75 to I-40, but while I drive I-40 all the time with a 5er, there is a bit of winding road through the mountains on I-40.It’s no problem for us with a 39 foot fiver, but if you don’t drive mountains it might be different for you.You just must pay attention. But it is all Interstate.
There is no law in GA, TN, SC or NC, like Alaska, about pulling over as such if you go slow except where posted, like on Intersates.
All that said, the real question about most mountain roads is single or double lane divided highways.If they are single lane, think about it. If they are double lane divided your probably OK.If you’re not sure, go on Goggle Earth and look. Sometimes that can help tell you about the road "situation."
Hope this helps just a bit.
Bill
The Hensons said
01:32 PM Sep 22, 2012
I have pulled my 43' fifth wheel on that stretch and, yes it was slow going, but no problems. Wide road. Gorgeous scenery.
I am unfamiliar with this area and am seeking advice from those that have driven this route. I need to travel from near Ellijay, Ga (Doll Mountain COE park on Carters Lake) to Asheville, NC towing a 38' fifth wheel. The direct route is mostly on state highway 74 through the Nanthahala National Forest and about 170 miles. This skirts the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountain National park and I am sure has it share of twisty up and down road. My question, is it reasonable to tow a 38' through this route if one uses proper speeds and caution? The only alternative to this route is to go west to I-75 or south to I-85 before heading east either of which will add 100+ miles to the trip. Would appreciate benefit of your experience on these roads.
-- Edited by BillA on Wednesday 12th of September 2012 09:16:10 PM
We have never been on this road, but from looking at maps and knowing what that area is like, I'd say that it would be pretty slow going, which isn't bad if you're not in a hurry.
Like you said, it looks like a lot of hills with lots of twists and turns. I'm sure you could go that way if you're comfortable driving on those kind of roads. You may find that it would take you less time and maybe even save on fuel if you take the longer route. Plus, if you're not real comfortable on the roads you would be much more relaxed when you arrived at your destination.
I'd take the longer route, but of course the final desision is yours.
Travel safe,
Jim
I don't know the area at all, but here is another thought.
If you have to take the shorter route at a slow speed, is there a chance that your going slow is going to slow down all the other traffic on the road? I don't know how many and how long any straight sections will be or if there are places that you can pull off to allow others to get past you.
I mention this because I heard that if one is pulling a trailer in Alaska and more than "x" number of vehicles gets behind one, the it is required that the RV pull over to allow traffic to flow.
Terry
I’m from North Carolina and know much of the GA area. If you aren’t really comfortable with mountain roads and feel your truck struggles somewhat with the trailer then I would go, believe it or not, up I-85 and then up I-26. I-26 is a climb but anyway into Ashville is a climb. You can go up I-75 to I-40, but while I drive I-40 all the time with a 5er, there is a bit of winding road through the mountains on I-40. It’s no problem for us with a 39 foot fiver, but if you don’t drive mountains it might be different for you. You just must pay attention. But it is all Interstate.
There is no law in GA, TN, SC or NC, like Alaska, about pulling over as such if you go slow except where posted, like on Intersates.
All that said, the real question about most mountain roads is single or double lane divided highways. If they are single lane, think about it. If they are double lane divided your probably OK. If you’re not sure, go on Goggle Earth and look. Sometimes that can help tell you about the road "situation."
Hope this helps just a bit.
Bill