Does anyone have a recommendation on driving into Fontana with a van and trailer? We took the direct (Dragon) route from Knoxville last year but don't feel comfortable driving that route with a large vehicle and trailer.

I went on Snooter's trip to Dillsboro last year and the road we took there seemed more accessible. It looks like we would need to go way around since we're coming from Knoxville. Should we go to Gatlinburg and then across 441 to 74? Suggestions?

 

We're doing it too- any advice would be appreciated!

 

I was told by the folks at the Kickstand Lodge in Stecoah, N.C. to take Hwy 19/74 out of Bryson City, NC to Hwy 28. They said the roads were not as curvy and better to navigate. I will be in an RV (40') pulling a 24' trailer. I will be coming up through Franklin N.C. to Bryson City on 441.

There website at Kickstand lodge is www.kickstandlodge.com to check them out.

 

If you are coming from the North on I-75 with a large trailer and do not want to drive the Dragon on your way to Fontana, there IS another way, but it will add some time to your drive. Take I-75 thru Knoxville and South to Cleveland, TN. Get on US 64/74 East to NC 28 and turn left to Fontana.

 

We'll be going with a Suburban and the MINI on a flat bed behind it, so this is GREAT info - thanks!!

 

But 28 up to Fontana is no walk in the park, lemme tell ya. It's not the Dragon - but there are some decent twisties that will be fun in the RV with the trailer...

Seems to me that the least treacherous (though MUCH longer) route would be to turn off 28 onto 143 (Sweetwater Rd) near Stecoah and go to Robbinsville, then up Tapoco Road (the less-twisty part of 129) to the Crossroads of Time, then turn right to Fontana... but that's MUCH longer than taking 28 (Fontana Road)... but there's a stretch between the 143 turnoff and the village on Fontana Road that is quite twisty... take a look at google maps... I'm sure folks take RVs up Fontana Road all the time. It will just be a *little* hairy...

 

Trailers on the Dragon are fun! As long as they are really small.

 

That is cool, did you build it or buy it?

 

Custom built by a guy in California. If you want more info feel free to PM me.

 

True, Hwy 28 is NOT a walk in the woods, BUT, people vacation in this area ALL the time, bringing RVs, trailered boats, travel trailers, buses...you name it. All you need is common sense in driving up Hwy 28 and you'll do just fine.

 

I will be getting off at Stecoah, NC on 28 at the Kickstand Lodge to park the RV & Trailer. The rest of the road will be in the Mini!!!

 

No question. Lots of folks do it. Just trying to ensure that any straight line, flatland RV'ers out there are prepared...

A bit different than the drive from, oh, say Cheyenne to Boise.

But please disregard my previous use of the word "treacherous" - it's not THAT bad. No hard-core switchbacks. Just a couple of tightish corners and some sweepers. My memory of it is a bit nastier than I think it really is, as I go back and look at it on Google Earth...