Travel

Driving

Unless you are local, we suggest you get to North Carolina at least a day in advance. The drive from TN to NC crosses mountainous, winding roads, including the infamous “Dragon”. The Dragon boasts having 318 curves in 11 miles and is a popular stretch for motorcyclists and car clubs.

Flying

We suggest you arrive in TN no later than Thursday to avoid holiday traffic in the mountains. You have at least three airport options:

Mcghee-Tyson Regional Airport, Alcoa, TN (closest to the Smoky Mountains):

Drive time to Tapoco: 1 hour 25 minutes

American, United, Delta, and Allegiant all fly to McGhee-Tyson Regional Airport, which is 10 minutes from Maryville and 15 minutes from Knoxville. We recommend that you take Hwy 321 towards Townsend; then take Foothills Parkway to Hwy 129. You will see beautiful overlooks of the Smoky Mountain National Park along the Parkway.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, Chattanooga TN

Drive time to Tapoco: 2 hours, 20 minutes

Take I-75 from Chattanooga to Exit 62 and follow through to Hwy 129 where you will cross the Dragon.

Nashville International Airport, Nashville, TN

Drive time to Tapoco: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Take I-40 to Exit 364 for Lenoir City. Follow Hwy 321 to Maryville, then head south on Hwy 129. Again, we recommend taking Foothills Parkway instead, so you don’t miss out on all of the views.