In all the years I've been going to MOTD I'd never driven the Foothills Parkway. What a mistake that has been. This year I went up and back twice. Once on my own to scout the Donuts on the Dragon Run and then again during the event. The Foothills Parkway section we drove is 16.5-mile leg traversing the western flank of Chilhowee Mountain in Blount County, connecting US-129 along the Chilhowee Lake impoundment of the Little Tennessee River with U.S. Route 321 in the town of Walland. The road consists mostly of broad sweeping turns that climb, run along the ridge line and descend. Multiple turnoffs are on both sides affording some incredible views. The speed limit is 45 with a short stretch down to 25 near the turnoff for Look Rock. One can easily keep a steady 65 across the entire length of the road and still be well below the capabilities of MINI. We did just that on the return leg of the Donut Run. The pace was nice, at that speed there are no real pucker moments. I had the occasion to lead, mostly because when we pulled off 321 onto the Parkway those in front of me didn't follow the slight right that puts one back on the parkway. You have to see the north end at 321 to really understand how the road ends there. Even at less than Blimey Tour of Terror speeds the road is a hoot. I only had to tap the brakes a few times on some of the downhill section with blind corners. If you've not driven the road I highly recommend it. Make some of the stops too, the views are incredible. Wiki Article on the road - Foothills Parkway - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I agree Nathan. That was the most fun I had at MOTD this year. Problem was I was trying to catch the elusive Dave.O
I agree. We left on Sunday via the parkway. Kids got to drive through the clouds and we even saw some wild turkey crossing the road.
Every time I'm down there I drive that road along with the others that I love. So many great roads in the Smokies. One thing to remember about the Parkway, it is an expensive federal ticket should you get busted.
Nick and I ran it on our way back from donuts and it was basically empty. Then again, so was our run on the Dragon.
was definitely one of the best runs I've done up there for years! that road is always a blast to drive (I think there might even be video of the run there and back..............(someone was running gopro I do believe)
Definitely be aware of cyclists there though! Another great road that may be a little rougher (as in watch out if your mini is "stanced") is Happy Valley Road that links to 129 just the other side of the little inlet from foothills parkway. It crosses the same ridge as foothills parkway, but where Foothills takes 9 miles to climb it, Happy Valley does it in just under 3!
I have been using the Parkway going to and leaving for the last 3 years. I know someone who got one of those federal tickets for doing 50 in a 45 zone and between the fine and court expenses it was over $600. I always peg my cruise to 43 and slow down in the 25 zone whichis about .5 miles.
And it was a pleasure meeting you guys at the dragon scenic overlook after your donut run. Nathan, thanks for the donut!
... And if you stay on Happy Valley Road and go UNDER the Parkway, you go back DOWN the mountain in about a mile and a half, and can climb back up... it's epic. And I second the comment about tickets on the Foothills Parkway. Beautiful road... but there are so many good roads up there where you can drive as you wish with no LEO presence... that road is NOT one of them... I know several folks who have had expensive encounters with the park police. I personally won't go more than 9 over on that road...
That's a nice drive Paul. A couple of years ago I took Happy Valley & ended up going down the other side of the mountain. Getting lost can lead one to wonderful roads. Remember this old bumper sticker? "Discover America Get Lost on a Rally"
I was a great drive more sweepers than than the tight curves of the dragon. There is an advantage of getting on the road at 0dark30. It's empty.
Thx........we here in TN are proud of our Parkways :wink: Guess it would not be so nice of me to rub it in that I get to drive just about any of them on any given day.........Oh heck!!! I am rubbing it in!!!!! :biggrin5: Enjoyed my 1st MOTD & have my room for next year!! :cornut: And yes Nathan, I am a girl!! :lol::lol::lol: Nice meeting you guys!