This year I think the road from Maryville tn to Townsend tn will give the cherohala skyway a run for its money come mid to late October. If you're looking to go to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg and you’re coming from Knoxville, I would suggest going through Maryville (Alcoa highway) through Townsend and then wears valley. If you’re going to stay in a cabin in Gatlinburg or a Pigeon Forge cabin this would be a nice road to go through as well. It dumps right onto the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
The scenery will be amazing. I’ll wait till the end of the month and let you know how it goes. If anyone else travels this road let me know. There were actually about 6 turkeys running along the side of the road when I went through.