MAZOC 2012 Caravan to ZDayZ Thread - Register Here!!!

[m4a1mustang]

Since it doesn't seem like Lance is with us any longer I am working on some cruise routes that can keep us busy for two of the days we are down there.

First route is one we all know well which includes the normal Cherohala Skyway loop. It's about 145 miles. The second route takes us up north on Little River Road near Gatlinburg. From what I can tell it looks like a neat road. Very twisty as it follows the old Little River Railroad. Looks like it might be a bit touristy in some parts, though, so I'm still looking into it.

[GM_Traitor3.5]

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Since it doesn't seem like Lance is with us any longer I am working on some cruise routes that can keep us busy for two of the days we are down there.

First route is one we all know well which includes the normal Cherohala Skyway loop. It's about 145 miles. The second route takes us up north on Little River Road near Gatlinburg. From what I can tell it looks like a neat road. Very twisty as it follows the old Little River Railroad. Looks like it might be a bit touristy in some parts, though, so I'm still looking into it.

Lead us to victory, Cap'n!

[m4a1mustang]

I'm writing some summaries of the loops I've made, which, admittedly are turning into novels. I think I'm getting a little excited. I should have some reading material for you all within the next week or two. For now, an unedited excerpt:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang's ramblings

For the first few miles on the Skyway we encounter tight-to-medium radius corners at lower elevations following the contours of some of Santeetlah Lake’s many branches. After seven or eight miles the water will disappear and the forest will close in as we begin our ascent. Soon we encounter a medium radius left bend which breaks away from the trees and climbs toward ridgeline. Approximately half a mile of straight road lies ahead of us as we race higher into the mountains. Soon we’re at 3,000 feet… then 4,000… then 5,000+ with breathtaking vistas to our right. Be careful… it’s a long way down from here.

[GM_Traitor3.5]

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I'm writing some summaries of the loops I've made, which, admittedly are turning into novels. I think I'm getting a little excited. I should have some reading material for you all within the next week or two. For now, an unedited excerpt:

I think you missed your calling as a nature show narrator

[ZCarMan]

Originally Posted by GM_Traitor3.5

I think you missed your calling as a nature show narrator

Exactly what I was thinking. Add a couple of "Crikeys' in there and read it with an Aussie accent and you'd have "The Dragon Hunter".

[Fire]

Hope m4 doesn't get a porcupine quill to the heart LOL

[m4a1mustang]

burnnnnnn

[m4a1mustang]

Guys, in planning another fun loop I discovered that one of the roads (411) passes Clingman's Dome, which is a pretty interesting structure and is the highest point in Great Smokey Mountains National Park (6,643 feet). This is a pretty big tourist attraction so I am sure there will be some tourist traffic on this road, but I figured it would still be very nice to drive up here and check it out.

Clingmans Dome - Great Smoky Mountains National Park


To get to Clingman's Dome there is a 7 mile long road that branches off of 411 and leads to a parking lot. From there its a .5 mile hike (starting at about 6200ft and climbing to 6600ft). The trail is steep, but paved. On a clear day you can see for 100 miles.

Let me know if you guys would be interested in incorporating this into a driving loop. It would be about 155 miles of driving total and probably a couple hours at the Dome. If there is not enough interest I may just can the stop or do it myself.

[GM_Traitor3.5]

That looks awesome. I'm in for checking that out

[m4a1mustang]

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Guys, in planning another fun loop I discovered that one of the roads (411) passes Clingman's Dome, which is a pretty interesting structure and is the highest point in Great Smokey Mountains National Park (6,643 feet). This is a pretty big tourist attraction so I am sure there will be some tourist traffic on this road, but I figured it would still be very nice to drive up here and check it out.

Clingmans Dome - Great Smoky Mountains National Park


To get to Clingman's Dome there is a 7 mile long road that branches off of 411 and leads to a parking lot. From there its a .5 mile hike (starting at about 6200ft and climbing to 6600ft). The trail is steep, but paved. On a clear day you can see for 100 miles.

Let me know if you guys would be interested in incorporating this into a driving loop. It would be about 155 miles of driving total and probably a couple hours at the Dome. If there is not enough interest I may just can the stop or do it myself.

So, back on topic, who is interested in mixing a short hike into one of our driving loops?

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

So, back on topic, who is interested in mixing a short hike into one of our driving loops?

Due to my peak physical condition, I'm down for this as long as 3-4 of you agree to carry me after I run out of breath... 10 feet from the car.

[m4a1mustang]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Due to my peak physical condition, I'm down for this as long as 3-4 of you agree to carry me after I run out of breath... 10 feet from the car.

We'll pack a Radio Flyer in the Maxima.

[FPenvy]

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

We'll pack a Radio Flyer in the Maxima.

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

We'll pack a Radio Flyer in the Maxima.

I'm in!

[GM_Traitor3.5]

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

We'll pack a Radio Flyer in the Maxima.

Eh, wrong. Try again.