Smoky Mountain Jeep invasion 2023

[bleda2002]

Nemos tunnel is permanently closed

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[Volt0]

Nemos tunnel is permanently closed

Dang! I saw the vid of the light blue '67 GMC truck getting smoked by a train, but didn't connect it to Nemos Tunnel.

 

[bleda2002]

Dang! I saw the vid of the light blue '67 GMC truck getting smoked by a train, but didn't connect it to Nemos Tunnel.

Yup was a real shame, we wanted to run it last year when we went for the invasion.

We will be heading up the Sunday before the invasion and staying all week this year.

 

[GladLad]

@GladLad I haven't done it yet, but there are also several vids about Nemo Tunnel ( on my todo list ). There are some online vids from Coddiwomple and Inside Line.

Shame to have just missed that opportunity ?

a little more on it. There are around 11 creek crossing which are pretty cool. They are concreted so they’re easy to cross. It comes out on US129 in the middle of the tail of the dragon, if you’ve ever heard of that. You can turn right to head back towards Townsend via Foothills Pkwy or turn left to head up to the top of the dragon where there’s a souvenir shop and grill. They’ll take your pic as you drive on the dragon and you can purchase those pics online the day after. It’s not a long ride mileage wise but it takes awhile. Definitely fill up first. Also, I know someone said it opened up a couple of years ago but that’s only part of it. It reopened a couple of years ago after being closed for 6 years due to tree damage and lack of funds. I’ve been driving / riding that road for a couple of decades. It’s just a fun and easy trail.

Thanks for the details, seems like the one to hit for a good, easy ride. I'll fuel up, and trying to think of an easy way to carry a jerry can in the bed without going permanent yet. Maybe just a tote.

 

[Bantam]

We went last year and had a good time. Lots of Jeep traffic on the Pigeon Forge strip in the evening.

Have fun, say hi to the locals and don’t park where you shouldn’t! ?

 

[Jglad15]

Yup was a real shame, we wanted to run it last year when we went for the invasion.

We will be heading up the Sunday before the invasion and staying all week this year.

Nice! I’ll be driving down from MD Wednesday!

 

[chrismeece74]

We will be there, taking the wife's JLU Freedom edition.

 

[cranbiz]

For those who want to do Trail 16, start at the top off of G1. You are less likely to have issues with a Gladiator doing it from top to bottom vs bottom to top.

 

[zuki_dan]

For those who want to do Trail 16, start at the top off of G1. You are less likely to have issues with a Gladiator doing it from top to bottom vs bottom to top.

I would suggest not doing it that direction. Besides the traffic going the other way and not many areas to pass there is a big down hill section with muddy ruts you would have to go up if coming from the g1 side.

 

[cranbiz]

I would suggest not doing it that direction. Besides the traffic going the other way and not many areas to pass there is a big down hill section with muddy ruts you would have to go up if coming from the g1 side.

We go that way all the time. There are several muddy rutted uphill areas if coming in from the bottom too. If 16 is wet, it's a challenge going either way.

 

[Jay61]

I will be picking my truck up in Ashville towards the middle/end of next week and will more than likely head over to Jeep Invasion, just to see what it is like. I will be mainly spending my time in the National Forests of NC, Tennessee and N. Ga. testing out how my new build handles in those environments.

 

[GladLad]

Totally forgot to ask, are any special permits needed for the trails in the area, specifically Parson's Branch Road?

Anyone know the specific trail to get to the Eternal Flame (supposedly in Royal Blue, which Google says is in Pioneer, TN)? I'm seeing videos with small 4 wheelers and hiking maps, but I know there's some trail suitable for Jeeps too based on video. I don't want to end up at the wrong trail head. Looking for easy trail, don't have armor, winch, etc.

Maybe there's an app that will help, or trail name, something to look up on Maps. Guess I should see what Offroad maps the Jeep has too.

 

[Stitchedupseats]

Anyone want to do something today or tomorrow?

 

[Stitchedupseats]

Totally forgot to ask, are any special permits needed for the trails in the area, specifically Parson's Branch Road?

Anyone know the specific trail to get to the Eternal Flame (supposedly in Royal Blue, which Google says is in Pioneer, TN)? I'm seeing videos with small 4 wheelers and hiking maps, but I know there's some trail suitable for Jeeps too based on video. I don't want to end up at the wrong trail head. Looking for easy trail, don't have armor, winch, etc.

Maybe there's an app that will help, or trail name, something to look up on Maps. Guess I should see what Offroad maps the Jeep has too.

I didn’t see a permit notice on NPS site. Trail shows in my OnX maps.

 

[GladLad]

I didn’t see a permit notice on NPS site. Trail shows in my OnX maps.

Thanks, just downloaded the app. I can find Parson's, and I think the Eternal Flame is near Royal Blue Road. Otherwise Eternal Flame doesn't show up as a trail name.

I'll be heading to Pigeon Forge tomorrow, but won't be getting in until likely after 7pm.

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