A rock slide in late October on Interstate-40, three miles from the Tennessee border (and about an hour from the Inn on Mill Creek), will affect travel for our guests heading westward to us through Tennessee (or traveling eastbound home through Tennessee).
Vehicles on I-40 are expected to be detoured for months while the boulders are removed and the road is repaired. Please allow for extra driving time and expect to see some beautiful scenery as you travel through some gorgeous areas of the North Carolina mountains.
To reach your destination, a helpful detour map with the descriptions of two detour options has been created and posted on www.i40detour.com. We have also posted the link on our directions page. Here are the detour options:
The first detour will add roughly 50 minutes to your trip:
The NC Department of Transportation advises I-40 travelers from the west to take I-81 north to Johnson City, then I-26 east to Asheville. The I-26 route adds roughly 50 minutes to the travel time, and is one of the nation’s only interstate Scenic Byways. I-26 takes motorists through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering scenic observation points, a welcome center and stunning views of the highest peaks in the East.
The second detour will add roughly 30 minutes to your trip:
Travelers coming from the west on I-40 may also take exit 432-B for US-25/US-70 toward Newport. After Newport, TN, 25/70 becomes the Dixie Highway. Follow signs to stay on 25/70. Shortly after entering North Carolina, you will pass through the town of Hot Springs. Continue until you reach I-26. Take I-26 east to get to Asheville. This route adds roughly 30 minutes to the travel time and is a beautiful scenic mountain highway. Passenger vehicles only are permitted on this road–it is not a commercial travel route (i.e., motorcoach, RVs or dual-axel vehicles). Please consider possible weather and traffic congestion issues on this winding two-lane road.
Thanks to the helpful folks at the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau and Blue Ridge Mountain Host for passing along the information!