Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion 2024 - Who's Going?

[GATORB8]

Doesn't hold quite as much unfortunately. No rack with my SOT roof.

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[angrykitty]

I always want to go to these events (Easter Jeep Safari, Labor Day Jeep Safari, Jeep Jamboree, etc) then I think about a bunch of people with flashing lights and blasting their music and remember, I prefer close knit smaller groups who wheel hard and wheel safe and are there for the good time, not to "one up" everyone around them. That's how I picture these large events. Show me I'm wrong so I have a stronger desire to check something out one time.

 

[GATORB8]

I always want to go to these events (Easter Jeep Safari, Labor Day Jeep Safari, Jeep Jamboree, etc) then I think about a bunch of people with flashing lights and blasting their music and remember, I prefer close knit smaller groups who wheel hard and wheel safe and are there for the good time, not to "one up" everyone around them. That's how I picture these large events. Show me I'm wrong so I have a stronger desire to check something out one time.

Well, if that's your preference, GSMJI is not the one I'd start with. It's not a wheeling event, more of a vendor event and party.

At least the last couple years, I think you'd be fine with EJS. It's significantly more tame and more wheeling based. You don't have to do the Red Rocks group trails, and the others are busier than normal, but far from packed.

 

[YBABRAT]

Yes, going. Just over the parkway for me as I'm in Bryson City. Be there Saturday as I work all week.

Bryson City, NC was my first choice on my move. Jobs pulled me to south part of VA. Though NC, WV and TN are a day drive outing for away destinations.

 

[melendez69]

I'm giving it a miss this year. Too many people. Last year was nucking futs. Took almost 2 hours to get from Gatlinburg back to the hotel in Pigeon Forge. That and vendors charging more for shit than you can get the same thing on amazon.

Same here... Last year we left the Quaker Steak thing & it took us close to 90 minutes to get to our hotel...cruising at a brisk 5 mph when we were able to move. We were a stone's throw away, but the traffic was worse than the BQE at rush hour. Prior years were pretty smooth, but The Lady doesn't want to go this year. We've done the last 3 & that may be it for us.

 

[TopWright]

Bryson City, NC was my first choice on my move. Jobs pulled me to south part of VA. Though NC, WV and TN are a day drive outing for away destinations.

Wife and I both graduated from BC. I joined the USMC in '82 and retired in 2004. Quantico, Savannah, Charleston would have been places but decided to move back with family. It was a great choice. FWIW, I was born in Alexandria VA and lived in Woodbridge until I was 8 when dad moved us to BC.

 

[Bill_P]

Same here... Last year we left the Quaker Steak thing & it took us close to 90 minutes to get to our hotel...cruising at a brisk 5 mph when we were able to move. We were a stone's throw away, but the traffic was worse than the BQE at rush hour. Prior years were pretty smooth, but The Lady doesn't want to go this year. We've done the last 3 & that may be it for us.

Yeah, we went year before last and if you got in the curb Lane that was on you but the rest of the parkway was fairly clear so you could get places. Last year that was not the case. That and I got tired of getting hit by ducks flying through the air because people were launching them with a tennis ball gun

 

[ZeoBandit]

The Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg area is way too congested now, even without something like this happening. It is no fun going anywhere near that area anymore.

 

[Tokenwasp]

The Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg area is way too congested now, even without something like this happening. It is no fun going anywhere near that area anymore.

I was there last month for the first time - it's like Panama City Beach in the mountains (and I hate PCB).

The saving grace is that Windrock Park isn't too far away, a bit west side of Knoxville.

Inside the park, Parson's Branch Road from the Cade's Cove Visitor's Center out to the Tail of the Dragon, then west to Foothills Parkway, back up to Gatlinburg, is a fun drive. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in the Northeast of the Park (have to go out of the park, through Gatlinburg to get there), is really nice - that was where we got some really good bear sightings.

 

[GATORB8]

I was there last month for the first time - it's like Panama City Beach in the mountains (and I hate PCB).

The saving grace is that Windrock Park isn't too far away, a bit west side of Knoxville.

Inside the park, Parson's Branch Road from the Cade's Cove Visitor's Center out to the Tail of the Dragon, then west to Foothills Parkway, back up to Gatlinburg, is a fun drive. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in the Northeast of the Park (have to go out of the park, through Gatlinburg to get there), is really nice - that was where we got some really good bear sightings.

There is a new park near by (I have not tried it yet), Bay's Mountain Off Road Park. It popped up on my facebook feed last year. Open select weekends, they announce on facebook. About 20 miles NW of Pigeon Forge.

https://www.facebook.com/BaysMountainOffroad

EDIT: Just FB Messaged Bays for open days next week. Looks like GenRight is having a kick off event there Wednesday Morning.

EDIT:
Anyone that runs down I-40 from the east will drive right by Hurricane Creek which a solid trail, stock accessible but still a decent run for someone experienced. Just east of the TN/NC line.

If anyone needs directions, let me know. You jump on it directly from I40-W at mm 7 IIRC.

 

[MacombRoger]

I'll be there. 3rd year going. My wife likes it, think she prefers "show and shine" over "off-roading". I have a few upgrades planned this time around, so hoping to check out a few vendors for hopefully some deals. We like the Hard Rock kick off party and Quaker Steak in the evening. Usually she convinces me to cruise on night, but yeah, its like an hour to go less than a mile. Its cool to see that many Jeeps in one place, over 10k. And so many variations, its pretty cool!

 

[Tokenwasp]

We like the Hard Rock kick off party and Quaker Steak in the evening.

One thing is for sure in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg:
It is not hard to find a place to get pancakes.

 

[Tncdrew]

Like this!

 

[Threedom]

I'm still considering driving up from Asheville for Saturday. I'd like to walk the vendor show and meet up with whoever from this forum is going - always fun to catch up IRL.

I also accidentally took my key fob into the ocean with me last weekend, so I need to get a Threedom replacement. I believe they usually have a booth and will do an onsite installation - is that right, @Threedom ?

Hi!

We are sorry to hear about your fob, but have no fear—we will have an onsite installation area!

Thanks
-Threedom Team

 

[Fabtech Motorsports]

We will be inside, come see us. Also looks like the weather might be OKish!?!?

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