Arrived at Raccoon Mountain RV Park after encountering many twists and turns on the road westward out of the Smokies. It was scary, to say the least with several stone outcroppings forcing us into the other lane. Great mountain views, and close location to downtown and area attractions.
Five minutes away from the RV park was Lookout Mountain. We took the drive in the late afternoon. Beautiful view at the top. They had hang-gliding places advertised. Nice scenic highway Rt. 157 and a nice view of the city below. Neighborhood is mixed with old historical homes and new modern ones. We saw St. Elmo National Historic District at the foot of the mountain, Chattanooga’s first bedroom suburb with shops, etc. but had no time to stop.
Glancing back into history, St. Elmo was once the site of the crossroads of two ancient Cherokee Indian trails and home of Daniel Ross, the father of John Ross, principal chief of the Cherokee tribe at the time of the "Trail of Tears," when the Cherokees were removed to Oklahoma. The John Ross home is a National Landmark in nearby Rossville, Georgia.
We drove to Camping World for supplies. Also took in a movie at Hamilton Place Mall. Over 200 stores and 30 restaurants.
Ray: We have decided that we need to stay at one location 3-4 nights in order to feel it is necessary to unload the motorcycle off the truck. The actual load & unloading is not bad -- the eight tie-down straps take time though. When we are on the road fully loaded, I can only see the truck with the bike through the RV's back-up camera. So far, so good. Ramp works fine and always draws a small crowd of inquisitive people.
Waynesville, NC to Chattanooga, TN – Leaving Waynesville, NC heading west, I decided not to take I-40 over the mountains to the north because so many people advised against it, rough road. Instead we stayed south of the Smokies. Beautiful area at peak fall colors, but now mostly barren and stark. Road was great and RV-friendly until we took Rt. 64. Single lane toward Tennessee looked good on the map and GPS, however some of the roadside cliffs appeared as if they wanted to reshape our RV, forcing me cautiously into the other lane. Everything has a different perspective when you are sitting at eye level 8-9 ft. above the road with another 4-5 ft. of your home over your head, we must have 13-ft. + for safe clearance. Looking through a picture window that is 5 ft. high and 8 ft. wide really brings your world into view. Most of the time that view is truly indescribable. I can hardly wait until we make the next turn or crest the next hill.
Next time I would like to ride the bike in this area.