Interstate 40 East - Tennessee to Canton

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Interstate 40
Interstate 40 East
Welcome to North Carolina sign posted near Waterville and Cedar Cliff.

Welcome to North Carolina sign posted near Waterville and Cedar Cliff.

09/23/22

Rock slides are possible throughout Pigeon River Gorge along Interstate 40. Significant rock slides, such as ones in February 22 and June 10, 2019, result in closures of the entire freeways.

Rock slides are possible throughout Pigeon River Gorge along Interstate 40. Significant rock slides, such as ones in February 22 and June 10, 2019, result in closures of the entire freeways.

01/16/19

Interstate 40 travels 36.71 miles through Haywood County.

Interstate 40 travels 36.71 miles through Haywood County.

09/23/22

Winding eastward alongside Pigeon River, I-40 runs between Snowbird and Longarm Mountains.

Winding eastward alongside Pigeon River, I-40 runs between Snowbird and Longarm Mountains.

01/16/19

Interstate 40 navigates through an S-curve between Mt. Sterling Creek and Buzzard Roost on Longarm Mountain.

Interstate 40 navigates through an S-curve between Mt. Sterling Creek and Buzzard Roost on Longarm Mountain.

01/16/19

Interstate 40 punches through the south end of Dry Gap Ridge through a pair of two lane tunnels west of Big Bend along the Pigeon River.

Interstate 40 punches through the south end of Dry Gap Ridge through a pair of two lane tunnels west of Big Bend along the Pigeon River.

09/23/22

A rock slide in 1985 forced the closure of the westbound lanes for a period of time. During construction, a temporary eastbound bypass lane was added as westbound travelers were shifted into the eastbound tube. This bypass lane remains in place today, but is not open to traffic.
2 photos

A rock slide in 1985 forced the closure of the westbound lanes for a period of time. During construction, a temporary eastbound bypass lane was added as westbound travelers were shifted into the eastbound tube. This bypass lane remains in place today, but is not open to traffic.

09/23/22

The Pigeon River Gorge section of Interstate 40, including the tunnels, opened to traffic in 1968. These were the first tunnels along the Interstate system east of the Mississippi River.
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The Pigeon River Gorge section of Interstate 40, including the tunnels, opened to traffic in 1968. These were the first tunnels along the Interstate system east of the Mississippi River.

09/23/22

01/16/19

Numerous S-curves lines the 16 mile stretch of Interstate 40 through Pigeon River Gorge southward from Hickory Ridge at Big Bend to Cove Creek and U.S. 276.

Numerous S-curves lines the 16 mile stretch of Interstate 40 through Pigeon River Gorge southward from Hickory Ridge at Big Bend to Cove Creek and U.S. 276.

09/23/22

Advancing south between Buzzard Roost and Harmon Den Mountain, I-40 continues two miles to Exit 7 with Harmon Den Road west and Cold Springs Road east.

Advancing south between Buzzard Roost and Harmon Den Mountain, I-40 continues two miles to Exit 7 with Harmon Den Road west and Cold Springs Road east.

09/23/22

Exit 7 serves an isolated area of Pisgah National Forest. Cold Springs Road stems east along Cold Springs Creek between Hurricane Ridge and Harmon Den Mountain.

Exit 7 serves an isolated area of Pisgah National Forest. Cold Springs Road stems east along Cold Springs Creek between Hurricane Ridge and Harmon Den Mountain.

09/23/22

West from Exit 7, National Forest Service Road 288 (Harmon Den Road) hugs the west bank of the Pigeon River before climbing onto Longarm Mountain to Buzzard Roost.

West from Exit 7, National Forest Service Road 288 (Harmon Den Road) hugs the west bank of the Pigeon River before climbing onto Longarm Mountain to Buzzard Roost.

09/23/22

The first confirming marker for Interstate 40 eastbound in North Carolina.

The first confirming marker for Interstate 40 eastbound in North Carolina.

09/23/22

Interstate 40 straddles the western slope of Hurricane Ridge ahead of the second tunnel in North Carolina.

Interstate 40 straddles the western slope of Hurricane Ridge ahead of the second tunnel in North Carolina.

09/23/22

Waynesville lies 24 miles south from Harmons Den via I-40 and U.S. 276. Asheville is 44 miles to the southeast along I-40 and I-240.

Waynesville lies 24 miles south from Harmons Den via I-40 and U.S. 276. Asheville is 44 miles to the southeast along I-40 and I-240.

09/23/22

I-40 curves southward through a tunnel between Hurricane Creek and Hurricane Mountain. The westbound roadway utilizes a rock cut above.

I-40 curves southward through a tunnel between Hurricane Creek and Hurricane Mountain. The westbound roadway utilizes a rock cut above.

09/23/22

I-40 curves southward through a tunnel between Hurricane Creek and Hurricane Mountain. The westbound roadway utilizes a rock cut above.
4 photos

I-40 curves southward through a tunnel between Hurricane Creek and Hurricane Mountain. The westbound roadway utilizes a rock cut above.

09/23/22

A North Carolina welcome center and rest area lines I-40 to the west of Grassy Knob and Hurricane Mountain, and northeast of Walters Dam.
2 photos

A North Carolina welcome center and rest area lines I-40 to the west of Grassy Knob and Hurricane Mountain, and northeast of Walters Dam.

01/16/19

09/23/22

Curving southeast from the welcome center, Interstate 40 parallels Walters Lake across from White Oak Mountain.

Curving southeast from the welcome center, Interstate 40 parallels Walters Lake across from White Oak Mountain.

09/23/22

Fines Creek Road (SR 1338) runs 1.00 mile north from White Oak Road (SR 1346) to meet Interstate 40 at Exit 15 in two miles.

Fines Creek Road (SR 1338) runs 1.00 mile north from White Oak Road (SR 1346) to meet Interstate 40 at Exit 15 in two miles.

09/23/22

Interstate 40 leaves Pisgah National Forest ahead of the diamond interchange (Exit 15) with Fines Creek Road (SR 1338).

Interstate 40 leaves Pisgah National Forest ahead of the diamond interchange (Exit 15) with Fines Creek Road (SR 1338).

09/23/22

Fines Creek Road continues 6.87 miles east from Waterville Lake and I-40 to Max Patch Road (SR 1334) at Fines Creek. Max Patch Road connects Fines Creek with NC 209 (Betsys Gap Road) nearby.
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Fines Creek Road continues 6.87 miles east from Waterville Lake and I-40 to Max Patch Road (SR 1334) at Fines Creek. Max Patch Road connects Fines Creek with NC 209 (Betsys Gap Road) nearby.

09/23/22

Progressing south from Exit 15 toward Little Pine Mountain, Interstate 40 crosses the Pigeon River.
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Progressing south from Exit 15 toward Little Pine Mountain, Interstate 40 crosses the Pigeon River.

09/23/22

The succeeding exit joins Interstate 40 east with U.S. 276 south to the Haywood County seat of Waynesville.

The succeeding exit joins Interstate 40 east with U.S. 276 south to the Haywood County seat of Waynesville.

01/16/19

Little Pine Mountain appears to the southeast of I-40 at mile marker 17. The freeway turns southwest along the ensuing stretch by Chestnut Flat Ridge.
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Little Pine Mountain appears to the southeast of I-40 at mile marker 17. The freeway turns southwest along the ensuing stretch by Chestnut Flat Ridge.

09/23/22

Traveling westward by Hall Ridge, Interstate 40 leaves Pigeon River. The freeway parallels Jonathan Creek southward to Cove Creek and U.S. 276 at Exit 20.

Traveling westward by Hall Ridge, Interstate 40 leaves Pigeon River. The freeway parallels Jonathan Creek southward to Cove Creek and U.S. 276 at Exit 20.

09/23/22

Beginning at I-40, U.S. 276 (Jonathan Creek Road) heads six miles south to combine with U.S. 19 north at Dellwood. U.S. 19 south travels four miles west to Maggie Valley.

Beginning at I-40, U.S. 276 (Jonathan Creek Road) heads six miles south to combine with U.S. 19 north at Dellwood. U.S. 19 south travels four miles west to Maggie Valley.

09/23/22

U.S. 19 west from U.S. 276 at Dellwood leads to Cherokee and U.S. 441 north into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

U.S. 19 west from U.S. 276 at Dellwood leads to Cherokee and U.S. 441 north into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

09/23/22

U.S. 276 travels 106 miles overall from the trumpet interchange at Exit 20 to Waynesville and Brevard in North Carolina and Travelers Rest, Greenville and Mauldin in South Carolina.

U.S. 276 travels 106 miles overall from the trumpet interchange at Exit 20 to Waynesville and Brevard in North Carolina and Travelers Rest, Greenville and Mauldin in South Carolina.

09/23/22

Advancing southeast to Colemap Gap, this confirming marker posted south of U.S. 276 was missing by 2018.

Advancing southeast to Colemap Gap, this confirming marker posted south of U.S. 276 was missing by 2018.

07/03/14

Davis Top rises to the south beyond this distance sign preceding the Coleman Mountain Road (SR 1364) underpass on I-40 eastbound.

Davis Top rises to the south beyond this distance sign preceding the Coleman Mountain Road (SR 1364) underpass on I-40 eastbound.

09/23/22

NC 209 (Crabtree Road) travels south from near Fines Creek and Crabtree to meet Interstate 40 at a parclo interchange (Exit 24) in two miles.

NC 209 (Crabtree Road) travels south from near Fines Creek and Crabtree to meet Interstate 40 at a parclo interchange (Exit 24) in two miles.

09/23/22

NC 209 meanders 3.54 miles south from Interstate 40 to U.S. 19-23-74 (Great Smoky Mountain Expressway) at Lake Junaluska.

NC 209 meanders 3.54 miles south from Interstate 40 to U.S. 19-23-74 (Great Smoky Mountain Expressway) at Lake Junaluska.

09/23/22

Hyder and Chambers Mountains rise to the east of the parclo interchange (Exit 24) joining Interstate 40 with NC 209 (Crabtree Road).

Hyder and Chambers Mountains rise to the east of the parclo interchange (Exit 24) joining Interstate 40 with NC 209 (Crabtree Road).

09/23/22

NC 209 measures 36.47 miles north from Lake Junaluska to U.S. 25/70 at Hot Springs.

NC 209 measures 36.47 miles north from Lake Junaluska to U.S. 25/70 at Hot Springs.

01/16/19

The Pigeon River flows south toward Clyde below Interstate 40 just east of Exit 24.

The Pigeon River flows south toward Clyde below Interstate 40 just east of Exit 24.

01/16/19

Interstate 40 runs along the west side of Hyder Mountain along the ensuing stretch.

Interstate 40 runs along the west side of Hyder Mountain along the ensuing stretch.

09/23/22

Combining with I-40 east from Exit 27, U.S. 74 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway) angles northeast from U.S. 19/23 near the town of Clyde across the Pigeon River.

Combining with I-40 east from Exit 27, U.S. 74 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway) angles northeast from U.S. 19/23 near the town of Clyde across the Pigeon River.

09/23/22

U.S. 74 travels five miles southwest to Waynesville and 22 miles to the split with U.S. 23 at Sylva. U.S. 19 parts ways with U.S. 74 at Lake Junaluska and returns to the highway via Bryson City.

U.S. 74 travels five miles southwest to Waynesville and 22 miles to the split with U.S. 23 at Sylva. U.S. 19 parts ways with U.S. 74 at Lake Junaluska and returns to the highway via Bryson City.

09/23/22

U.S. 74 travels five miles southwest to Waynesville and 22 miles to the split with U.S. 23 at Sylva. U.S. 19 parts ways with U.S. 74 at Lake Junaluska and returns to the highway via Bryson City.

U.S. 74 travels five miles southwest to Waynesville and 22 miles to the split with U.S. 23 at Sylva. U.S. 19 parts ways with U.S. 74 at Lake Junaluska and returns to the highway via Bryson City.

09/23/22

A U.S. 74 shield precedes the trumpet interchange at Exit 27. U.S. 74 overlaps with I-40 east to Asheville and I-26 east to Columbus.
2 photos

A U.S. 74 shield precedes the trumpet interchange at Exit 27. U.S. 74 overlaps with I-40 east to Asheville and I-26 east to Columbus.

09/23/22

Paralleling I-40 to the south, U.S. 19/23 follows Carolina Boulevard east from U.S. 74 to Clyde, West Canton and Canton.

Paralleling I-40 to the south, U.S. 19/23 follows Carolina Boulevard east from U.S. 74 to Clyde, West Canton and Canton.

09/23/22

Interstate 40 U.S. 74 East
Chambers Mountain Road (SR 1534) spurs north from Clyde and passes over by these confirming markers for I-40/U.S. 74 east.

Chambers Mountain Road (SR 1534) spurs north from Clyde and passes over by these confirming markers for I-40/U.S. 74 east.

01/16/19

The succeeding exit along I-40/U.S. 74 is for the town of Canton. Asheville is 22 miles away via I-40 and I-240 east.

The succeeding exit along I-40/U.S. 74 is for the town of Canton. Asheville is 22 miles away via I-40 and I-240 east.

09/23/22

I-40/U.S. 74 pass south of Chambers Mountain and north of Pigeon River east to the diamond interchange (Exit 31) with NC 215.

I-40/U.S. 74 pass south of Chambers Mountain and north of Pigeon River east to the diamond interchange (Exit 31) with NC 215.

09/23/22

I-40/U.S. 74 eastbound cross over Incinerator Road (SR 1550) one mile from NC 215 south to Canton and West Canton.

I-40/U.S. 74 eastbound cross over Incinerator Road (SR 1550) one mile from NC 215 south to Canton and West Canton.

09/23/22

NC 215 (Champion Drive) leads 1.92 miles south from SR 1582 (Buckeye Cove Road) and I-40 to U.S. 19/23 (New Clyde Highway) west of Downtown Canton.

NC 215 (Champion Drive) leads 1.92 miles south from SR 1582 (Buckeye Cove Road) and I-40 to U.S. 19/23 (New Clyde Highway) west of Downtown Canton.

09/23/22

I-40/U.S. 74 continue east by Sassafras Ridge between NC 215 and Little Piney Top.

I-40/U.S. 74 continue east by Sassafras Ridge between NC 215 and Little Piney Top.

09/23/22

Newfound Road (SR 1004) extends northeast from Main Street in the town of Canton to a parclo A2 interchange (Exit 33) with I-40/U.S. 74.

Newfound Road (SR 1004) extends northeast from Main Street in the town of Canton to a parclo A2 interchange (Exit 33) with I-40/U.S. 74.

09/23/22

Traveling beyond the Asheville area, Interstate 40 continues to Statesville, where the freeway meets I-77 at Exit 152.

Traveling beyond the Asheville area, Interstate 40 continues to Statesville, where the freeway meets I-77 at Exit 152.

09/23/22

Newfound Road (SR 1004) ventures 12.09 miles northeast through a valley between Jones Mountain and Holland Mountain to Newfound and NC 63 at Georgetown. NC 63 runs north to Leicester and south to West Asheville.
2 photos

Newfound Road (SR 1004) ventures 12.09 miles northeast through a valley between Jones Mountain and Holland Mountain to Newfound and NC 63 at Georgetown. NC 63 runs north to Leicester and south to West Asheville.

09/23/22

Beyond Exit 33, Interstate 40 navigates through a series of sharp S-curves along the south side of Holland Mountain.

Beyond Exit 33, Interstate 40 navigates through a series of sharp S-curves along the south side of Holland Mountain.

09/23/22

Straddling the south slope of Holland Mountain, I-40/U.S. 74 descend toward Luther, Candler and Asheville.
2 photos

Straddling the south slope of Holland Mountain, I-40/U.S. 74 descend toward Luther, Candler and Asheville.

09/23/22

Advancing east from Rocky Cove, I-40/U.S. 74 proceed one mile to a diamond interchange (Exit 37) with SR 1200 (Wiggins Road) at Candler.

Advancing east from Rocky Cove, I-40/U.S. 74 proceed one mile to a diamond interchange (Exit 37) with SR 1200 (Wiggins Road) at Candler.

09/23/22

I-40/U.S. 74 enter Buncombe County south of Grassy Top on Holland Mountain.

I-40/U.S. 74 enter Buncombe County south of Grassy Top on Holland Mountain.

09/23/22

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Connect with:

U.S. 19U.S. 19
U.S. 23U.S. 23
U.S. 74U.S. 74

Page Updated Monday May 10, 2021.