Well there goes the first part of my proposed route to Billings.
The park will be repaving Foothills Parkway West, from Chilhowee Lake to Walland, TN, thanks to $31 million in funding from the Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA)! More than 700,000 people enjoy driving the roadway for the scenic overlooks, including the Look Rock Observation Tower, and for access to the picnic area and soon-to-be-reopened campground!
GAOA funding supports a focused effort to address the most critical maintenance needs in the Smokies and other national parks across the country. This project will reduce more than $25 million in deferred maintenance associated with the Parkway, support 400 jobs, and contribute $85.5 million to the nation’s economy.
The repaving project requires a series of full-lane closures to all pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. From March 14 through May 21, the road will be fully closed from the Look Rock Observation Tower parking area west to the Highway 129 intersection near Chilhowee Lake. From June 1 through August 31, the road will be fully closed from the Look Rock Observation Tower parking area east to the Highway 321 intersection near Walland, TN. Look Rock Campground is expected to reopen in time for the fall camping season!
