Survey Reveals Tennessee's 3 Most Avoided Winter Roads

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A survey of 3,004 drivers found that the roads in Tennessee most avoided during winter weather are U.S. Route 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains, I-24 over Monteagle Mountain near Chattanooga, and the stretch of I-40 crossing the Cumberland Plateau east of Nashville. Factors like snow, ice, steep grades, sharp curves, and limited services make these routes particularly treacherous for drivers when winter conditions deteriorate.

Why it matters

Knowing which roads drivers tend to avoid in winter can help transportation officials, emergency responders, and drivers themselves better prepare for and respond to hazardous conditions. This information can also inform infrastructure investments and winter maintenance priorities to improve safety and accessibility on these problem routes.

The details

The survey found that U.S. Route 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains is the most avoided winter road in Tennessee, with locals citing snow, ice, winding roads, and limited services as major deterrents, especially after dark or following fresh snowfall. I-24 over Monteagle Mountain near Chattanooga, with its steep grades, sharp curves, fog, and ice, is another route many drivers steer clear of when conditions worsen. Heading east out of Nashville, the stretch of I-40 crossing the Cumberland Plateau also makes the list, as snow, ice, and frequent accidents on the higher elevations cause many locals to delay trips rather than risk the treacherous conditions, particularly overnight or in the early morning.

• The survey of 3,004 drivers was conducted in January 2026.