Sams Gap - 3760 Ft - NC/TN border
Posted by: 
vhasler
N 35° 57.196 W 082° 33.658
17S E 359225 N 3979891
Sams Gap through which I-26 now flows between Asheville, NC and Tricities region of Tennessee.
Waymark Code: WMA1H4
Location: North Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 10/31/2010
Views: 2
Sams Gap, at 3760 ft, was the pass in the Bald Mountains section of the Appalachian chain through which US Highway 23 wound across the Tennessee/North Carolina border. It was an extremely dangerous route during winter with sharp turns and limited guard rails. Bigger tractor trailers were banned on this route, but had to use I-40.
It was replaced with an extension of Interstate 26 north to join with the former I-181 section. For more history on the road project, check link1 or link2
This sign can now be seen on I-26 overpass over the old route, now known as Flag Pond Road. The Applachian Trail, which runs along the TN/NC border here, also passed under this overpass.