Gravel Roads

[Guest 73challenger]

I was wondering if anyone knows any good gravel/dirt roads around Johnson city-Knoxvilleish. I have been on Panhandle road, Clarks creek and Beauty spot. I don't want to take my Grand Cherokee anywhere to narrow because I don't want it scratched up yet. I have been to Horsecreek and Bumpus Cover with other people. I have been reading about Parson's Branch Road near Knoxville(I think) but I'm not sure that would be worth the drive.

[Guest m&pc9]

Rich mt road coming out of Cades Cove is a nice ride. Theres a Parsons branch in Cades Cove also, But it leads into N.C.

[JReedEsq]

The way to do it would be to do Rich Mountain, go through Cades Cove, and then do Parsons Branch all at once. Or, (even better), drive Foothills Parkway to the end, go left on 129 toward the dragon, and take a left on Parsons Branch to do it all in reverse. The last time I did Parson's Branch (I've done this on a bicycle several times), we saw two bears. I've even done it in the winter with a couple inches of snow. Also, the Gregory Bald hiking trail is accessible from Parsons Branch road and it supposedly has some of the best views anywhere in the Smokies. It's one of the few trails on the Tennessee side that I haven't done yet....

[Guest ADAM]

Short mountain road off of HWY 63 in sneedville it runs on Newman Ridge.

[bluedog]

The way to do it would be to do Rich Mountain, go through Cades Cove, and then do Parsons Branch all at once.

Just remember those roads are both ONE WAY out of the park. You'd have to drive into the cove around the loop to get to them. Your GPS might tell you otherwise. Doing both would take you all day. Parsons Branch is more narrow, but also more fun ( a little rougher). Rich Mountain has amazing views including a great shot of the cove and one of it's churches.

Edited August 1, 2011 by bluedog

[JReedEsq]

Just remember those roads are both ONE WAY out of the park. You'd have to drive into the cove around the loop to get to them. Doing both would take you all day.

That's a good point about the direction. We've usually done Parson's Branch in the winter, when it is often closed to automotive traffic, (hence the snow comment) so the the direction didn't matter. As far as taking all day, I've done both on a bicycle in a loop with the Foothills Parkway (55 miles or so) in 4.5-5 hours several times. I was thinking a Grand Cherokee would certainly be faster than my bicycle*... I guess it depends on how you define "all day". Of course in the mountains, you should always have enough, stuff (food/water/clothes/lights) for all day, regardless.

*Edit- I'm basing all my time estimates on winter or weekday traffic flow. Obviously on a fall Saturday it can take all day just to drive the CC loop.

Edited August 1, 2011 by JReedEsq

[JReedEsq]

Parsons Branch is more narrow, but also more fun ( a little rougher).

Agreed. I've never driven it, but I wouldn't hesitate to take my Pathfinder up there. I'll obviously drive up there when we do the hike. It's a long hike so it may be awhile before I can talk my wife into doing it with a baby and a 3-year-old. We'll definitely drive to the trailhead so we don't make a long hike longer.

[oldogy]

Parson's Branch can be fun if the weather is cooperating. Lots of water crossing the roadway. So it brings you out on US 29, AKA Tail of the Dragon which is a fun drive itself.

oldogy

I'll add that I drove it in a Jeep Wrangler TJ Unlimited Rubicon and never had to go into 4WD let alone lock up and there was water running down the road many places.

Edited August 1, 2011 by oldogy

[bluedog]

My last trip out Parsons Branch I drove my 2wd GMC Sierra and had no problem, but it had been dry. It used to be closed often, so maybe call the Cades Cove ranger station before you go.

[Lumber_Jack]

get a map of the Cherokee National Forest, tons of roads, all gravel. I like Hurricane Gap in Greene Co. look for Paint Creek campground on a map, and drive up toward fire tower. Great ride, just an open gravel road, no 4x4 action

[Guest 73challenger]

Thanks a ton guys! I will be checking some of these outs. Keep 'em coming.

[Murgatroy]

get a map of the Cherokee National Forest, tons of roads, all gravel. I like Hurricane Gap in Greene Co. look for Paint Creek campground on a map, and drive up toward fire tower. Great ride, just an open gravel road, no 4x4 action

I grew up on those roads, Wildcat, Old Furnace, Watering Trough, Bald River Road, Finger Board, Ivy Trail, Lookout and more. Great trails out there, and most of them are decent enough to go down in a car.

[R_Bert]

Any of the WMAs. i.e. North Cumberland, Catoosa, Chuck Swan will have plenty of gravel roads, and lots of game to see. A area permit or hunting license is required to access these areas.

[M4sherman]

Word from the wise: Dont try racing your motorcycle down gravel roads with large washout ruts.

[peejman]

Lots of gravel roads in SWVA, just go ride around and find them. Parson's branch is cake, it's not worth the drive by itself. However, there's lots of gravel around Citico/Tellico.

Lots of Forest Service roads in TN/NC areas. Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC

[Guest 73challenger]

get a map of the Cherokee National Forest, tons of roads, all gravel. I like Hurricane Gap in Greene Co. look for Paint Creek campground on a map, and drive up toward fire tower. Great ride, just an open gravel road, no 4x4 action

How close can you get to the fire tower? I think I am going to try this trail out this week.