Pigeon Forge Off The Beaten Path

You can access two gravel roads off of the Cades Cove loop road that will take you into lightly traveled portions of the park. The roads are maintained fairly well, and if you drive with care and slowly cars can accomplish the drive if they have reasonable ground clearance.

Rich Mountain Road takes you north and empties close to Townsend Tn. There is an amazing overlook of Cades Cove that is a photographer's dream.

Parsons Branch Road heads over the mountains to the south east. It is a longer road that travels into even more remote country. The road is lined with wild flowers and creeks, my experience it is even less travelled. The last time we were up it, there were places where the creeks crossed the road in shallow water concrete crossings.

The roads are closed seasonally and for maintenance and management reasons at other times. We usually just head there and see if the gate is open, but you could probably call the visitors center for a status report if it is really important to you.

Make sure that you have plenty of gas and some refreshements before you enter the park. The last chance for drinks and snacks is the camp store at Cades Cove.