Rich Mountain Road is a delightful drive through the Smokies

Rich Mountain Road is a delightful drive through the Smokies

Usa, north-america

Length

11.1 km

Elevation

808 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventurers, listen up! You HAVE to add Rich Mountain Road to your Smoky Mountains bucket list. Tucked away in Blount County, Tennessee, near the North Carolina border, this hidden gem is a one-way, south-to-north dirt road that promises a secluded and seriously scenic escape.

Built way back in the '20s, this 6.9-mile (11.10km) route winds from Cades Cove Loop Road to Old Cades Cove Road and will take about an hour to navigate. Prepare for a slow, bumpy, and utterly charming journey. Think quiet forests, tight uphill turns with loose gravel, and parts that might be a little washed out – adding to the thrill, right?

While most cars can handle it, leave your RVs, long vans (over 25 feet), and trailers at home, trust me. Some turns are tight! Keep an eye on the weather, too; heavy rains can make it impassable. And remember, it's typically closed from November to May for winter.

The road climbs to 2,650 feet (808m), giving you some stunning views and awesome photo ops. This is one of the most remote spots in the Smokies you can reach by car! Plus, you might spot some white-tailed deer along the way. Get ready for a ride you won’t soon forget!

Where is it?

Rich Mountain Road is a delightful drive through the Smokies is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.9273, -95.4950

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
11.1 km
Max Elevation
808 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
39.9273, -95.4950

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