Rich Mountain Road is a delightful drive through the Smokies
Rich Mountain Road is a very scenic one-way drive located in Blount County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee.
Where is Rich Mountain Road?
The road is located in the eastern part of Tennessee, not far from the North Carolina border, in the southeastern United States, within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
When was Rich Mountain Road built?
The very secluded road was built in the 1920s. It is a beautiful ride with not many people at all.
How long is Rich Mountain Road?
The road is 11.10km (6.9 miles) long, running south-north from Cades Cove Loop Road to Old Cades Cove Road. It takes about an hour to drive.
Is Rich Mountain Road paved?
The twisty road is totally unpaved, winding through a quiet forest. There are a couple of spots where it's kind of a tight turn uphill in some loose gravel. Parts of it are prone to being washed out. This unimproved primitive road is pretty narrow and steep in parts, winding up for several miles through Rich Mountain Gap.
Can I drive my vehicle on Rich Mountain Road?
It’s usually suitable for all passenger vehicles, but heavy rains can render parts impassable for some or all vehicles. Anything bigger than a truck will make some of the turns a little difficult to simply impossible. Buses, RVs, vans longer than 25-feet, and vehicles towing trailers are prohibited.
Is Rich Mountain Road worth the drive?
There are many excellent photo opportunities. It’s one of the most remote locations in the Smokies you can travel to in the comfort of your own car. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer.
Is Rich Mountain Road open?
The twisting gravel road tops out at 808m (2,650ft) above sea level. It’s closed during the winter months (from November to May) and may also be closed due to heavy rains for an extended period of time throughout the year.