Do you love driving the Cades Cove Loop Road and want other options for relaxing scenic drives in the area? If so, we would be happy to help! Keep reading to learn about Parson Branch Road, one of our favorite scenic drives in Cades Cove that you might not know about!
How to Get There
To get to Parson Branch Road from Gatlinburg, take the Parkway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After you pass the Sugarlands Visitor Center on your right, you will turn right onto Little River Road and continue on it for 25 miles until you reach the entrance of Cades Cove Loop Road. You will drive halfway around the loop. Parson Branch Road is about a mile past the Cades Cove Visitor Center and the John P. Cable Mill. Keep an eye out for the sign at the entrance. Parson Branch Road is a one-way gravel road that exits Cades Cove and leads to US 129.
Read More: “Directions to Cades Cove: 3 Routes You Can Take”
What to See
Before the national park was established, the settlers of Cades Cove used Parson Branch Road to conduct business, such as trading. Today, visitors love the route because it is a less crowded way out of Cades Cove with some beautiful scenery. The road has a canopy of trees up above that provides ample shade from the sun. You will also cross some shallow streams. Look out your window and keep an eye out for animals, such as back bears and deer.
While Parson Branch Road is a scenic drive, it also provides access to the Gregory Bald Trail. The trailhead is located at Sam’s Gap on Parson Branch Road. The hike to Gregory Bald is an 8.8-mile roundtrip route that is known for its beautiful flaming azaleas in the warmer months. The hike is strenuous and ideal for experienced hikers, but you will see some stunning mountain views from the grassy bald– definitely worth the effort!. If you do decide to hike, keep in mind that you need a Smoky Mountain parking pass for your vehicle!
Things to Know
Take note that motorhomes, vans, and trailers longer than 25 feet are prohibited on Parson Branch Road! Another thing to know about Parson Branch Road is that it is open seasonally, from April through November. This is to keep visitors safe from the conditions created by snow and ice in the winter months. When this road is open, do not attempt to cross the streams if they are overflowing after a heavy rain. If there is rain forecasted, keep an eye on the Smokies Road Info Page (@SmokiesRoadNPS) for the most up-to-date information on road closures. It is always a good idea to have a backup plan; but don’t worry, there is no wrong place to visit in Cades Cove!
Now you know all about driving on Parson Branch Road. Want to know about more alternate ways out of Cades Cove? Explore another lesser-known route– Rich Mountain Road!
