We'll be in the Smoky mountains on the 27/28th Sept.staying in Gatlinburg and plan to do the Clingmans dome-roaring fork motor nature trail and the Little river road.Should we include the Rich mountain road via Townsend in latter trail? Will we have enough time ? Thanks Paul

Hey, Paul! Have you been to the Smokies before? Are you also stopping to do some hiking?

We love the Cades Cove area. We usually go in from the Townsend area, via Laurel Creek Road to Cades Cove. The last time we were there, the Rich Mountain Road portion within the park was unpaved, however the rest of it, out of the park, on towards Townsend is paved. I think you'll have time to do the driving you suggested. Hiking and stops will take up some of your time, but it's certainly doable in 2 days.

There's some great tubing in the Bryson City area, on the east side of the park, if that is of interest to you. Also, a lot of folks raft the Nantahala, but we prefer to catch a release on the Ocoee (site of the 1996 Olympics water competitions). That is also a great drive, along Hwy 64 in TN. The Ocoee is one of America's premier playboating rivers.

The Cherohala Scenic Skyway through the Cherokee National Forest and the Nantahala National Forest, is another very scenic drive on TN Hwy 165.

I hope this helps. If you have more questions, I will try to help~

Thank you BayouGal for the info.I'm a waterguy but my wife isn't so we'll stick to the scenic drives and reasonable hikes as we're already 69 and 63 but not afraid of 3 hour mountain hikes.Will the road from Cades Cove to Townsend (unpaved as you said)be doable with our rental car ? I remember driving another unpaved road (the road to Chaco canyon in N.Mexico in 2000)and it was pretty hairy.The ranger there advised us to do the road at a higher speed so you fly over the bumps. Greetings from Belgium.Paul

Paul, since you're in Belgium, (and have helped me with more trips than you probably realize), I am going to try to remember to phone the Nat'l Park this Monday to ask about that road. I happened to remember today that it was gated on the NP end one time when we were there, so I need to see if it's even open. And if it is, I'll ask about the conditions of the road. If you don't see my post on this thread by Tuesday, please post again to remind me . . . my DD just had oral surgery, and although my intentions are good, I am definitely known to forget things when I have a lot going on. So, PLEASE, call it to my attention if you don't get a post back soon from me. Thanks!

Also, Paul, check the auto rental website for their rules on driving on unpaved roads. In the end, that may be the deciding factor of whether or not you give this road a try.

You will have no problems driving any of the park roads in a rental vehicle. The unpaved roads are graded gravel in excellent condition. Taking the Rich Mt. Road which is a one way out of the park towards Townsend takes you to a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the cove and the Methodist Church. Unfortunately you will be a month early for fall color. The remainder of the road is thru forest with no other views of the cove.

The one way loop road through Cades Cove is closed til 10am on Wednesdays & Saturdays til late Sept. So plan accordingly. About half way around the loop, before you reach Cable Mill area is turnoff to Abrams Falls, a 5 mile moderate roundtrip trip to nice falls you can walk behind. There are two roads you can take to cut your journey short if you wish, Sparks Lane near the eastern end of the loop and Hyatt Lane near the western end allow two way traffic between the main loop road. Usually a great place to see whitetail deer either early or late in the day.

Couple other roads you might want to consider are about 8 miles east outside of Gatlinburg on Hwy 321 is turnoff to Greenbrier. A detached area of the park. The road parallels a wonderful stream for several miles and comes to a picnic area. Just after it, road comes to a T. The left fork will take you to trailhead to Ramsey's Cascade 8 miles round trip fairly strenuous to a falls of over 100'. Going right at the fork road ends at parking lot with trailhead to another nice trail.

The Foothills Parkway (the western portion of)which is about 9 miles from Townsend is another nice paved road. Great place to see the sunrise or set. About 5 miles down the road is Look Rock campground and lookout tower.

The park website is www.nps.gov/grsm. You might find it easier to use the search feature rather than the in-depth section.

If you plan on hiking to Laurel Falls get there early as the parking lot fills early. The Chimney Tops is a nice but rather steep hike with outstanding views. Just up road from it is parking area for one of the trails to Mt. LeConte - Alum Cave Bluffs trailhead. You can also take the Rainbow Falls trail off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to the falls and continue onto Mt. LeConte if you wish. From Newfound Gap you could take the Appalachian Trail to Charlie's Bunion (about 8 moderate miles). Believe the trail to the observation tower on Clingmans Dome has been reopened.

Thanks for the great info. I already marked them on a map I downloaded from the Park website.Paul