Rich Mountain Road
A former Cherokee path, this road was built in the 1830s.
Plan Around Rich Mountain Road
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Rich Mountain Road Details
The 8-mile, one-way Rich Mountain Road leads from Cades Cove over Rich Mountain to Townsend, Tennessee. A former Cherokee path, this road was built in the 1830s and was a major transportation route for many years. Today, however, you're likely to find it an uncrowded way to enjoy some of the best views of Cades Cove and the Smokies. The twisting, primitive road demands low-speed travel, which gives you plenty of time to take in the mountain vistas and beautiful oak forest. After topping the mountain you'll descend steeply into Tuckalechee Cove before the road flattens out toward Townsend. It's probably best to avoid this road at night, since it is unlit, unimproved, and sparsely inhabited.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
Cades Cove
Nearby Parks Around Rich Mountain Road
Compare nearby parks around Rich Mountain Road when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Rich Mountain Road
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Rich Mountain Road while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Missionary Baptist Church
The building you see here now was a replacement that opened its doors in 1915.
0.0 mi away
Missionary Baptist Church
The building you see here now was a replacement that opened its doors in 1915.
0.2 mi away
Hyatt Lane
An old Cherokee trail and convenient cut-through on the Loop Road.
0.5 mi away
Methodist Church
A two-door design intended to separate men and women entering to worship.
0.5 mi away
Methodist Church
A two-door design intended to separate men and women entering to worship.
