The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of off-road trails that cater to a wide range of skill levels. From scenic drives to challenging Jeep trails, the park provides a unique and exhilarating experience for overlanding enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 overlanding trails along the Smoky Mountain 1000, providing detailed information to help you plan your next adventure.
Overlanding Trails
- Frog Level Road: A short out-and-back trail that leads to the Twin Falls, offering a scenic and relatively easy route for off-road enthusiasts.
- Brown Mountain Beach Road: A historic road that takes you from the Brown Mountain OHV area to Mortimer and the old fishing community of Edgemont, featuring steep climbs and rough terrain.
- Shad Road: A technical trail that parallels Hurricane Gap Road, offering hill climbs, rock ledges, and deep mud holes, making it one of the most challenging routes in the park.
- Atlanta 105: A route with great views of Linville Gorge and Linville Falls, providing a scenic and moderately difficult off-road experience.
- Wiseman’s View: A short hike with an overlook of Linville Gorge, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Charlie’s Creek Road: A four-wheel drive road in the Chattahoochee National Forest, providing a remote and rugged off-road adventure.
Scenic Drives
- Cades Cove Loop Road: A 10.5-mile loop road through a lush valley with historic buildings and wildlife viewing opportunities, offering a scenic and family-friendly driving experience.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A 10.8-kilometer trail with scenic views and historical homes, providing a glimpse into the park’s rich cultural heritage.
- Newfound Gap Road Drive: A 47-kilometer drive across the mountains with an elevation gain of 1,150 meters, offering breathtaking vistas and a challenging driving experience.
- Tremont Logging History Auto Tour: A moderate drive through pristine forests, wildflowers, and creeks, showcasing the park’s natural beauty and logging history.
Beginner Off-Road Trails
- Hall Top Road: A 4.5-mile route with a 1,500-foot elevation gain, suitable for most vehicles, making it an excellent choice for beginner off-road enthusiasts.
- Cataloochee Turnpike to Big Creek: A 10.5-mile gravel road through the GSMNP Cataloochee area, offering a relatively easy and accessible off-road experience.
- Hall Top Spur: A 2.5-mile road that climbs steeply to the Hall Top Fire Tower, providing a moderate challenge for those looking to test their skills.
- Old Buzzard Roost Road: A 3.7-mile route with creek crossings and switchbacks, offering a beginner-friendly off-road adventure.
- Cowee Bald: A 6.6-mile trail with elevation changes, switchbacks, and rocky terrain, providing a slightly more advanced off-road experience.
Jeep Trails
- Outdoors in the Smoky Mountains: Offers trails from mild to wild, with pricing at $40 per rig/driver and $20 per passenger. Operating hours are from 10am to 6pm by appointment only.
Climbing Clingmans Dome
- Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the park, accessible via a half-mile walk from the parking area, offering panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
Wildflowers
- Wildflowers: The park is known for its diverse wildflowers, including trillium, lady slipper orchids, and violets, providing a stunning natural backdrop for your off-road adventures.
Paddle Fontana Lake
- Fontana Lake: A lake offering boating and fishing opportunities, providing a refreshing break from off-road activities.
Historic Sites
- Cades Cove: A historic valley with preserved log cabins, churches, and other buildings, offering a glimpse into the park’s rich cultural heritage.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A trail with historical homes and scenic views, showcasing the park’s history and natural beauty.
Reference Links
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yecXIxBMq3U
- https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/tennessee/great-smoky-mountains-national-park/scenic-driving
- https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/beginner-offroad-trails-near-me/gatlinburg-tn