Parson Branch Road, a Road Less Traveled in the Great Smoky Mountains National

Now is your chance to travel a part of Smoky Mountain’s history. Parson Branch Road has reopened after a 6-year closure due to damaged trees and road construction. Parson Branch Road is a historic, gravel road that follows a route traveled by Smoky Mountain people for more than 180 years. It ran through an area of the former community called Chestnut Flats. The road provided a significant commerce route for Cades Cove residents, including direct access to the Little Tennessee River for trading goods. Cades Cove resident Russell Gregory was appointed by Blount County to oversee construction of the road in order to provide access from the cove to what is now Highway 129 and it was completed in 1838. Parson Branch Road can be reached by taking Forge Creek Road near the visitor’s center in Cades Cove. High clearance vehicles are recommended for traveling Parson Branch Road. Motorhomes, buses, vans longer than 25 feet, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited. The road is open seasonally, from around April to November each year. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature...