Asheville, NC to Pigeon Forge, TN

[JakeMate]

I'm planning a trip to Dollywood in TN. I'm looking for some ideas between Asheville, NC and Pigeon Forge, TN.

• Dirt roads to explore. I've found Heintooga Ridge Rd off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Any other ideas?

• Things to see and do. I'd like to see the Elk in Catalooche. Any other cool things to see?

• Short hikes or scenic vistas.

• Anything else worth seeing.

Here's a general idea of the route.

Google Maps Link

Thanks.

[nc_tom]

You might like the Harmon Den area - lots of dirt roads. Max Patch is out there - short hike, 360 view. Google for Harmon Den, NC. Enjoy!

[Bretthn]

You should check out Mt Mitchel. It is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. We are trying to make it out in the next couple of weeks.

[JakeMate]

We've been to Mt. Mitchell already. That Harmon Den and Max Patch sounds good though. I've gotten a few other recommendations for that area also.

Thanks.

[IllianaXJ]

Rich Mountian Road and Parson Branch Road in the Cade's Cove area of GSMNP. Only 'problem' is they are one way and it can take a while to get back to town.

Rich Mtn Rd - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDZrkLPvqwQ (not my video)
Info: http://www.gsmnp.com/pages/richmtn.html


Parson's Branch - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOjgf...feature=fvwrel (not my video)
Info: http://www.gsmnp.com/pages/parson_br.html

[Bretthn]

We've been to Mt. Mitchell already. That Harmon Den and Max Patch sounds good though. I've gotten a few other recommendations for that area also.

Thanks.

How did you like Mt. Mitchel?

[JakeMate]

How did you like Mt. Mitchel?

It was OK. It was a few years ago. We didn't do much there at the time. I think we just hit the restaurant at the top. It was pretty cold when we we there and didn't do any hiking or anything.

[JakeMate]

Rich Mountian Road and Parson Branch Road in the Cade's Cove area of GSMNP. Only 'problem' is they are one way and it can take a while to get back to town.

Rich Mtn Rd - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDZrkLPvqwQ (not my video)
Info: http://www.gsmnp.com/pages/richmtn.html


Parson's Branch - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOjgf...feature=fvwrel (not my video)
Info: http://www.gsmnp.com/pages/parson_br.html

Very cool.. Thanks.

[ndrenfro]

The max patch area has a nice trail called hurricane creek road. Heading west on I-40 towards TN, just after MM 8 (I think) is a dirt road directly off the interstate. That is hurricane creek road. Follow it up and it will lead you to Max Patch mountain. A good fun trail in the trees with several creek crossings, some rocky sections, and the view from the top is incredible.

[drbandkgb]

Look up Coal Creek / Windrock