Shorts Road
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Helen Ga. Nearby Scenic Roads
Scenic Roads and Side Trips near Helen Ga. The only road all the way across the park, US 441 between Cherokee and Gatlinburg, is scenic enough, but almost always congested during the season, almost impossible on October weekends! The best way to avoid the traffic is to drive it between dawn and sun up, or after the traffic is gone and the stars are out. you'll never see them so close.
Just south of Newfound Gap where the road crests at the North Carolina) Tennessee border, is the road to Clingman's Dome, a seven-mile trip to the highest point in the park, 6,642 feet. If you want the view from the dome's observation tower, you'll have to walk half a mile on a paved road. It's worth it on a clear day, but if if's hazy or foggy, forget it - you won't see a thing.
The Little River Road (TN 73) between Sugarland Visitor Center and Cades Cove is wonderful, especially after the leaves (and the RV's) have gone, and there is an unobstructed view of the continuous rapids of the river rushing through the gorge.
The road follows the river's course most of the way, and there are several points of-interest, including a rocky basin called the Sinks, Meigs Falls and Laurel Falls, reached via a short but steep trail from the road. From Cades Cove, two roads lead out of the park, both are gravel: Parson's Branch Road is an eight-mile, one-way road that connects with US 129 north of Fontana.
Rich Mountain Road is a seven-mile, partially one-way road that connects with US 321 near Townsend. For a side trip to the least visited, most remote section of the park, try Cataloochee Valley.
The Roaring Fork - Mother Nature Trail is a five-mile scenic loop following cascading mountain streams, past old home sites and apple orchards. The road begins off Airport Road in Gatlinburg. Also from Gatlinburg off TN 321 north is the Greenbrier Road, cool and unpaved, leading to the trail to Ramsay Cascade Falls, the highest in the park. Most side roads are closed during winter. US 441 are also closed when there is ice or snow.
Don't enter the park with a nearly- empty gas tank. There are no service stations in the park.
Recreation and Activities
Hiking, whether it's a short stroll along one of the marked "Quiet Walkways,' a self-guiding nature trail, a trek to a waterfall, joining the crowds on the Appalachian Trail, a scenic day hike or a backcountry backpacking trip, hiking is the second favorite activity here (after motoring and stopping for camera shots!).
A good day hike guidebook is Hiking in the Great Smokie's by Carson Brewer, available at the visitors centers for $2.50 or write P.O. Box 344, Norris, TN 37828. Over 60 trails are included, with mileage (some maps), good directions, and descriptions of the flora along each trail, waterfalls and other points of interest. For backpacking, pick up maps and permits at the visitors centers.
About the Author
See high quality pictures and Virtual Tours in HD Video of Helen Ga.
Spriggs Shorts: "Road Trip"
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