Parsons Branch Road

GaelicDog · 06-24-2004, 04:43 AM

Does anyone know if Parsons Branch Road that runs between Cades Cove and THE DRAGON open yet? Saw on www.tailofthedragon.com where it closed some time back because of flood damage. And is it closed to car/truck traffic? Can a dual sport still get through??

Thanks

Troutrider · 06-24-2004, 12:35 PM

Parson's Branch is supposed to be closed until next year. They never get in a hurry to fix that road when it washes. About 15 yrs. ago I was in there trout fishing on Panther Creek and a storm came up. By the time we got to the truck and started out the water was over the tires on the last few crossings. It gets damaged pretty regular. A few years ago a friend of mine went in there on his DRZ400. The gate was closed so he went under it. They were actually working on it that day. I can't even imagine the punishment that his actions would have brought. Probably death by hanging. Anyway the first guy told him to wait because someone else wanted to see him. He sat there for a minute then realized what he was in for. As soon as they stepped away he cranked up and took off. He said it was the fastest he'd ever ridden on gravel. He managed to get to 129 before they called out the National Guard and got away clean. You can bet that those guys haven't forgotten it either. I can't imagine what he was thinking when he drug his bike under the gate. Knucklehead. Anyway I'd recommend waiting 'til the road opens before hitting it. It gets a lot of traffic in June and July as everyone hikes to Gregory Bald to look at the Azaleas and Laurel blooming. There are some huge bears in that area too.

Troutrider

GaelicDog · 06-25-2004, 03:25 AM

I was afraid it was still closed, had read some stuff about it and it seemed like a fun ride!!!! Cannot see me dragging the 1150 under a gate!!!

Troutrider · 06-25-2004, 05:06 AM

Yes, indeed it is a fun road. The deepest you can get into the Nat. Park and still roll down a window. Problem is a lot of guys don't want to take the long trip from Deal's Gap to get there. They simply turn in off 129 and go in the back way. It's a one way road. I almost got taken out by a Ural w/ sidehack several years ago while topping a hill. The rangers go through there quite often when it's open. I'd hate to have to explain to him why I was going the wrong way. My guess is that they'll close it for good one day. All good things must end. That'll probably be about the same time they put speed humps all the way through Deal's Gap to stop people from killing themselves.

Troutrider

GaelicDog · 06-25-2004, 06:49 AM

Hey trout, sent you a PM

JTT · 04-09-2006, 04:53 PM

Is there any update on the condition of the Parsons Branch road? I'm coming up through Deals Gap on the 23rd of April 2006 and heard about this trail and would REALLY like to take this and get off the asphalt for a while.

Also I'd be heading North...is this truely one way traffic? ...and if so, which way

Troutrider · 04-09-2006, 04:59 PM

Last I heard it would probably never reopen. Unless things have changed, it is closed to anything but foot travel for good. You can google the Smokey Mtns. Nat. Park and do a search to make sure. Sorry many of you never got to ride it.

We used to drive in that way and fish Panther Creek back in the early 80's. Such is life.

Troutrider

andy29847 · 04-09-2006, 05:05 PM

There are hundreds of miles of gravel/dirt road in the Deal's Gap/Cherohala Skyway area. The tailofthedragon web site has maps for most of them. The road by Stewart's Cabin (FS 41?) is a great ride for GS type bikes. Heck, I know a guy that went to Stewart's Cabin on a FJR1300 (but not very fast

).

CMWoody · 04-09-2006, 05:10 PM

Maybe they abandon the road and end up leaving the gate shut but that could be a blessing in disquise. One sneak and you have the road all to your self...at least till nature takes it.

I enjoyed having sections of BRP all to myself back when they were doing repairs.

JTT · 04-09-2006, 05:10 PM

Bummer. Thanks Troutrider for the fast response.

Whow....you guys are fast...didn't see the other responses till I submitted

KYwoodsrider · 04-09-2006, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTT

Is there any update on the condition of the Parsons Branch road? I'm coming up through Deals Gap on the 23rd of April 2006 and heard about this trail and would REALLY like to take this and get off the asphalt for a while.

Also I'd be heading North...is this truely one way traffic? ...and if so, which way

I was backpacking that area last year and it was open. The road is one way from Cades Cove to hwy 129.

Troutrider · 04-10-2006, 02:57 AM

Very cool! They get disgusted every time the creek crossings wash out and say they will never reopen it. I guess the public rules again....this time. It's a great loop from Deal's Gap-over the Foothills Parkway-through Townsend-and through the Cove. Stop and get some boiled peanuts and sit in the cove and eat them while watching the deer frolic. Then rip down the dirt. Watch those hill crests. You might meet a bonehead going the wrong way. At the top (Gregory Bald trailhead) I saw the biggest bear I've ever seen many years ago. You'll see all kinds of wildlife on that road. Enjoy! I'd still check ahead before going. I know a guy that went all the way to the gate and it was closed. He drug his bike under and rode anyway. A few miles in he came up on the rangers doing road work. They stopped him and were getting ready to stand on his neck when he cranked it and took off. He's not the smartest cookie but he did get away that time. I'm sure the rangers won't forget that one. Never go under a federal gate!

Troutrider

kennyanc · 04-10-2006, 04:32 AM

I haven't been over there lately but from everything I have read, it is still closed. Here in an update on April 6th from the National Park Service.

It says: " Parsons Branch Road - This road was severely damaged by a flood. The park plans to repair the road, but no date for reopening it has been established yet."

Other articles I have read said they plan to reopen it for the 2007 or 2008 season.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see. I believe it is open to hikers though just not motor traffic.

Kenny

DirtDOG · 04-10-2006, 08:53 AM

It's a fine road. I was there just before the big flood.

Smokies Hiker · 10-09-2007, 06:00 AM

Parsons Branch Road in Cades Cove reopened after being closed for almost 4 years!

What a great ride! I was number 3 in line – so slow pokes in front of me crawled for more than 10 miles so I couldn’t haul butt and get there sooner.

The surface is better than any other unimproved road in the park and the reinforced the sides of the road to prevent further washouts. The national park service in the Smoky Mountains National Park also added in more concrete aprons in possible water crossings areas of the road. Huge trees and beautiful valleys along the way and you dump our right on 129. What could be better?

The only thing that worries me is the fine powder coming off Parson Branch Road getting on the tail of the dragon. The "kill" guy who takes pictures of the bikes that ride the tail of the dragon claims here is going to be sweeping the road to keep the dust down.

Anyone see Zee lately because she used to park right there!

You can read about the opening and see pictures of the Parsons Branch Road reopening and improvements here.

Ride on!

06-24-2004, 04:43 AM	#1
GaelicDog ^OP Lesser of Two Weasels Joined: Jun 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Oddometer: 7,322	Parsons Branch Road Does anyone know if Parsons Branch Road that runs between Cades Cove and THE DRAGON open yet? Saw on www.tailofthedragon.com where it closed some time back because of flood damage. And is it closed to car/truck traffic? Can a dual sport still get through?? Thanks __________________ Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.

06-24-2004, 12:35 PM	#2
Troutrider Vicarious Adventurer Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Tennersee Oddometer: 1,101	Parson's Branch is supposed to be closed until next year. They never get in a hurry to fix that road when it washes. About 15 yrs. ago I was in there trout fishing on Panther Creek and a storm came up. By the time we got to the truck and started out the water was over the tires on the last few crossings. It gets damaged pretty regular. A few years ago a friend of mine went in there on his DRZ400. The gate was closed so he went under it. They were actually working on it that day. I can't even imagine the punishment that his actions would have brought. Probably death by hanging. Anyway the first guy told him to wait because someone else wanted to see him. He sat there for a minute then realized what he was in for. As soon as they stepped away he cranked up and took off. He said it was the fastest he'd ever ridden on gravel. He managed to get to 129 before they called out the National Guard and got away clean. You can bet that those guys haven't forgotten it either. I can't imagine what he was thinking when he drug his bike under the gate. Knucklehead. Anyway I'd recommend waiting 'til the road opens before hitting it. It gets a lot of traffic in June and July as everyone hikes to Gregory Bald to look at the Azaleas and Laurel blooming. There are some huge bears in that area too. Troutrider __________________ "Ride like you want to get up and do it again tomorrow" "Piss drunk cods, F-em!".......Payle Ryder

06-25-2004, 03:25 AM	#3
GaelicDog ^OP Lesser of Two Weasels Joined: Jun 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Oddometer: 7,322	I was afraid it was still closed, had read some stuff about it and it seemed like a fun ride!!!! Cannot see me dragging the 1150 under a gate!!! __________________ Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.

06-25-2004, 05:06 AM	#4
Troutrider Vicarious Adventurer Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Tennersee Oddometer: 1,101	Yes, indeed it is a fun road. The deepest you can get into the Nat. Park and still roll down a window. Problem is a lot of guys don't want to take the long trip from Deal's Gap to get there. They simply turn in off 129 and go in the back way. It's a one way road. I almost got taken out by a Ural w/ sidehack several years ago while topping a hill. The rangers go through there quite often when it's open. I'd hate to have to explain to him why I was going the wrong way. My guess is that they'll close it for good one day. All good things must end. That'll probably be about the same time they put speed humps all the way through Deal's Gap to stop people from killing themselves. Troutrider __________________ "Ride like you want to get up and do it again tomorrow" "Piss drunk cods, F-em!".......Payle Ryder

06-25-2004, 06:49 AM	#5
GaelicDog ^OP Lesser of Two Weasels Joined: Jun 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Oddometer: 7,322	Hey trout, sent you a PM __________________ Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.

04-09-2006, 04:53 PM	#6
JTT Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2005 Location: Halifax, NS Oddometer: 1,376	Is there any update on the condition of the Parsons Branch road? I'm coming up through Deals Gap on the 23rd of April 2006 and heard about this trail and would REALLY like to take this and get off the asphalt for a while. Also I'd be heading North...is this truely one way traffic? ...and if so, which way

04-09-2006, 04:59 PM	#7
Troutrider Vicarious Adventurer Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Tennersee Oddometer: 1,101	Bye Bye Parson's...... Last I heard it would probably never reopen. Unless things have changed, it is closed to anything but foot travel for good. You can google the Smokey Mtns. Nat. Park and do a search to make sure. Sorry many of you never got to ride it. We used to drive in that way and fish Panther Creek back in the early 80's. Such is life. Troutrider __________________ "Ride like you want to get up and do it again tomorrow" "Piss drunk cods, F-em!".......Payle Ryder

04-09-2006, 05:05 PM	#8
andy29847 Dirt Road Rider Joined: Dec 2003 Location: South Carolina Oddometer: 1,726	Parson's Branch Rodd There are hundreds of miles of gravel/dirt road in the Deal's Gap/Cherohala Skyway area. The tailofthedragon web site has maps for most of them. The road by Stewart's Cabin (FS 41?) is a great ride for GS type bikes. Heck, I know a guy that went to Stewart's Cabin on a FJR1300 (but not very fast ). __________________ Andy Simons ABC#8350 IBA#7647, Trenton, SC Smugmug coupon code = bQItjZEfrqLkI MOAB Ride Report

04-09-2006, 05:10 PM	#9
CMWoody Banned Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Hooterville, NC Oddometer: 5,248	Maybe they abandon the road and end up leaving the gate shut but that could be a blessing in disquise. One sneak and you have the road all to your self...at least till nature takes it. I enjoyed having sections of BRP all to myself back when they were doing repairs.

04-10-2006, 02:57 AM	#12
Troutrider Vicarious Adventurer Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Tennersee Oddometer: 1,101	Very cool! They get disgusted every time the creek crossings wash out and say they will never reopen it. I guess the public rules again....this time. It's a great loop from Deal's Gap-over the Foothills Parkway-through Townsend-and through the Cove. Stop and get some boiled peanuts and sit in the cove and eat them while watching the deer frolic. Then rip down the dirt. Watch those hill crests. You might meet a bonehead going the wrong way. At the top (Gregory Bald trailhead) I saw the biggest bear I've ever seen many years ago. You'll see all kinds of wildlife on that road. Enjoy! I'd still check ahead before going. I know a guy that went all the way to the gate and it was closed. He drug his bike under and rode anyway. A few miles in he came up on the rangers doing road work. They stopped him and were getting ready to stand on his neck when he cranked it and took off. He's not the smartest cookie but he did get away that time. I'm sure the rangers won't forget that one. Never go under a federal gate! Troutrider __________________ "Ride like you want to get up and do it again tomorrow" "Piss drunk cods, F-em!".......Payle Ryder

04-10-2006, 04:32 AM	#13
kennyanc Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2005 Location: Asheville, NC Oddometer: 1,738	I haven't been over there lately but from everything I have read, it is still closed. Here in an update on April 6th from the National Park Service. It says: " Parsons Branch Road - This road was severely damaged by a flood. The park plans to repair the road, but no date for reopening it has been established yet." Other articles I have read said they plan to reopen it for the 2007 or 2008 season. Guess we'll just have to wait and see. I believe it is open to hikers though just not motor traffic. Kenny __________________ Kenny's SPOT Just cuz I talk slow doesn't mean I'm stupid.

04-10-2006, 08:53 AM	#14
DirtDOG Same Dog, New Tricks Joined: Jan 2003 Location: The Globe -- NC Oddometer: 17,753	It's a fine road. I was there just before the big flood.

10-09-2007, 06:00 AM	#15
Smokies Hiker Ride the Smokies! Joined: Oct 2007 Oddometer: 1	Great News! Parsons Branch Road in Cades Cove reopened after being closed for almost 4 years! What a great ride! I was number 3 in line – so slow pokes in front of me crawled for more than 10 miles so I couldn’t haul butt and get there sooner. The surface is better than any other unimproved road in the park and the reinforced the sides of the road to prevent further washouts. The national park service in the Smoky Mountains National Park also added in more concrete aprons in possible water crossings areas of the road. Huge trees and beautiful valleys along the way and you dump our right on 129. What could be better? The only thing that worries me is the fine powder coming off Parson Branch Road getting on the tail of the dragon. The "kill" guy who takes pictures of the bikes that ride the tail of the dragon claims here is going to be sweeping the road to keep the dust down. Anyone see Zee lately because she used to park right there! You can read about the opening and see pictures of the Parsons Branch Road reopening and improvements here. Ride on! __________________ Been riding iron horses since '72

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