Buzzard Roost Road

Total Miles11.3
Technical Rating
2Easy
Best TimeSpring, Summer, Fall
Trail TypeFull-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

While less exciting in terrain than the closely named Old Buzzard Roost Road, this route has some fantastic views and other exciting features. The road is mostly gravel, with a few sections holding water or small washouts. You can travel the Southern terminus up towards the ridgeline and trace along the cliff line. The namesake Buzzard Roost Overlook is marked by some unfortunate graffiti on a tree, so it's easy to miss. However, if you carefully venture out to the edge of the cliff, you'll be rewarded with expansive views of the valley below, the Pigeon River, and even I40. Continuing to the Northeast, you'll quickly descend toward the Pigeon River. Along the way, you'll pass several campsites. Just before you return to I40, the concrete bridge passes over the Pigeon River. Take caution after heavy rains;this bridge can be submerged. Cell service is available at higher elevations, but only count on it for part of the route.

Photos of Buzzard Roost Road

Difficulty

The route is mostly gravel but a few sections are rougher and washouts are possible, especially after heavy rains. It's wide enough for two vehicles in all but a few spots.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

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Gary T
Jun 25, 2026
2024 Ford Bronco
Temporarily Closed
Still working on I-40 restoration. No gate, just official sign a mile into trail
d watts
May 22, 2026
2006 Honda Crv
Open
Muddy/Wet
Road is not closed. You need to learn to read the signs. Folks. Road is only closed if the gates are shut and locked. Certain roads are closed around here until 27. But not all of them are this way. If these gates are open you can still drive here. Just stay out of the designated land. Abortions that are off limits. There are several roads like this around here that have the do not intersign but you have to read the sign. Travel is permitted when the gates are not locked.
Cole Gentry
May 16, 2026
2021 Toyota Tacoma
Temporarily Closed
Posted SignWeather EventTrail Restoration
Pat
Apr 19, 2026
Temporarily Closed
Posted Sign
Trail is open between Old Buzzard Roost (289) and Old Cataloochie Turnpike. Well maintained FS road for any vehicle.
Mike Compton
Apr 02, 2026
2023 Toyota 4Runner
Open
From the bottom of Old Buzzard Roost, I turned east to go towards I40 - that section the gates are open and the road is very well maintained smooth gravel. Not sure about the other direction. The lookout part is insanely impressive and scary.
Jon Williams
Mar 06, 2026
2002 Land Rover Discovery
Temporarily Closed
Posted Sign
Closed until OCTOBER 2027 per sign. On X wouldn’t let me choose that date.
Michael J
Feb 14, 2026
2005 Lexus GX
Temporarily Closed
Lone Oak Overland
Jan 02, 2026
2025 Jeep Gladiator
Open
Normal
Easy road and some good views.
Ashley Friederich
Nov 08, 2025
Temporarily Closed
Eric Toth
Aug 30, 2025
2001 Chevrolet S-10
Temporarily Closed
Buzzard Roost is closed north of where Old Buzzard Roost connects. You can travel south on Buzzard Roost.
Gypsy Danger
Apr 20, 2025
Temporarily Closed
Trail closed. Impassable due to hurricane.
Rob Lilley
Aug 12, 2024
2023 Toyota 4Runner
Open
Thomas Schmitzer
Jun 16, 2024
Open
Normal
Largely a maintained gravel road with few obstacles and other drivers. Elevation changes are nice, forest is beautiful. You’ll see three or so waterfalls. Takes a good amount of time to traverse if you’re enjoying the ride.
Gautam Shirsekar
Jun 16, 2024
2019 Toyota 4Runner
Open
Dusty
Chuck Watson
Jun 08, 2024
2016 Jeep Wrangler
Open
NormalDusty
Trail is normal condition, no problems. This report is to advise the actual cliff area is off limits until August for the protection of the peregrine falcon nesting areas. Approach at your own discretion, federal fines are probably not cheap!!!!

Buzzard Roost Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Buzzard Roost Road Map

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