Trail Overview

Parson Branch is a full gravel, one-way, scenic route that leads through the Smoky Mountains. The road is maintained, however, you may find the occasional tree down after heavy storms. This is usually not a problem. There are also many shallow water crossings, all less than 1ft deep. 4WD is not needed at all for the route and is friendly for stock-height vehicles.

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Difficulty

One vehicle wide with occasional pull-offs. One-way route. Many shallow water crossings, all less than 1ft deep. Possibility of trees on the road after heavy storms. If not for those mentioned, I would give this trail a 1 for its rating.

History

The route was completed in 1838. It connects Cades Cove to Tail of the Dragon.

Technical Rating

Brian Campbell

Jun 20, 2026

Open

This was my first trail for my first Jeep. Had a good time. Need to take the road through Cades Cove to get to there. Cades Cove was busy with traffic but once we got onto the trail is was mostly just us. Caught up to a few other drives about half way through. Enjoyed the Tail of The Dragon afterwards. An excellent beginning for our Jeep adventures. Looking forward to many more.

Jason Derrough

Jun 14, 2026

Open

Easy trail, nothing crazy, we did see a couple bears.

Brian Ison

Jun 09, 2026

Open

Trail conditions were good. Should have aired down for comfort. Seeing a Black bear and her cub along the side of the trail was a bonus.

Steven Miller

May 23, 2026

Open

Turkey and bear along the route today.

Nick Thornton

May 17, 2026

Open

Morgan Ball

May 16, 2026

Open

Eric P

May 02, 2026

Open

Road opened May 1 for the season.

Tim Scannell

Apr 30, 2026

Open

Gate is closed. No other information provided.

Eric S

Apr 20, 2026

Open

TRAIL temporary closed for repairs from stoma damage

Michael Small

Apr 14, 2026

Open

Gate up trail closed

Jim Petersen

Apr 12, 2026

Open

John Loftus

Apr 01, 2026

Open

Andy

Nov 12, 2025

Open

Trail is closed for the season by the park

Brittany Mann

Nov 07, 2025

Open

Jon Fouts

Oct 26, 2025

Open

It was a beautiful ride today. The trail was nice. We had a guy behind us in a Ford Mustang convertible. It was funny. We wanted to give him a duck.