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.

Photos of Parson Branch Road

Want to see more?
View All Photos

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

Bradley King

Jul 09, 2026

2002 nissan frontier

Open

Muddy/Wet

Gravel road with some steep inclines and ruts from water. Did use 4x4 on the includes but might not be needed. Do recommend a vehicle with good ground clearance like a truck or suv.

Wesley Lombardo

Jun 26, 2026

2019 Nissan Frontier

Open

Normal

Some washouts but not too bad. Cades Cove was surprisingly empty for a Friday afternoon.

Brian Campbell

Jun 20, 2026

2025 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

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

2022 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

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

Brian Ison

Jun 09, 2026

2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon launch

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

2026 Jeep Rubicon X

Open

NormalMuddy/Wet

Turkey and bear along the route today.

Nick Thornton

May 17, 2026

2022 Toyota Tacoma

Open

NormalDusty

Morgan Ball

May 16, 2026

Open

NormalDusty

Eric P

May 02, 2026

Open

Normal

Road opened May 1 for the season.

Tim Scannell

Apr 30, 2026

2026 Ford Tremor

Temporarily Closed

Closed Gate

Gate is closed. No other information provided.

Eric S

Apr 20, 2026

2020 Jeep Wrangler

Temporarily Closed

Trail Restoration

TRAIL temporary closed for repairs from stoma damage

Michael Small

Apr 14, 2026

Temporarily Closed

Gate up trail closed

Jim Petersen

Apr 12, 2026

Temporarily Closed

John Loftus

Apr 01, 2026

Temporarily Closed

Andy

Nov 12, 2025

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Temporarily Closed

Seasonal ClosureClosed Gate

Trail is closed for the season by the park