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

Owen sayle

Aug 22, 2026

2017 GMC Seirra 1500

Open

Normal

Went back in late may was a literally a compacted gravel road with some water crossings. Any car with 3+ inches of clearance can do it if it’s not raining and the driver is somewhat competent.

Jeff Strader

Aug 21, 2026

Open

Crowded but nice drive through.

peter s

Aug 20, 2026

2023 Jeep Gladiator

Open

Normal

Very nice ride through the woods. Nice climbs and descents. Easy trail.

chad Williams

Aug 20, 2026

2019 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Muddy/Wet

This was a nice trail has a few water crossings fairly shallow. Some nice climbs and a few little twists

Don Britton

Aug 18, 2026

2023 Ford Bronco

Open

Normal

15 concrete water crossing 2-3". Stock outer banks 2-door Bronco - nothing difficult, no concerns for wife’s daily driver.

Thien Nguyen

Aug 15, 2026

2026 Ram 2500

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Easy and fun trail. A lot of cross river

Kenny Gilbraith

Aug 11, 2026

2019 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Dylan Maybee

Aug 09, 2026

Temporarily Closed

Closed GatePosted Sign

Gate is chained closed

Jolly Giant

Jul 25, 2026

2022 Toyota 4Runner

Temporarily Closed

Closed GatePosted Sign

Closed due to high water.

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.