Brown Mountain: a steep unpaved road to the top
Usa, north-america
4.31 km
2,133 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, Texas road trip fans, listen up! Brown Mountain: ever heard of it? It's a seriously high point in Jeff Davis County, clocking in at almost 7,000 feet! Think panoramic views.
Getting there? That's part of the adventure. This ain't no Sunday drive on smooth asphalt. The road to the top is all dirt, so a 4x4 is a must. Trust me, you'll want the extra grip.
The climb starts from TX-166, and it's about 2.6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you – you're gaining over 1,100 feet in elevation, so it's a steady climb averaging around an 8% grade. Not crazy steep, but enough to make you appreciate that low gear! Once you're at the summit, you'll find a communication antenna, and views that stretch forever. Just you, the big Texas sky, and a serious sense of accomplishment.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.31 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,133 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHighest paved roads in the USA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Beartooth Highway (US 212) right at the Wyoming state line. This isn't just any drive; it's an experience! You're tackling serious elevation, so expect some thinner air. The road winds and climbs, but the views? Absolutely epic! Think wide-open skies and a real sense of being on top of the world. Keep an eye on the weather, though – mountain conditions can change in a heartbeat.
moderateWhere is Lakeview Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a quirky road trip on the Road to Nowhere, near Bryson City, North Carolina! Tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this isn't just a drive; it's a journey into history and maybe a little bit of the paranormal! Where does this road actually go? Lakeview Drive winds along Fontana Lake's northern edge inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, close to the Tennessee border. Both sections offer access to hiking trails and stunning views of the mountains and lake. How long is it? The Road to Nowhere clocks in at 6.5 miles, broken into two parts. The first bit is a short 0.7 miles near Fontana Dam. The second, longer stretch runs 5.8 miles until... well, you'll see. Is it paved? Yep, it's fully paved, making it fine for cars and a challenging workout for cyclists. But heads up, it's curvy, so pay attention behind the wheel! What's the story? Back in the '40s, residents had to move to make way for Fontana Lake. The government promised a road, Lakeview Drive, to reconnect folks and access cemeteries. They started building in the '60s, but stopped in '71 because of environmental issues, unstable rock, and cost. Now, there's a six-mile stretch ending at a tunnel! Why "Road to Nowhere?" That name comes from its unfinished state. The eastern section dead-ends at a 1,200-foot tunnel. It's a remote, isolated place with a bit of a spooky vibe. What's so scenic? Lakeview Drive boasts several viewpoints, like the Fontana Lake Overlook, plus access to the Noland Creek Trails. Get ready for creekside views, mountain vistas, and a whole lot of peace and quiet. Perfect for photos! What trails can I hike? The road gives you access to: Noland Creek Trail North and South: Hike along the creek for forest and water views. The South Trail is a one-mile loop to Fontana Lake. Goldmine Loop Trail: A loop connecting to Lakeshore Trail. Forney Creek Trail: Follows where the road was supposed to go, linking both segments and offering campsites. So, what's at the end? The eastern segment ends at a long tunnel, only accessible on foot. Bring a flashlight – it's dark in there! The other side leads to more hiking trails. Why does everyone think it's haunted? The Road to Nowhere is known for paranormal activity. The tunnel is super eerie at night—cold wind, echoing voices, and total darkness. Its isolation, the tunnel, and the backstory make it a hotspot for ghost hunters! Why is it important? It's a reminder of the past: communities displaced, environmental concerns, and broken promises. In 2010, Swain County got $52 million instead of the road, officially ending the 1943 agreement. Can I drive or bike it? The paved road is good for cars and a challenging bike ride. Cyclists love the curves and views, especially in the fall. You can also fish for trout along Noland Creek or just relax at an overlook. Anything else I should know? Prepare for a remote, winding drive. Drive carefully due to curves and drop-offs. Bring flashlights for the tunnel, and note that some trails are strenuous. Weather changes fast in the mountains, so check the forecast!
moderateWhere is Colorado State Highway 103?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Colorado? Let me tell you about State Highway 103, aka Mestaa’Ėhehe Road. This beauty is nestled in Clear Creek County, deep within the Arapaho National Forest, practically on Denver's doorstep. This paved road clocks in at just over 22 miles of pure driving joy, linking the cool little town of Idaho Springs to Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass. The road was established way back in 1923, and fully paved by 1956. Fair warning: you're going high! We're talking a maximum altitude of 11,177 feet! The road is generally open year-round, but Mother Nature sometimes has other plans. Expect possible short-term closures during gnarly winter storms. It climbs up to (formerly Squaw Pass) at 9,790 feet, and then up to at 11,049 feet! Get ready for some seriously stunning views along the way!
hardWhere is Archer Avenue?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, ghost hunters and thrill-seekers, buckle up for a ride down Archer Avenue, possibly the most haunted stretch in the Chicago area! This paved road cuts east of Lemont, Illinois, snaking through Cook County's forests and past eerie lakes. But the real draw? The cemeteries on either end are practically paranormal hotspots! The most haunted section lies between Resurrection Cemetery and St. James-Sag Church. Keep an eye out for ghostly monks near St. James-Sag, the spooky "Gray Baby" at Sacred Heart Cemetery, and phantom horse riders around 95th & Kean. But the star of the show is undoubtedly Resurrection Mary, the famous hitchhiking ghost. Legend says she's a young woman in a white dress, a victim of a car crash after a dance at the old O'Henry Ballroom. She's said to appear on the roadside, thumbing for a ride, only to vanish without a trace! Beyond Mary, expect phantom vehicles and all sorts of strange happenings on this truly chilling route.