Rich Mountain Road is a delightful drive through the Smokies
Usa, north-america
11.1 km
808 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! You HAVE to add Rich Mountain Road to your Smoky Mountains bucket list. Tucked away in Blount County, Tennessee, near the North Carolina border, this hidden gem is a one-way, south-to-north dirt road that promises a secluded and seriously scenic escape.
Built way back in the '20s, this 6.9-mile (11.10km) route winds from Cades Cove Loop Road to Old Cades Cove Road and will take about an hour to navigate. Prepare for a slow, bumpy, and utterly charming journey. Think quiet forests, tight uphill turns with loose gravel, and parts that might be a little washed out – adding to the thrill, right?
While most cars can handle it, leave your RVs, long vans (over 25 feet), and trailers at home, trust me. Some turns are tight! Keep an eye on the weather, too; heavy rains can make it impassable. And remember, it's typically closed from November to May for winter.
The road climbs to 2,650 feet (808m), giving you some stunning views and awesome photo ops. This is one of the most remote spots in the Smokies you can reach by car! Plus, you might spot some white-tailed deer along the way. Get ready for a ride you won’t soon forget!
Where is it?
Rich Mountain Road is a delightful drive through the Smokies is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.9273, -95.4950
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 808 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.9273, -95.4950
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Tibbitt Contwoyto winter road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Ever dreamed of driving on water? The Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road in Northern Canada is your chance! This incredible ice road, born in 1982, stretches up to 600 kilometers (372 miles) across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Imagine cruising over frozen lakes – they make up 85% of the route! The rest is on land, hopping between lakes. Starting about 65 km (40 mi) east of Yellowknife, this frozen highway twists and turns, ending (depending on the year) near the Ekati or Jericho Diamond Mines. It's not just a scenic drive; it's a vital supply line for mines, accessible only a few months each year (February to early April). The journey takes about 14-18 hours. Speed is seriously controlled to protect the ice, often down to a crawl of 25 km/h (16 mph), or even 10 km/h (6.2 mph) in some spots! Prepare for extreme conditions: high winds, storms, and limited visibility are common. Despite the challenges, this ice road is surprisingly safe, with constant monitoring and strict rules. So, if you're seeking a truly unique adventure, the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road awaits, offering breathtaking, desolate beauty and a drive you'll never forget.
moderateWhy is it called Geiger Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Geiger Grade Road (Nevada State Route 341) in Washoe County, Nevada, headed up to a cool 6,811 feet above sea level at Geiger Summit. This paved, but super twisty, 13.2-mile stretch climbs from US-395 south of Reno all the way to historic Virginia City. The road’s named after Dr. Davison M. Geiger, the guy who put up the cash to build the original road way back in the 1860s. Back then, it was all about connecting Virginia City's booming silver mines to the Truckee Meadows. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The scenery is stunning – think rugged landscapes dotted with junipers. Plus, there are plenty of spots to pull over, soak it all in, and snap some killer photos. You'll even find Geiger Lookout Wayside Park along the way. It's a great way to experience a slice of Nevada's mining history with a view.
moderateWhere is Last Dollar Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Last Dollar Pass, perched way up in Colorado's San Miguel County at a whopping 10,676 feet! Everyone raves about it being one of the state's best backcountry drives, and I'm here to tell you why. We're talking southwestern Colorado, folks. This isn't your average highway; it's an old mining supply route from the 1800s that's been transformed into a seriously scenic dirt road (aka Last Dollar Road #638). Now, about the road itself: It's unpaved the whole way. In dry weather, most cars can handle it, but after it rains, things get muddy, and 4WD is your friend. Really though, a high-clearance 4x4 is the ideal ride. It's about 22 miles long, winding from CO-62 to CO-145. It’ll take you two or three hours because you'll be going slow and stopping for pictures every five minutes. Think of it as the super-scenic shortcut between Ridgway and Telluride. Heads up: this road is only usually open from June to September when it's dry because winter shuts it down completely. So, plan your trip accordingly and definitely don’t go if the weather looks iffy. Why bother? Oh, the views! Around every corner are those classic Colorado vistas. The Wilson Range, St. Sophia Ridge, Palmyra Peak, and the Sneffels Range all put on a show. Seriously, it might just be the best spot to catch the fall colors, with aspen groves for days. Wildflowers explode in early summer, and keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and even bears roaming around. Oh, and fun fact, John Wayne's "True Grit" filmed its opening and closing scenes here. Talk about a legendary backdrop!
hardI-15 in Nevada, a bigger risk than casinos in Las Vegas
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the I-15 in Nevada, the legendary artery connecting the dazzling lights of Las Vegas to the sunny vibes of Los Angeles! This 123-mile stretch of pure Nevada asphalt is your ticket to Sin City. Stretching entirely through Clark County, you'll cruise from the border town of Primm all the way to Mesquite, where Arizona welcomes you with open arms. Keep an eye on your altitude – you'll peak at around 3,159 feet near Jean. Now, let's keep it real: this road has a reputation. Nicknamed the Las Vegas Freeway (and opened way back in '56), this road has been considered one of the most dangerous in the United States. We’re talking about a history of drivers speeding, drowsy driving, and impaired driving. Over a five-year period, more than 170 people lost their lives on this road. So, stay alert, stay sober, and make smart choices behind the wheel. Your life matters!