
The scenic yet remote Kimsey Mountain Highway in Tennessee
Usa, north-america
26.71 km
936 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a real off-the-grid experience, you HAVE to check out Kimsey Mountain Highway in Polk County, Tennessee. Tucked away in the Cherokee National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
We're talking a 16.6-mile, unpaved, single-track Jeep road (aka Forest Service Road 68) that winds through some seriously stunning wilderness. Think slow and steady wins the race, because this baby offers a unique, intimate view of the forest. Since you are riding along the top of the ridge, the views are amazing!
Picture this: a road built almost a century ago, untouched by modern paving, still rocking its original, rugged charm. But fair warning: at a peak elevation of 3,070 feet in the Southern Appalachians, you might find the path blocked by fallen trees (chainsaw, anyone?) and the occasional washout.
Starting from either TN-30 or TN-68 (your choice, east or west!), this trek is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is pure, unfiltered Appalachian beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
The scenic yet remote Kimsey Mountain Highway in Tennessee is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.9086, -97.0298
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 26.71 km
- Max Elevation
- 936 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.9086, -97.0298
Related Roads in north-america
extremeTrout Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're itching for a serious off-road challenge in Colorado, Trout Mountain is calling your name. We're talking a lung-busting 11,781 feet above sea level in Mineral County. This isn't your Sunday drive. The road to the top is a gravel track, strictly 4x4 territory. And seriously, check the weather before you go – this area can get hit hard with snow, avalanches, and landslides. You might find ice patches, too, so be prepared. Expect a rocky and muddy ride – it's all part of the fun (if you're into that sort of thing!). The payoff? Epic views and a serious sense of accomplishment!
extremeA winding narrow road through Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for an adventure! We're heading to Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina, smack-dab in the rugged heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive – the early settlers carved this road by hand way back in the 1800s, calling it the Cataloochee Turnpike, and it's still the main way in! Starting from Jonathan Creek Road, it's a 13.1-mile (21.08km) journey along State Road 1395 (Cove Creek Road), snaking onto the Old Cataloochee Turnpike and finally, the Cataloochee Entrance Road. Now, let's be real, this road is a bit of a beast. It's a steep, narrow, and seriously curvy mountain drive. There are some pretty significant drop-offs with zero guardrails, so take it slow and easy! You might even have to pull over to let other cars pass on those tight sections. Keep an eye out for horse trailers, too! Those single-lane blind curves? Approach with extreme caution. But here's the thing: the views are absolutely worth it. This isolated valley is stunning! The road is mostly paved, but there's a 3-mile unpaved section leading up and over Cove Creek Gap, just to keep things interesting. One last tip: check the weather before you go. Things can get dicey up here, especially with snow. The road often closes when there's even a dusting on the surrounding peaks. So, plan accordingly and get ready for a memorable, if slightly hair-raising, ride!
easyWhere is Big Mountain Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Big Mountain Pass in Utah. This beauty sits high in the Wasatch Mountains, a whopping 7,437 feet above sea level, right on the border between Morgan and Salt Lake counties, just north of Salt Lake City. Fun fact: this pass is part of the OG route the Mormon pioneers used back in '47 on their way to the Salt Lake Valley. These days, it's a fully paved road, called Utah State Route 65 – built back in '31! The whole stretch is about 27 miles long, winding from the Lincoln Highway (I-80) near the Mountain Dell Dam all the way to Henefer, up in Summit County, near I-84. Heads up, though: this road is usually closed during the winter months due to all that lovely snow. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The summit has a parking area, a couple of communication towers, and views for days. The drive itself is super scenic, and near the top, you’ll find some spots to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you’ll want your camera ready!
hardDarley Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Darley Mountain in Colorado's Ouray County is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking serious elevation – almost 13,113 feet high! Nestled in the stunning San Juan mountains, the old mining road to get you there is a zig-zagging beast of rocks and gravel, and currently closed to motorized vehicles.. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance if that ever changes, and even then, your window of opportunity is super narrow – think late August if you're lucky. Keep an eye out for remnants of the area's mining past as you climb. Be prepared for some serious wind – it's pretty much a constant up there, so hold onto your hats (and your doors!). Even in summer, snow's not out of the question. The reward? Unbelievable panoramic views of the entire San Juan Range. Seriously, the payoff is worth the effort.