Be warned - the road is unpaved. We got to the start of the road but did not attempt it with a car full of small children. It looked like it would be good fun with a 4x4 or SUV. The roads leading up to it (like the Blue Ridge Parkway) were very scenic and uncrowded even on a 4th of July weekend.
This is a smaller campground with a couple short hiking trails but it's nice because there aren't a lot of people here and the elevation makes it nicer in the warmer months since its cooler the higher you go. Mid July it was in the mid 60's at night and in the morning which made tent camping very comfortable. This facility, like most in the National Park does not have water or electricity at the camp sites but they have 2 restroom areas that have toilets and running water for cooking, brushing your teeth etc.. we brought a propane stove and a shower bag so we were prepared.. $14 gets you a nights stay and it's well worth it. The hiking trail is about a mile long round trip.
We drove the Blue Ridge parkway when we left the Smoky Mountain national park. The misty cloud in the mountain along the parkway is very pretty. One has to see it to enjoy it. Wish to come back during fall.
We took it in the fall and the colors were great. Even though it was peak tourist season, we only saw one other vehicle the whole time. The views were nice with some streams and overlooks. It is a one way gravel road that takes several hours to complete but if you want to get a way from the masses and see some nature, it is worth it.
We rented 2 jeep wranglers and took them up in the mountains! Our boys loved it but I think I loved it more! There was no one on the road and we could stop anywhere and just stand up in the jeep with the top down and take it all in! Will ride this road again. it is a dirt road and it is about 28 miles. Just make sure you have time to get out before dark. They close the gates at dark.
Great place to hike. Lots of waterfalls to hike to. Warm enough in summer to enjoy a refreshing swim when you get there. One of my favorite trips.
We first did this road in 2012. Unfortunately it was closed in 2013 but we got to enjoy it again this year.We do not have a 4x4 but had no problem in our Escape. I would not try it in a small, low to the ground car. It's great fun and we saw LOTS of wildlife. More wild turkeys than we can count. One preened across the road showing his display for us. One was a mother hen with 4 baby chicks. We even saw a black bear cub running across the road in front of us. We never saw mom! The views along the first part of the drive are great but the end is my favorite part and it follows a gorgeous babbling river down hill all the way to Cherokee. The flowering creek banks, coolness of the woods, wildlife, adventuresome driving = something for everyone to enjoy.
We did enjoy the drive up US 441 but were unable to visit the park itself. I was impressed to see several rangers still working, thanks;not so much thanks to those in congress.
This is a beautiful drive, starting with the Blue Ridge Parkway. We saw four elk standing beside the road on the drive. The views as we drove up the mountain were breathtaking. Once you reach Balsam Mountain Road, be warned. It is an unpaved gravel road, that winds around the ridge line and up and down the mountain. I had no trouble in my Subaru Outback, but I don't advise a sedan or anything that sits low to the road as it is rutted and rocky in spots. Do NOT start this drive with less than four hours of daylight left! It is extremely remote and you don't want to drive this road in the dark because it is narrow, has switchback after switchback and very steep drop offs. I was driving and was glad my brother-in-law was with us; it would have gotten unnerving had it just been my sisters and I. Once you get to the bottom of the mountain the road follows a beautiful creek with several small waterfalls. Worth the trip if you love the forest, peace and quiet.
Beautiful views abound in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. There is a reason this is the most visited national park in the country, yes even more visitors than Yellowstone because of its location. There are many trails from beginner to advanced along this road. If you enjoy being deep in the woods, I highly recommend this.