Trail Run Project Logo

Run along an old service road that provides views of Cades Cove, Townsend, and Dry Valley.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

3.8

Miles

6.0

KM

85%

Runnable

3,652' 1,113 m

High

2,529' 771 m

Low

1,152' 351 m

Up

352' 107 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Rich Mountain Road is closed in the winter.

Closed when the Laurel Creek Road is closed from the Townsend Y to Cades Cove. For park road conditions, information can be found at twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps or by calling (865) 436-1200 and dialing extension 2, 2.

Description

The trailhead is located on the Rich Mountain Road, 2.2 miles from the Cades Cove Loop Road. It's closed in the winter, so this is a Spring- Fall trail for most people. The trail is accessible via the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail or the Rich Mountain Loop Trail from Cades Cove in the winter, so it can be a winter outing if you want to continue a little farther.

The trail begins climbing up the flank of the mountain as it leaves Rich Mountain Road. The trail is wide in this portion because it was used by the power company to service power lines going into Cades Cove. At mile .6, the trail goes through Indian Grave Gap and you pass an old road that may have been the old Rich Mountain Road that the settlers used.

From there, the trail climbs more steeply (1000 feet in a mile) as the pine forest transforms into a hardwood forest with oaks, maples, silverbells, and other trees. Near the top of Tater Ridge at mile 1.1, the trail intersects with the Rich Mountain Loop Trail. There's a great view of Cades Cove near here, so take the extra time to appreciate the scenery.

The trail turns left and continues to climb through an area known for its wildflowers toward the Rich Mountain Trail at mile 1.9. Campsite #5 is located about 100 yards down the trail on the left. The trail goes straight for another .3 miles before arriving at Cerulean Knob, where a small spur trail leads to the highest point on Rich Mountain. In the small opening, cement blocks that were once the foundation of the old Rich Mountain Fire Tower remain. The main trail continues east rolling up and down for another 1.5 miles with wildflowers lining the trail. Views of Dry Valley and Townsend, both of which lie outside the park, are offered on the left hand side while obstructed views of Cades Cove are off on the right. The trail follows the park boundary at this point until it reaches mile 3.0, where the trail drops deeper into the park. At mile 3.7, the trail arrives at a three trail junction.

The Crooked Arm Ridge Trail continues straight before it descends into Cades Cove. You can take this trail to meet up with the Rich Mountain Loop Trail to make your way back to your car. To the left is Scott Mountain Trail, which continues to skirt the park boundary all the way to Schoolhouse Gap.

Flora & Fauna

Flame azaleas, mushrooms, galax, rhododendron, and other wildflowers can be found throughout the trail.

Deer, bear, and other mammals have been seen throughout the area. Wild hog traps can be seen along the trail, which speaks to the presence of the invasive species in the area.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.2 from 6 votes

#14

in Cades Cove

#26673

Overall
  3.2 from 6 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
33%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#14

in Cades Cove

#536

in North Carolina

#26,673

Overall
13 Views Last Month
2,872 Since Sep 4, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

25%
0%
50%
25%
0%
0%

Photos

Obstructed views of Cades Cove and the Smokies from the trail.
Feb 19, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
Blooming flowers in the spring along the Indian Grave Gap Trail..
Feb 19, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
The trail narrows as it climbs up the hill.
Feb 19, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
A look back down the trail from the Rich Mountain Loop Trail junction.
Feb 19, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
Wild hog trap sitting alongside the trail.
Feb 19, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
Trail junction.
Feb 19, 2016 near Wildwood, TN

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.