Parson Branch Road
Cades Cove, GSMNP
20mi 3,400ft elevation gain- 3hr4min
This run has been on my list for a very long time, but always gets put on the back-burner somehow. The road is due to open to vehicle traffic March 11th, so I figured I better get on it unless I wanted to share.
Parson Branch Road: Connecting Cades Cove and Hwy 129
The elevation profile... or a Rorschach test
Parson Branch Road was first built in 1830 as a turnpike to connect area residents with North Carolina markets. Now the road is a place for fools like me to run (or drive,hike, or bike) on. You can still see reminders of past residents along the route.
As roads go in the smokies, Parsons is about as far out there as you can get. And the park isn't afraid to tell you so.
Sounds good at first
From a runner's perspective, Parsons has some great things (scenery, good footing), but also some not great things depending on who you are (1,700ft of elevation gain each way, ~15 creek crossings). The creek crossings are probably a non-issue in drier weather, but today there were a couple foot soakers. Maybe if you are more nimble and patient than me you can find a good place to cross.
One of Many...
As an out and back, the real trouble is when you have the creek crossings and unrelenting hills at the same time.
Seemingly endless hills...
After hitting highway 129 in a little under an hour and a half, I began the return trip without much encouragement from the road signage.
They really, really, really, don't want ya going the wrong way
Outside of the hills and creek crossings, the return trip was pleasantly uneventful. Other than some turkeys, squirrels, and crows I had the place all to myself.
The home stretch
I'm happy to have finally knocked this piece of road off my list. Today also gave me the opportunity to do a little recon for future trips...
That elevation profile looks like a pair of tah-tahs fo sure.
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