Rich Mtn Rd. is out of Cades Cove. One way gravel back to Townsend. Nice road to crawl in the early spring. The ravines will yield the early spring growth and attract bears eager to eat. Most people take that road too fast and miss the wildlife sightings.
Little River KOA in Townsend likely still has sites. You might even be able to get in the NP at Elkmont which is fairly close to Townsend. Also, check with Bronco Nation. In years past, they have had designated camp sites for members.
That is a very cool scoop/hood. Details?Same! My favorite Bronco event of the year (so far).
Hope to meet a few forum folks out there.
If you see my ride and I’m not there, please leave a message after the beep and I’ll return your call when I get back (I’ll probably be either walking the field or under the NC Bronco Club tent).
And Jim’s right.
It rains at some point (and sometimes the whole time) every year we’ve been.
is that a wrap on your hood and along the sides? love the look of your hood is the RAM functional?Same! My favorite Bronco event of the year (so far).
Hope to meet a few forum folks out there.
If you see my ride and I’m not there, please leave a message after the beep and I’ll return your call when I get back (I’ll probably be either walking the field or under the NC Bronco Club tent).
And Jim’s right.
It rains at some point (and sometimes the whole time) every year we’ve been.
I was wondering about those drives when I saw the roads won't be open till May. I thought maybe the planners knew something I didn't but maybe not.
The message went to Tom, they are in talks with SMNP and NPS but are now also working some back up plans for drives.
Yes, I reviewed my video, Round Bottom is also referred to as Balsam Mountain Road I think. We've never camped in the area, always rented a "cabin" in Weirs Valley. But now that we have a little off grid trailer, have been staying mainly in USFS campgrounds or dispersed. Doing the Chattahoochee and the Nantahala NF's in late August, early September, with a day trip to SMNP. Love that part of the US. Helen really did a number.Rich Mtn Rd. is out of Cades Cove. One way gravel back to Townsend. Nice road to crawl in the early spring. The ravines will yield the early spring growth and attract bears eager to eat. Most people take that road too fast and miss the wildlife sightings.
As for Heintooga Round Bottom Rd, that is accessible via the Blue Ridge Pkwy off Balsam Mtn Ridge Rd. It has been closed since 2023 due to damage from Helene. The photo below was the week before Helene.
Yes, on GPS it is Balsam Mtn Rd. The lower part where the bridge photo was taken is the Heintooga. The NPS sign at the top of Balsam Mountain Ridge Rd (cul-de-sac entrance), the carved wooden sign just says Heintooga Round Bottom Rd.
It’s a Cervini hood.
Will stay in Townsend, plan on trying to get in on some good trail rides, and find any deals 
