Smoky Mountains 1000
- OTG Crew
- May 8
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 21
The Smoky Mountains 1000 offers a scenic journey through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, featuring breathtaking mountain views, winding backroads, and historic towns. This iconic route is rich in wildlife, including black bears, and boasts stunning waterfalls such as Bald River Falls and Whitewater Falls. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or an extended backcountry adventure, the SM1000 provides an unforgettable experience immersed in natural beauty and cultural history.
Route Overview
Trip Length & Season
Adventure Rating: Baja Trip Length: 1,000+ miles, 7-14 days Season: Generally spring through fall. While much of the route is accessible during the winter, higher elevation trails may become impassable due to snow. If you're planning a winter or early spring trip, check conditions before heading out.
Digital Maps & GPX Files
Download Digital Mapping Files
If you need help working with digital mapping and GPX files, please check out our FAQ section.
Technical Ratings & Terrain
Avg Technical Rating: 1-2
Peak Technical Rating: 3
Typical Terrain: The track is approximately 50% dirt / 50% pavement. The dirt consists of mostly mild dirt and gravel roads, while there is some two track and a few short rocky sections, and one moderate section from Helen to Dillard along Charlie's Creek Road. There are some creek crossings along the route, but these are typically crossable by motorcycles except following heavy precipitation.
Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans
Recommended Vehicle: Stock 4x4
Recommended Moto: A big or mid-weight bike is suitable on this track.
Adventure Vans: Sprinters and Transits (4x4/AWD) are good to go with one slight modification for the SM500. We recommend taking the Charlie's Creek Bypass (see alternative routes) to avoid this moderate stretch of trail.
Fuel, Provisions, and Recommended Gear
Fuel: There are probably over 100 fuel stations along the route. Fuel is generally never more than 30 miles away. You'll find the GPX file (for subscribers) contains dozens of gas stations along the route. Provisions: Provisions can be obtained in the same general vicinity as fuel. The route also contains dozens of markets, groceries, and general stories along the way. Gear: no specialized gear is recommended for this adventure.
Alternative Routes
Smoky Mountains 500
Distance: 500 miles (plan 3.5-6 days)
Peak Technical Rating:Â 4
For those looking for a shortened version of the Smoky Mountains 1000, consider the Smoky Mountains 500 that largely traces the same tracks as the SM1000 along the western edge of the route. The SM500 is about 2/3 dirt compared to the SM1000, which is only about half dirt.
Charlie's Creek bypass
Distance: 15 miles
Technical Rating:Â 1
Charlie's Creek Road may give issues to Sprinters, Transits, and AWD vehicles with lower clearance. It's highly recommended that these sort of vehicles and big adventure bikes take the bypass to avoid Charlie's Creek Road (rated 4).
Camping Recommendations
The route is filled with dozens of fantastic dispersed camp sites in the various national forests the route passes through. Just remember, dispersed camping generally isn't permitted outside of the national forest lands. The route also passes by dozens of fantastic campgrounds. Some of our favorite places to camp include:
Citico Creek Area (dispersed camping)
Davis Creek Area near Joyce Kilmer Wilderness
Horse Cove Campground
Tellico Plains dispersed camping (roads 210, 217)
Harmon Den Area
Curtis Creek Campground
Round Mountain Campground
Discovery Points
Segment 1
Charles Hall Museum
Conasauga Falls
Waucheesi Mountain
Tellico River
Bald River Falls
Donley Cabin
Whigg Meadow viewpoint
Swan Cabin
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Valley River
Andrews, NC
Segment 2
Teyahalee Bald
Nantahala River
Nantahala Lake
Wayah Bald Fire Tower
Appalachian Trail
Little Tennessee River
Cowee Bald Lookout Tower
Tuckasegee River
Oconaluftee River
Oconaluftee Island Park
Museum of the Cherokee People
Big Witch Overlook
Soco Falls
Old Cataloochee Bridge
Jarvis Palmer House
Pigeon River
Segment 3
Spring Creek Falls
French Broad River
Rich Mountain Fire Tower
Cane River
North Toe River
Nolichucky River
Unaka Mountain Scenic Drive
Unaka Mountain Overlook
Doe River
Segment 4
Grindstaff Cave
Flat Rock Viewpoint
Wilson Creek Visitor Center
Huntfish Sidekick Falls
Upper Creek Falls
Table Rock Mountain
Lake James
Linville River
Segment 5
Kistler Memorial Highway
Wiseman's View
Linville Gorge
Linville Upper Falls
Linville Caverns (fee)
Buck Creek Trout Farm
Hewat Overlook
South Toe River
Cane River
Swannanoa River
North Fork Mills River
Segment 6
Cradle of Forestry
Courthouse Valley Overlook
Whitewater Falls
West Fork Chattooga River
Tallulah River
Hiwassee River
John B. Derden CCC Museum
Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center
Segment 7
Toccoa River
Chattahoochee Forest National Fish
Black Falls
Cartecay River
Jacks River
Ocoee River
Land Managers & Other Resources
Permits & Papers
Fees
If you plan to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and explore, you will need to obtain a parking tag. Driving through does not require payment.
Route Details
The Smoky Mountains 1000 is an extension of the original route, the Smoky Mountains 500, which was developed by and for adventure motorcycle riders. A favorite among the ADV crowd, both the SM500 and SM1000 have gained popularity with off-roaders and overlanders throughout the Southeast. Once you experience either route, it's easy to see why this network is quickly becoming one of the Southeast’s most iconic overlanding and adventure travel destinations. With stunning mountain scenery, winding backroads and forest trails, and a string of charming towns, the journey leaves a lasting impression.
Both the SM500 and SM1000 can be driven in either direction and picked up from any point along the loop. The SM500 mostly overlaps with the western half of the SM1000, forming a shorter version of the full circuit. The Great Smoky Mountains get their name from the natural bluish haze that often blankets the ridgelines—caused by volatile organic compounds released by the forest. This haze creates an almost dreamlike atmosphere, especially when viewed from one of the hundreds of scenic overlooks along the route. The region is also steeped in Appalachian heritage, with preserved cabins, mills, and cemeteries dating back centuries.
The Smokies are home to a rich array of wildlife, including one of the largest black bear populations in the eastern U.S. When autumn arrives, the forests explode with brilliant hues of orange, red, and yellow, making fall one of the most popular times to run the route. Numerous rivers either begin in or pass through the region. Among the most notable waterways are the French Broad, Nolichucky, Little Tennessee, Toccoa, and Hiwassee Rivers. You’ll also encounter dozens of smaller rivers and creeks—and you'll likely need to ford more than a few of them. Since the route was originally designed for adventure bikes, the water crossings are generally manageable on two wheels (except during or after heavy rains). With so much water coursing through the Smokies and greater Appalachia, it’s no surprise that you’ll pass by hundreds of waterfalls—among the most spectacular are Bald River Falls and Whitewater Falls.
The majority of the Smoky Mountains 1000 consists of winding county roads (mostly paved) and well-graded dirt or gravel roads through the forest. While there are a few rocky sections, they’re relatively rare and short. In dry conditions, much of the route could technically be driven in two-wheel drive, though we recommend four-wheel drive on dirt roads for safety and control. As is typical east of the Rockies, dense deciduous forests often obscure the views—but fortunately, there are hundreds of vista points with sweeping panoramas of the Great Smokies and beyond. Be sure to check out the designated discovery points, many of which offer some of the best viewpoints along the way.
Whether you’ve been overlanding or adventure riding for years, or you’re just getting into the hobby, the Smoky Mountains 1000 offers a rewarding experience for both seasoned travelers and first-timers. With a mix of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and accessible trails, it might just be the most iconic overlanding route in the Appalachians.
The route also passes through one of the most ecologically and geologically diverse regions in the Eastern United States. The southern Appalachian Mountains—home to ancient ridgelines, deep coves, and some of the oldest exposed rock on the continent—serve as a natural corridor for countless species of plants and animals. The region’s cultural tapestry is just as rich, woven with stories from Cherokee homelands, pioneer settlements, and old logging and mining camps. Traveling this route isn’t just about the roads—it’s about immersing yourself in a place where nature and history run deep.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a 10-day backcountry expedition, the Smoky Mountains 1000 is a route worth exploring.
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