Smoky Mountains 1000

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

Technical Ratings & Terrain

Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans

Fuel, Provisions, and Recommended Gear

Alternative Routes

Camping Recommendations

Discovery Points

Land Managers & Other Resources

Permits & Papers

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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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