Un-Paved roads on Turkey Pen Ridge

[DavidLSI]

Who can provide some insight as to the conditions on Turkey Pen Ridge.



If the weather cooperates I will be riding my V-Strom (DL1000) to Townsend next week (3/27 & 3/28)

I am studying my maps and see dashed lines (= unpaved roads) all over the Turkey Pen Ridge.  I would like to know if this time of year will the conditions be too wet or muddy to ride on?   Or if they will be ok to ride what is the general opinion on if they are too aggressive for my large machine?

Any and all input is appreciated.

Thanks
DavidLSI

[SCED]

I think most of the lines you are seeing are actually hiking trails. There's a couple of dead end roads that are dirt. Parsons Branch road from Cades Cove to Hwy-129 would be a good/scenic ride. Just remember its a one way drive. You are looking forward to this trip LOL. Hope the weather god's are good to you and the group.

[DavidLSI]

I think most of the lines you are seeing are actually hiking trails. There's a couple of dead end roads that are dirt. Parsons Branch road from Cades Cove to Hwy-129 would be a good/scenic ride. Just remember its a one way drive. You are looking forward to this trip LOL. Hope the weather god's are good to you and the group.

Without a doubt I am think aqbout almost nothing else...

I was also pointed to Rich Mountain Road too.

[SCED]

Rich Mountain rd is about 5 miles of rough pavement and 5 miles of loose gravel and not much to see other than a couple of pulloffs where you can see cades cove. Parsons Branch rd has a bunch of easy creek crossings and fairly well used and compacted. Any of the rocky stretches can get greasy at times. If anything up there looks wet assume it's slick too. Even the Blacktop.

[DavidLSI]

Thanks for the warning  

[SCED]

In case you missed it here is a good link to info on area roads.
Click on other roads at the top of the page and there is a table showing a lot of the kind of riding to suit almost anyone. Should keep you busy for a while. Are you gonna need a boat to get out of Illinois?
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

[Yankee Dog]

while  doing your route planning remember that both Rich Mountain and Parson's Branch rd are one way leading OUT of Cades Cove.  the only way into Cades Cove is via the main road.  

Dont forget Parson's Branch dumps out on the Dragon  

Yankee Dog

[DavidLSI]

In case you missed it here is a good link to info on area roads.
Click on other roads at the top of the page and there is a table showing a lot of the kind of riding to suit almost anyone. Should keep you busy for a while. Are you gonna need a boat to get out of Illinois?
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

Illinois is a large state with lots of ways to get out of it.  I am more worried about the snow they tell us over 8" is coming this weekend.

[DavidLSI]

while  doing your route planning remember that both Rich Mountain and Parson's Branch rd are one way leading OUT of Cades Cove.  the only way into Cades Cove is via the main road.  

Dont forget Parson's Branch dumps out on the Dragon  

Yankee Dog

This one does look like the one for me to try....