Smith Mountain (FR 80) in TN -- Camping Rules & Access
Smith Mountain (FR 80) in TN
Road corridorCherokee NF
8.4 mi from McCaysville
Maps 2,812 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.
Stay limit: 14 consecutive days · then move 10 mi · Then stay away at least 7 days
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Road Access
Rough
- All 6.5 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, graded dirt the whole way.
- Estimated climb: 480 ft over 6.5 miles through 9 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 16% and pitches to 28%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~160 ft on the downhill side.
- Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.
Setting
Fairly secluded
- Well separated here, with the nearest through road 1.0 miles off.
- Sassafras Knob stands 509 ft above the map pin, 0.8 miles southwest.
- Cold Spring Gap Branch runs 1.2 mi off.
Climate averages
October normals 45–68°F, 3.8″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.