Too Steep for Airbnb?

[Kyler J Sloan]

I have not had much exposure to the mountains of Tennessee, and wanted to get an opinion:

How bad is this driveway (link below)?

Too steep for Airbnb?

[Andrew S.]

I own a cabin off of a dirt road in the Smokies also (just private use, not as STR), and you should pay close attention to what @Ken Boone   points out.  You WILL absolutely have trees and branches fall across the road (even during light rains or wind, definitely during heavy storms), and they can't always just be moved out of the way.  Often, a chainsaw is needed.  So if you can't easily get up there and clear the road yourself, make sure you have someone local you can rely on.  Also, as Ken said, dirt roads DO wash out, especially in Winter, so be prepared to scape and gravel occasionally.  Finally, when wet/icy/snow conditions prevail, inexperienced people (aka: STR guests....) CAN (and WILL) get stuck in mud ruts, soft shoulders, etc.  Do not underestimate these issues - they are real.  Not a huge issue if it is just for your own use (and you are willing to handle a chainsaw, toss some gravel, etc), but it is much dicier for vacation guests.  

All that said, by providing lots of upfront information, and meticulous maintenance, you can probably minimize these issues, so it may still be worth giving it a shot as STR. Just be aware that bad stuff can and will likely happen from time to time. Consider providing a backup power generator and/or wood fireplace also - most powerlines in the mountains are above ground and get knocked down all the time.