By April the three one-way unmaintained roads in the national park should be open as long as the mud isn't too bad. (Parson's Branch Road, Rich Mountain RD, and Balsam Mountain Road) These aren't truly offroad but they are gravel with plenty of bumps, climbs, mud, and potholes; they are fun in an Outback. I personally wouldn't hesitate to take a WRX/STi on these roads, I just wouldn't intentionally steer into the potholes as I did in the Outback.
Parson's Branch offers the most exciting driving; it exits from the Cades Cove Loop, you go up and over the mountains and exit on the North Carolina side West of Twentymile. There are a few climbs steep enough that my Uncle needed to back up and get some momentum going to crest in his Escape Hybrid (my '11 Outback 2.5i CVT did fine). You can get some great views of Gregory Bald if the trees aren't completely filled out yet.
Rich Mountain Road also starts in Cades Cove and exits just a bit West of Townsend. It is shorter and easier but still fun.
Balsam Mountain Road is on the East end of Cherokee and the 18 mile loop takes about an hour. You start at a mile high and then have some slight elevation changes - this road is better maintained than the other roads but there are places you will definitely appreciate the Outback's 8.7" of ground clearance. If doing this one in the WRX, go slowly when entering and exiting the many bridges as this is where the trails have eroded the most creating some deep ditches on both ends..
Parson's Branch offers the most exciting driving; it exits from the Cades Cove Loop, you go up and over the mountains and exit on the North Carolina side West of Twentymile. There are a few climbs steep enough that my Uncle needed to back up and get some momentum going to crest in his Escape Hybrid (my '11 Outback 2.5i CVT did fine). You can get some great views of Gregory Bald if the trees aren't completely filled out yet.
Rich Mountain Road also starts in Cades Cove and exits just a bit West of Townsend. It is shorter and easier but still fun.
Balsam Mountain Road is on the East end of Cherokee and the 18 mile loop takes about an hour. You start at a mile high and then have some slight elevation changes - this road is better maintained than the other roads but there are places you will definitely appreciate the Outback's 8.7" of ground clearance. If doing this one in the WRX, go slowly when entering and exiting the many bridges as this is where the trails have eroded the most creating some deep ditches on both ends..
