There is a certain magic that awakens when you trade the bustling parkways of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for the winding, tree-lined roads of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a feeling of leaving the world behind, of immersing yourself in a landscape that has remained unchanged for centuries. The mountains call to the explorer in all of us, and there is no better way to answer that call than by embarking on a scenic drive. From the high-elevation vistas of Newfound Gap Road to the quiet, historic valleys of Cades Cove, the Smokies offer a driving experience for every type of traveler. So, buckle up, roll down your windows, and let the mountain air guide you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the American South.
Key Scenic Drives
- Newfound Gap Road: The park's main artery, offering high-elevation views.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A lush, intimate drive with history and waterfalls.
- Cades Cove Loop Road: A valley teeming with wildlife and historic structures.
- Foothills Parkway: A quieter alternative with stunning panoramic vistas.
Newfound Gap Road: The Heart of the Smokies
Stretching for 33 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina, Newfound Gap Road is the quintessential Smoky Mountain drive. As the lowest drivable pass through the mountains, it serves as the park's main artery, but its convenience does not detract from its grandeur. The road climbs nearly 3,000 feet in elevation, taking you on a journey through a stunning variety of forest ecosystems. You’ll start in a hardwood forest of cove-loving trees and ascend to an evergreen spruce-fir forest, similar to what you might find in New England or Canada. This dramatic change in elevation means the weather can be unpredictable; it’s not uncommon to start your drive in the sun and find yourself in a cool, misty cloud at the top.
The drive itself is a marvel of engineering, with plenty of pull-offs and overlooks that invite you to stop and soak in the views. The Morton Overlook, with its iconic, sweeping vista of the rolling mountains, is a must-see, especially at sunset. Further up, at the Newfound Gap overlook, you can stand on the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina and enjoy a panoramic view that stretches for miles on a clear day. This is also where you can access the Appalachian Trail, so be sure to take a short walk on this famous footpath. On the Cherokee side, the Oconaluftee Valley Overlook provides a beautiful perspective of the valley below, a popular spot for elk viewing, especially in the early morning or late evening.
Local Tip
The temperature at Newfound Gap is often 10-15 degrees cooler than in Gatlinburg, so be sure to bring a jacket, even in the summer. Also, the parking lot at the Newfound Gap overlook can fill up quickly, so try to visit on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A Journey Back in Time
For a more intimate and historic driving experience, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an absolute gem. This 5.5-mile, one-way loop road is just a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg, yet it feels a world away. The narrow, winding road takes you through a lush, old-growth forest, alongside the rushing waters of the Roaring Fork stream. The dense canopy of trees creates a cool, shaded environment, making it a perfect drive for a hot summer day.
What makes this drive truly special is the collection of well-preserved historic buildings that you’ll find along the way. You can step back in time as you explore the Noah "Bud" Ogle homestead, complete with a handcrafted wooden flume plumbing system, and the Alex Cole Cabin. Further along, you’ll find the Jim Bales Place and the Ephraim Bales Place, offering a glimpse into the lives of the early settlers of this rugged landscape. The drive culminates at the Alfred Reagan Place, with its unique tub mill, one of the last of its kind in the Smokies.
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is also a great place for waterfall lovers. The trailhead for Rainbow Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the park, is located at the beginning of the trail. The hike to the falls is strenuous, but the reward is a stunning 80-foot waterfall. For a shorter, easier hike, you can take the Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls, where you can actually walk behind the waterfall. The road itself passes by several smaller cascades and streams, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights and sounds of the water.
Cades Cove Loop Road: A Wildlife Haven
No trip to the Smoky Mountains is complete without a drive around the Cades Cove Loop Road. This 11-mile, one-way loop takes you through a broad, verdant valley that was once a thriving community. Today, it is one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing. It’s not uncommon to see white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, groundhogs, turkeys, and other animals as you make your way around the loop. The best times for wildlife viewing are early in the morning and late in the evening, so plan your drive accordingly.
In addition to the abundant wildlife, Cades Cove is also home to a wonderful collection of historic buildings. You can explore three historic churches, a working grist mill (open in season), and numerous cabins and barns. The John Oliver Cabin, one of the oldest structures in the park, is a popular stop, as is the Cable Mill, where you can see demonstrations of the grist mill in action. The Cades Cove Visitor Center is also located at the Cable Mill and is a great place to pick up souvenirs and learn more about the history of the area.
Local Tip
On Wednesdays from early May to late September, the Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles until 3:00 PM to allow cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the cove. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the valley at a slower pace. If you’re driving the loop, be prepared for slow traffic, especially during peak season. It can take two to four hours to drive the 11-mile loop, so be sure to allow plenty of time.
Foothills Parkway: The Unsung Hero
While Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove get most of the attention, the Foothills Parkway is a hidden gem that offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. This national parkway is still a work in progress, with several missing sections, but the completed portions are well worth the drive. The section between Walland and Wears Valley is particularly stunning, especially the "missing link" section that was completed in 2018. This 1.65-mile section features a series of nine bridges that hug the side of the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the valley below.
The Foothills Parkway is a great option if you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded drive. The overlooks are numerous and well-maintained, and they offer a different perspective of the mountains than you’ll find inside the park. It’s a wonderful place to watch the sunset, as the setting sun casts a warm, golden glow over the mountains. The parkway is also a popular spot for photographers, so be sure to bring your camera.
Lesser-Known Gems: Rich Mountain Road & Little River Road
For those looking to get off the beaten path, Rich Mountain Road and Little River Road offer a quieter, more rustic driving experience. Rich Mountain Road is a one-way gravel road that begins in Cades Cove and ends in Townsend. It’s a great way to exit the cove and avoid the traffic on the main loop road. The road climbs to the top of Rich Mountain, offering a unique perspective of the Cades Cove valley. It’s a bit of a bumpy ride, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, but the views are well worth it.
Little River Road connects Gatlinburg to Townsend and follows the beautiful Little River for much of its 18-mile length. It’s a lovely, leisurely drive with plenty of pull-offs where you can stop and enjoy the river. There are also several picnic areas along the way, making it a great place to stop for lunch. The road also provides access to several popular hiking trails, including the Laurel Falls Trail and the Elkmont Nature Trail. In the summer, the river is a popular spot for tubing and swimming, so be sure to bring your swimsuit.
Drives on the Outskirts: Cherohala Skyway & Blue Ridge Parkway
If you’re up for a longer drive, the Cherohala Skyway and the Blue Ridge Parkway are two of the most scenic drives in the country, and they are both within a short drive of the Smoky Mountains. The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina. The skyway climbs to over 5,400 feet in elevation, offering breathtaking, 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. There are numerous overlooks along the way, as well as several hiking trails.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive that winds its way through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The southern terminus of the parkway is just outside of Cherokee, North Carolina, making it an easy addition to a Smoky Mountain vacation. The parkway is known for its stunning views, its vibrant fall colors, and its rich cultural history. There are countless overlooks, hiking trails, and historic sites to explore along the way.
Plan Your Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains is an unforgettable experience, but a little planning can go a long way in making your trip as enjoyable as possible. The best times to visit are in the spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom, and in the fall, when the mountains are ablaze with color. Summer is also a great time to visit, but be prepared for warmer temperatures and larger crowds. Winter can be a magical time to visit, but be aware that many roads, including Newfound Gap Road, can close due to snow and ice.
Before you head out, be sure to check the park’s website for any road closures or alerts. It’s also a good idea to have a full tank of gas, as there are no gas stations inside the park. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, as well as a camera to capture the stunning scenery. And finally, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out everything you pack in, and leave the mountains as beautiful as you found them. With a little planning and a spirit of adventure, you’re sure to have an incredible time exploring the scenic drives of the Great Smoky Mountains.