Foothills Parkway curving along a fall-colored ridge between Wears Valley and Walland, with the Great Smoky Mountains foothills beyond
terrainOutdoors - Scenic Drives & Overlooks

Foothills Parkway: A Free Scenic Drive from Wears Valley

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About

The Foothills Parkway is one of the most rewarding free drives in the Smokies, and for guests staying in Wears Valley or Pigeon Forge its Wears Valley entrance is close at hand. Managed by the National Park Service, the parkway follows the northern foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, trading the traffic of the Parkway strips for long, open views across the highest peaks of the range on one side and the Tennessee Valley on the other.

From Wears Valley, the western section runs 33 continuous miles to Chilhowee Lake. The first 16 miles, between Wears Valley and Walland, opened in November 2018 and include the Missing Link, a 1.65-mile stretch carried by nine bridges that had been the parkway's final gap since construction began in 1966. Past Walland the road climbs toward Look Rock and descends to Chilhowee Lake. Pull-offs along the way are the places to stop for photos and a picnic.

The Wears Valley entrance is off Wears Valley Road (US 321), and many visitors drive to Walland and double back, or continue west and return through Townsend. There is no fee to drive the parkway, but services are limited once you leave Wears Valley, so start with a full tank, water and snacks. The eastern section near Cosby is a separate six-mile road. The section between Wears Valley and Pigeon Forge has not been built, so reach the entrance by Wears Valley Road.

Photo: NPS Photo, Public domain (NPS)

Did You Know

  • The Missing Link is a 1.65-mile section supported by nine bridges, and it opened to the public on November 10, 2018 (WBIR).
  • Completing the parkway's final stretch between Walland and Wears Valley cost $178 million (National Parks Traveler).
  • The western section now runs 33 continuous miles from Chilhowee to Wears Valley (National Parks Traveler).
  • A future section from Wears Valley toward the Spur near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is still in environmental review, with no construction begun (National Park Service).
Scenic Drive Free Overlooks Fall Color National Park
location_on
Address
Foothills Parkway at Wears Valley Rd (US 321), Wears Valley, TN 37862
phone
Phone
(865) 436-1200
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Typical Visit
1-2 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything to drive the Foothills Parkway?

There is no fee to drive the Foothills Parkway. It is part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so if you plan to park and linger, check the park website for current parking tag rules.

How long is the drive from Wears Valley?

It is about 16 miles from Wears Valley to Walland, and the western section continues for a total of 33 miles to Chilhowee Lake.

Is there a direct parkway route from Pigeon Forge to Wears Valley?

Not yet. That section has not been built, so drive Wears Valley Road (US 321) from Pigeon Forge to reach the Wears Valley entrance.

How do I check whether the road is open?

Call Great Smoky Mountains National Park at (865) 436-1200 or check the park website for current road conditions before you set out.

Take Home a Piece of Foothills Parkway in Wears Valley

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