The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and incredible panoramic views. Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning an extended stay, a scenic drive through the Smokies is one of the best ways to soak in its natural beauty. Below are the top five scenic drives that offer some of the most stunning and accessible vistas in the park.
Newfound Gap Road (US-441)
Length: 33 miles
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours (without stops)
Newfound Gap Road is the most popular drive in the Great Smoky Mountains. This 33-mile stretch takes you from the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina. Along the way, you’ll experience a dramatic elevation change of 3,000 feet, offering sweeping views of the mountains, valleys, and forests.
- Highlights:
- Newfound Gap Overlook (at 5,046 feet) with stunning 360-degree views.
- Rockefeller Memorial, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the park.
- Several pullouts for photos and picnics, including Clingmans Dome Road junction.
Cades Cove Loop Road
Length: 11 miles
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours (with stops)
Cades Cove is a popular valley known for its wildlife viewing opportunities and well-preserved historical buildings. The one-way 11-mile loop road takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Smokies, including meadows, forests, and mountain views.
- Highlights:
- Historical structures, including cabins, churches, and barns.
- Frequent sightings of deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.
- Scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Length: 5.5 miles
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
For a more intimate experience, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers a serene 5.5-mile drive through lush forests, mountain streams, and old-growth woodlands. This narrow, winding road provides a peaceful escape from the more crowded areas of the park.
- Highlights:
- Scenic pullouts next to Roaring Fork Creek, perfect for short hikes and photos.
- Historic homesteads, including the Ephraim Bales Cabin.
- Waterfalls and vibrant fall foliage in autumn.
Foothills Parkway East
Length: 17 miles
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
The Foothills Parkway offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The eastern section, connecting Cosby to Interstate 40, provides access to a quieter, less-visited area of the park with magnificent vistas of the Smokies and distant valleys.
- Highlights:
- Numerous scenic overlooks offering expansive views of the Smoky Mountains.
- Incredibly vibrant fall colors during the autumn months.
- Easy access to Cosby, a less-traveled gateway into the park.
Little River Road
Length: 18 miles
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Running from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the scenic town of Townsend, Tennessee, Little River Road is a winding 18-mile drive that follows the Little River, offering several points of interest along the way. It’s a great route for spotting wildlife and exploring some lesser-known areas of the park.
- Highlights:
- Laurel Falls Trailhead for an easy hike to a picturesque waterfall.
- The Sinks, a dramatic waterfall and rock formation popular for photography.
- Meigs Falls, one of the few roadside waterfalls in the park.
The Great Smoky Mountains offer a variety of scenic drives for visitors of all types. From panoramic mountain views to peaceful forested roads, these routes allow you to experience the park’s diverse landscapes at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking overlooks or peaceful spots for reflection, the Great Smokies’ scenic drives promise unforgettable memories.
