A Guide to the Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains are a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering visitors breathtaking vistas, lush forests, and a diverse range of wildlife. One of the best ways to experience this stunning landscape is by taking a scenic drive. Whether you're looking for a leisurely drive through the mountains or a route filled with adventure and photo opportunities, the Smoky Mountains have something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains.

1. Newfound Gap Road (U.S. Highway 441)

Newfound Gap Road is one of the most popular and accessible scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. This 33-mile route takes you from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina, winding through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning views, lush forests, and historic landmarks.

Key Stops: Newfound Gap (with panoramic views at 5,046 feet), Clingmans Dome (the highest point in the Smokies with an observation tower), and Oconaluftee Visitor Center (featuring historical exhibits and a Mountain Farm Museum).

2. Cades Cove Loop Road

The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile one-way loop that offers a unique glimpse into the region's natural and cultural history. This drive is renowned for its wildlife sightings, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. The scenic drive also provides access to several historic buildings and churches, offering a step back in time.

Key Stops: John Oliver Cabin, Primitive Baptist Church, Cades Cove Visitor Center, and Abrams Falls Trail.

3. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

For a shorter yet equally stunning drive, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a must-see. This 5.5-mile one-way loop offers a close-up view of the area's lush forests, rushing streams, and historic log cabins. It's a peaceful drive that showcases the quieter side of the Smokies.

Key Stops: Noah "Bud" Ogle Place (a preserved mountain farmstead), Rainbow Falls Trailhead, and The Place of a Thousand Drips (a picturesque waterfall).

4. Foothills Parkway

The Foothills Parkway offers a series of scenic drives that provide stunning views of the Smoky Mountains from a distance. The parkway is divided into several sections, each offering unique perspectives and vistas.

Key Stops: Look Rock (an observation tower with panoramic views), Foothills Parkway East (near Cosby), and Foothills Parkway West (connecting to U.S. Highway 321).

5. Blue Ridge Parkway

While not entirely within the Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a renowned scenic drive that offers incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. The parkway stretches for 469 miles, with the southernmost section connecting to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Key Stops: Waterrock Knob (highest point on the parkway), Richland Balsam Overlook, and Linn Cove Viaduct (a marvel of engineering).

6. Little River Road

Little River Road is a scenic 18-mile drive that connects Gatlinburg to Townsend, Tennessee. This route follows the course of the Little River, offering numerous opportunities to stop and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The road is lined with cascading waterfalls, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Key Stops: The Sinks (a popular waterfall), Laurel Falls Trailhead (leading to a stunning 80-foot waterfall), and Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.

7. Cherohala Skyway

The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile national scenic byway that connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina. This route offers sweeping views of the mountains, with elevations reaching over 5,400 feet. The drive takes you through the Cherokee National Forest and the Nantahala National Forest, providing an unforgettable journey through the heart of nature.

Key Stops: Bald River Falls (a spectacular 90-foot waterfall), Hooper Bald (offering panoramic views and a short hiking trail), and Santeetlah Overlook.

8. Cataloochee Valley

For those looking to venture off the beaten path, the Cataloochee Valley offers a secluded and serene scenic drive. Accessible via a winding mountain road, this remote area of the park is known for its historic structures and abundant wildlife, including a herd of reintroduced elk.

Key Stops: Palmer House, Caldwell House, and the Cataloochee Campground.

The Smoky Mountains offer some of the most scenic drives in the country, each providing unique and breathtaking views of this stunning region. Whether you're looking for a leisurely drive through lush forests, a route filled with historical landmarks, or an adventure through the highest peaks, there's a scenic drive in the Smokies that will suit your needs. So pack your camera, fill up the gas tank, and get ready to explore the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains!