Looking for a family friendly activity without a hike? The Smokies has many scenic drives for motor tourism to enjoy the beauty from the comfort of your own vehicle. It’s a great break between hiking or busy, busy days.
Below are a few of our favorites!
The Foothills Parkway
One Way Distance: 32 Miles
First envisioned in the 1940s, the Foothills Parkway was a grand public works project that was meant to build a 72-mile road that connected I-40 to Lake Chilhowee. However, budget and safety concerns have caused several delays. It currently connects Lake Chilhowee to Wears Vallery with dozens of stunning pull offs along the drive.
It is a truly a sight to behold and a must-see drive while you visit the smoky mountains!
Though this road is not technically inside the Great Smoky Mountains, it is maintained by the national park service.
The Roaring Fork Motor Trail
One Way Distance: 5.5 Miles
Located just outside of Gatlinburg, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail is one a popular attraction in the Smoky Mountains. This one-way road begins at the end of Cherokee Orchard road and Historic Nature Trail Road can be accessed at traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg, TN.
The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a low-elevation road in the Smokies that features stunning old-growth forests, historic cabins, waterfalls, and mountain streams.
Finally, this route passes by "the place of 1000 drips," a roadside waterfall. Beginning and ending in Gatlinburg, this is a well-traveled road for those visiting the Smoky Mountains.
Please note that this road is closed in during the winter months and that buses, trailers, and motor homes are not permitted on the trail.
Little River Road
One Way Distance: 25 Miles
At 25 miles in length, the Little River Road connects Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg to the popular Cades Cove region of the Smoky Mountains. Technically, this route consists of 3 roads: Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Little River Gorge Rd, and Laurel Creek Rd.
A great road to explore the National Park; you’ll have access to Elkmont, Tremont, Metcalf Bottoms, and the Townsend Wye swimming area. If you want to truly drive through the Smoky Mountains, you need to take this drive.
Along the drive, you'll see stunning sights like The Sinks Waterfall that's located right by the roadside and you'll also pass by popular hiking trails like the Laurel Falls Trail. This scenic drive follows along the Little River as it passes through lush forests. There are numerous pull-offs that provide access to the river if you want to dip your feet in and cool off in those hot summer months.
Newfound Gap Road
One Way Distance: 30.3 Miles
Also known as US-441, The Newfound Gap Road is the most iconic scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains. Beginning at an elevation of 1,289 Ft in Gatlinburg TN, this mountain road climbs to 5,046 Ft at Newfound Gap, the lowest drivable pass in the national park. From Newfound Gap, you can travel all the way to Cherokee NC.
Along the road, you’ll see several forest types and multiple pull offs with panoramic mountain views.
Campbell Overlook
The Chimney Tops Overlook
Morton Overlook
Oconoluftee Valley Overlook
The main destination of Newfound Gap Road is, of course, Newfound Gap. This overlook straddles the state line of Tennessee and North Carolina in the national park. The Appalachian trail passes through at this point as well.
President Roosevelt formally dedicated the national park in 1940 for "the happiness of the American people." right at Newfound Gap!
If you only have time to drive one road in the national park, The Newfound Gap road is a perfect through the Smoky Mountains.
Cades Cove Loop Road
11 Mile Loop
The single most popular scenc drive in the Smokies!
This scenic, 11-mile loop road features historic structures and abundant wildlife. People report seeing turkey, deer, and even black bears frequently.
Some of the main highlights of the Cades Cove Loop road are:
The John Oliver Cabin – Built in the 1820s
Primitive Baptist Church – Built in 1887,
The Cades Cove Grist Mill – Built in the 1870s,
The Abrams Falls Trail – A popular waterfall hike
Please note that traffic is slow on this one-lane route and that Cades Cove can occasionally become very crowded. This is especially true during the busy season in summer and fall. From May to October, the Cades Cove loop is exclusively opened to hikers and bicyclists until 10 a.m. Sundays and all day Wednesdays.
Clingman's Dome Road
One Way Distance: 7 Miles
Want to see the highest point you can drive to in the Smokies! Clingman’s Dome is for you! This popular drive begins at the Newfound Gap parking area and leads to Clingman's Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies at an elevation of 6,644 Ft
Along the way, there are several pull-offs that feature gorgeous mountain views. You can also access the Appalachian Trail as it nears the summit of Clingman's Dome.
At the road's top, you can access the 0.5-mile Clingman's Dome Trail that leads to a 54-ft observation tower on the mountain's summit. Once you reach the top, you’ll have 360 degree views from the highest peak in the Smokies.
Please note, this popular drive in the Smokies is closed from December 1 to March 31, due to winter weather conditions.
