The Great Smoky Mountains offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States, and there’s no better way to take in the views than on a scenic drive. From spring blooms and summer greenery to fall colors and muted winter tones, a scenic drive in the Smokies is spectacular at any time of year. Here are some of the top scenic drives in the Smokies to add to your itinerary for your next visit!
1. Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road is a scenic 33-mile (one-way) drive that traverses Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will ascend to over 5,000 feet through forest landscapes, with plenty of panoramic views, observation points and popular hikes at different elevations along the route. Make sure to stop at Newfound Gap, where you can stand in Tennessee and North Carolina at the same time, and walk along the famous Appalachian Trail.
2. Cades Cove Loop
One of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove Loop is an 11-mile road winding through a lush valley surrounded by rolling mountains. This drive is known for its well-preserved historic structures from the 18th and 19th centuries, including settler cabins and a working mill. You will also have a great chance to spot wildlife like deer, turkeys, and black bears, especially if you go in the morning. Traffic can be slow on this one lane road (especially in summer and fall), but if you pack your patience, it will live up to the hype as one of the best scenic drives in the Smokies.
3. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Just outside of downtown Gatlinburg, you can embark on a short scenic drive that will give you access to some of the most gorgeous sights in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This 5.5-mile long loop will take you past mountain streams, impressive waterfalls and historic buildings. The narrow, winding road is surrounded by old-growth forest and has several public parking areas where you can explore nature up close. Black bears are commonly spotted here, so be aware and keep your camera ready!
4. Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome)
Take a drive through the peaks to Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s Dome), the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll be surrounded by panoramic views as you drive 7 miles from Newfound Gap Road to the Clingmans Dome parking area. There are overlooks and short trails along the way, and you’ll be rewarded at the top with truly stunning 360° vistas from the observation tower. This drive is spectacular for seeing fall foliage, but be sure to visit by November because this road is closed between December and April.
5. Foothills Parkway
The Foothills Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the Smokies, with incredible views of the mountains as you wind through the foothills. The southern section of this scenic drive stretches for 33 miles between Wears Valley and Chilhowee Lake, with expansive vistas of the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee Valley. This scenic drive is absolutely stunning with fall foliage or spring wildflowers, and catching the sunset from an overlook is spectacular at any time of year.
6. Little River Gorge Road
Little River Gorge Road follows the curves of the Little River for 25 miles between Gatlinburg and Townsend. This scenic drive offers lovely views of the river as it winds through the trees, and plenty of pull-out parking spots allow you to take your time to enjoy it. If you love waterfalls, this is a perfect drive for you, with access to several popular waterfalls like Meigs Falls, The Sinks and Laurel Falls. There is also a family-friendly swimming hole towards the end of the drive at Townsend Wye – perfect for cooling off on those hot summer days!
7. Balsam Mountain Heintooga Ridge Road
Balsam Mountain Road (also called Heintooga Ridge Road) is a hidden gem in the North Carolina side of the national park. This 14-mile scenic drive starts at an elevation of 5,500 feet and descends about 2,000 feet, taking you through the diverse ecosystems at different elevations. This secluded single-lane unpaved road offers a peaceful drive through the forest and alongside streams, with fewer crowds than other park drives.
8. Cataloochee Valley Road
The drive to Cataloochee Valley is an adventure in itself. This 7.3-mile journey on a narrow, winding road leads to a secluded valley known for its elk population and historic 19th-century buildings. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best chances to see elk grazing in the fields. This scenic drive is on the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and will take an hour to reach from Gatlinburg, making it a great option to create a scenic loop coming back on Newfound Gap Road.
Plan Your Smokies Visit
These scenic drives in the Smokies each offer unique perspectives on the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re looking for wildlife, waterfalls, historic sites, or panoramic vistas, there’s a perfect route for you.
Book your Smoky Mountain cabin rental with Compass Properties and start planning your scenic drives through the magnificent Smoky Mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Drives in the Smokies
There are several beautiful options depending on what you want to see. Newfound Gap Road is ideal for panoramic mountain views, while Cades Cove Loop combines scenery with historic sites and opportunities to spot wildlife. For waterfalls and rushing mountain streams, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Little River Gorge Road are excellent choices.
The Foothills Parkway is especially beautiful during fall, offering expansive views of the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee Valley from multiple overlooks. The drive to Kuwohi is another spectacular choice for fall foliage thanks to its higher elevations and panoramic mountain views.
Cades Cove Loop is one of the most popular drives for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see deer, wild turkeys, and black bears. Cataloochee Valley Road is another great option, particularly for spotting elk, which are often most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
Drive times vary considerably depending on the route, traffic, and how often you stop. Short routes such as the 5.5-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail can be incorporated into a half-day outing, while longer drives like Newfound Gap Road are worth allowing several hours for so you can stop at overlooks, trailheads, and other points of interest along the way.
Some scenic roads are accessible throughout much of the year, while others have seasonal closures. For example, the road to Kuwohi closes during the winter months, and weather can affect road access throughout the mountains. It’s a good idea to check current road conditions and closures before setting out, particularly during winter or periods of severe weather.
