best Gatlinburg Scenic Drives

Gatlinburg has some amazing scenery nearby, and there’s no better way to explore the Smoky Mountains than by taking some of the most scenic drives with your family. So let’s look at some of the best!

Scenic Drives Around in Gatlinburg

Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road is a 33-mile stretch that showcases the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This route is one of the best, climbing up to some of the highest elevations in the Smoky Mountains, where you’re more likely to find snow in the winter.

It’s just a short drive from Gatlinburg to reach North Carolina on this trip. You’ll even cross paths with the Appalachian Trail.

You can even go from Newfound Gap to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee (and the Smoky Mountains!), although Clingman’s Dome is closed during winter. For current road status, especially regarding snow closures, check the National Park Service (NPS) website.

Newfound Gap Road is the perfect way to experience the essence of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Little River Road: A Drive Alongside Nature’s Beauty

Little River Road, which winds alongside the Little River, offers a scenic journey filled with stunning mountain streams, waterfalls, and historic buildings.

This road takes you from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove, with plenty to see. There are some great stops to pull over and walk down to the river or take pictures along the road.

Waterfalls, like The Sinks are easily accessible from the road.

As mentioned in other articles, The Sinks is a beautiful area to take pictures, but there have been multiple drownings from people swimming in it. If you’re looking for somewhere to swim, continue towards Townend to the Townsend Wye.

In the summer, cool off at the Townsend Wye, a popular swimming spot where the Little River and Middle Prong of the Little River converge.

The Wye is located where the road splits off to turn towards either Cades Cove or Gatlinburg.

This area offers cold, clear water, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Parking at Townsend Wye be busy, especially on a hot weekend day. Arriving early in the day or visiting on a weekday can increase your chances of finding a parking spot. Watch children always while swimming, as the water flow can be fast.

Foothills Parkway: Panoramic Mountain Views and Picnic Perfection

Foothills Parkway provides awe-inspiring panoramic mountain views and lovely picnic areas. This newer road takes you high above the Townsend and Wears Valley area, offering:

There are several parking areas at the different overlooks on the Parkway, usually with plenty of parking spaces. The overlooks offer some great views of the Townsend Valley below.

The road, being new, is also wider and less curvy than many other mountain roads around, some of which can be a wild ride.

Tip: Take the Foothills Parkway west towards Knoxville and Maryville, then on the way back, take the valley through Townsend and stop for lunch or some family-friendly river tubing.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a one-way loop road through lush forests. There are waterfalls and historical sites like preserved log cabins along this road.

You may spot wildlife like black bears, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer roaming the dense forests.

There are also some scenic overlooks as the road climbs up the mountain.

Roaring Fork is also closed during the winter.

Cades Cove Loop

Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile journey, offers one of the best scenic drives that combines natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and historical landmarks.

If you’re up early, Cades Cove is also a beautiful place to see at sunrise.

Cades Cove does get busy, but it’s still one of our favorite scenic loops. It’s a one-lane loop that usually moves pretty slowly, and takes several hours on a busy day to get around. There are some great places to stop and explore the older buildings.

Highlights of this drive include:

• A chance to spot black bears, wild turkeys, and other native animals in their natural habitats.
• Historic buildings, such as preserved log cabins, churches, and barns, showcase the region’s heritage.
• Scenic vistas of rolling meadows, lush forests, and the surrounding mountains provide countless photo opportunities.

Tail of the Dragon: A Thrilling Ride on US Highway 129

For those passionate about driving, the Tail of the Dragon is a must. This 11-mile stretch on US Highway 129 features 318 curves packed into those 11 miles.

This road is more about the drive and less about the scenery, but it’s a great drive if you’re looking for adventure!

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a famous route that connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This remarkable drive offers:

• Endless beauty, with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and lush valleys.
• You can enjoy numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
• An opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and ecosystems that span these two national parks.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is an unforgettable drive that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the eastern United States.

Tips for Enjoying Gatlinburg Scenic Drives

• Check the National Park Service website for road closures and alerts before setting off.

In Conclusion: Hit the Road and Explore Gatlinburg’s Beauty

Gatlinburg scenic drives offer a fantastic way to experience the Great Smoky Mountains’ stunning landscapes, historic sites, and diverse wildlife.