The Great Smoky Mountains offer a variety of scenic drives that showcase the region’s natural beauty and historic significance. From winding mountain roads to historic valley tours, these drives provide visitors with breathtaking views, opportunities to explore the area’s rich heritage, and chances to spot diverse wildlife.
Newfound Gap Road: Crossing the Smokies’ Highest Point
One of the most popular drives in the Great Smoky Mountains is the Newfound Gap Road, which crosses the Smokies’ highest point at Newfound Gap (5,048 ft.). This 33-mile (66-mile round-trip) drive takes you through a diverse range of forest types, offering numerous pullouts with stunning mountain views along the way.
Cades Cove Loop: A Step Back in Time
The Cades Cove Loop is an 11-mile one-way drive that takes visitors through a historic valley, showcasing well-preserved homesteads, churches, and mills from the 19th century. This drive is also renowned for its abundant wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
The Roaring Fork Motor Trail: Cascading Streams and Historic Cabins
The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a 5.5-mile one-way drive that offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic buildings, mountain streams, and scenic overlooks, providing a peaceful and picturesque experience.
Clingman’s Dome Road: Reaching the Highest Point in Tennessee
The Clingman’s Dome Road is a 7-mile one-way drive that leads to the highest point in Tennessee, Clingman’s Dome (6,643 ft.). This drive takes you through a cool, damp spruce-fir forest and offers breathtaking views from the Clingman’s Dome observation tower.
Balsam Mountain Heintooga Ridge Road: Sweeping Mountain Vistas
The Balsam Mountain Heintooga Ridge Road is a 14-mile one-way drive that showcases sweeping mountain vistas, picnic areas, and a variety of plant life at different elevations. This drive is a great option for those seeking a more remote and less-crowded experience in the Smokies.
Cataloochee Valley Road: Exploring the Park’s Historic Elk Herd
The Cataloochee Valley Road is a 7.3-mile one-way drive (14.6 miles round-trip) that takes visitors to the Cataloochee Valley, home to the national park’s only wild elk herd. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic cabins and stunning mountain views.
Foothills Parkway: Connecting the Smokies to Surrounding Cities
The Foothills Parkway is a 17-mile one-way (34-mile round-trip) drive that offers scenic overlooks and access to surrounding cities, as well as opportunities for camping and hiking. This drive is a great option for those looking to explore the Smokies while also connecting to the surrounding region.
Cherohala Skyway: Breathtaking Mountain-Top Views
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile drive that takes you through the Unicoi Mountains, offering breathtaking mountain-top views, waterfalls, and hiking trails. This drive is a popular destination for both scenic enthusiasts and motorcyclists.
The Tail of the Dragon: A Thrilling Ride for Motorcyclists
The Tail of the Dragon is an 11-mile stretch of road that is renowned for its 318 curves, making it a popular destination for motorcyclists. While the drive offers scenic views, it is primarily known for the thrill of navigating its winding roads.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Exploring the Smokies and Beyond
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive that extends from Virginia to North Carolina, with a 7-mile section running through the Great Smoky Mountains. This drive offers access to surrounding cities, as well as camping and hiking opportunities, allowing visitors to explore the Smokies and the broader Blue Ridge region.
These Great Smoky Mountains drives offer a diverse range of experiences, from historic sites and wildlife viewing to panoramic mountain vistas and thrilling rides. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or an adrenaline seeker, the Smokies have a scenic drive that will captivate and inspire you.