Pigeon Forge, a popular tourist destination in Tennessee, offers a variety of scenic drives that allow visitors to explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From the historic Cades Cove Loop Road to the panoramic views of Clingmans Dome Road, these drives provide a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders of the Smoky Mountains.
Cades Cove Loop Road
- Distance: 11 miles
- Time: 2-4 hours
- Description: This one-way paved road takes you through the historic Cades Cove area, offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and opportunities to spot wildlife such as raccoons, white-tailed deer, and black bears.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, follow the Parkway until you pass Sugarlands Visitor Center. Turn left onto Little River Road and continue 25 miles until you reach the entrance of Cades Cove Loop Road.
Clingmans Dome Road
- Distance: 7 miles
- Time: Varies
- Description: This side road off Newfound Gap Road takes you to the highest peak in Tennessee, offering panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains on clear days.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, follow Newfound Gap Road to Clingmans Dome Road.
Newfound Gap Road
- Distance: 33 miles
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Description: This premier route from Gatlinburg to North Carolina offers incredible views of the Smoky Mountains. There are several pull-offs with great panoramic views along the way.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, follow the Parkway to Gatlinburg and then take Newfound Gap Road.
Blue Ridge Parkway
- Distance: Varies
- Time: Varies
- Description: This scenic route starts at the Cherokee Indian Reservation and offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Commercial vehicles are not allowed on this route.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, follow the Parkway to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Foothills Parkway
- Distance: 72 miles (total project), 22.5 miles (open segments)
- Time: Varies
- Description: This parkway offers a scenic drive from Chilhowee Lake to Sevier County, with three open segments totaling 22.5 miles.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, follow the Parkway to the Foothills Parkway.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Distance: 6 miles
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Description: This one-way loop offers views of old-growth forests, historic cabins, and rushing mountain streams. Motorhomes, buses, and trailers are not permitted on this trail.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, turn at traffic light #8 onto Historic Nature Trail Road and continue to the Cherokee Orchard entrance.
The Road to Nowhere (Lakeview Drive)
- Distance: 6 miles
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Description: This scenic drive takes you through a man-made tunnel and offers great views along the way. The road literally ends in the middle of nowhere.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, follow the Parkway to Lakeview Drive.
Wears Valley Road
- Distance: 15 miles
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Description: This scenic drive offers views of mountain life, including beautiful pastures, artisan shops, and quaint restaurants.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, follow Wears Valley Road to Townsend.
Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Loop
- Distance: 8 miles
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Description: This loop features quaint shops and galleries hosting over 100 artists and craftsmen. Take your time and stop for barbecue, tea, or at a tavern.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, follow the Parkway to Glades Road, Buckhorn Road, and the East Parkway.
Rocky Top Wine Trail
- Distance: Varies
- Time: Varies
- Description: This wine trail features five local wineries with over 75 offerings. Pick up a passport at your first tasting and have it stamped at each location to receive a free gift.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, follow the Parkway to the Rocky Top Wine Trail.
Tail Of The Dragon (U.S. 129)
- Distance: 11 miles
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Description: This curvaceous stretch of roadway includes 318 curves and is popular among experienced riders.
- Access: From Pigeon Forge, follow the Parkway to Deals Gap via U.S. 129.
These scenic drives offer a range of experiences, from historic sites to stunning natural beauty, and are a must-do for anyone visiting Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
References:
– Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce – Scenic Car Rides in the Smoky Mountains
– My Pigeon Forge – Scenic Drives
– My Pigeon Forge – Guide to Scenic Drives Along Cades Cove Loop Road
– Pigeon Forge – Scenic Drives
– Pigeon Forge Rod Runs – Scenic Drives