The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a diverse range of scenic drives, each providing a unique experience for visitors. With over 270 miles of paved roads and well-maintained gravel roads, the park is accessible to standard vehicles. This comprehensive guide will explore the best scenic drives, wildlife viewing routes, and least crowded roads to explore in the Smoky Mountains.
Best Scenic Drives
- Newfound Gap Road (Hwy 441): This 33-mile drive takes you from Cherokee to Gatlinburg, crossing Newfound Gap at 5,046 feet. Enjoy panoramic views, varied forest types, and numerous pullouts for photo opportunities.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Spanning 469 miles, this parkway connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers picnic areas, hiking trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers along the way.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: This six-mile paved road features old-growth forests, historic cabins, and rushing mountain streams. It is a narrow, winding road, so motorhomes, buses, and trailers are not permitted.
- Balsam Mountain & Heintooga Ridge Road: This one-way gravel road offers sweeping mountain vistas and a leisurely ride. Access it from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 458.
- Clingmans Dome Road: This seven-mile spur road leads to the highest peak in the Smokies, Clingmans Dome (6,643 ft.). Enjoy mountain views and the cool, damp spruce-fir forest.
Wildlife Viewing Routes
- Cades Cove Loop: This 11-mile loop road is known for its abundant wildlife, including deer, turkey, and black bears. The loop also features historic buildings and scenic views.
- Cataloochee Valley & Elk: This idyllic mountain valley is home to a variety of historic buildings and offers opportunities to spot elk grazing from the road.
Least Crowded Roads
- Balsam Mountain & Heintooga Ridge Road: This gravel road is less crowded due to its one-way nature and limited accessibility.
- Cataloochee Valley & Elk: This route is off the beaten path, making it less crowded than more popular drives.
- Road to Nowhere: This six-mile drive leads to an abandoned tunnel and offers views of Fontana Lake and surrounding mountains. It is a less crowded option near Bryson City.
Tips and Essentials
- Travel Times: Average 30 miles per hour or slower to ensure a safe and enjoyable drive.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, especially brakes, as you will need to shift to lower gears when going downhill.
- Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and watch for sudden stops or slowdowns.
- Pullovers: Use pullovers frequently to allow other vehicles to pass and maintain smooth traffic flow.
References
- http://www.mysmokymountainvacation.com/scenic.html
- https://www.pigeonforge.com/smoky-mountain-activities/scenic-drives/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g143031-i2563-k14768058-Best_drive-Great_Smoky_Mountains_National_Park_Tennessee.html
- https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/autotouring.htm
- https://www.romanticasheville.com/smoky-mountains-scenic-drives.