The Wears Valley entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a lesser-known but highly beneficial entry point for visitors. This entrance offers minimal traffic, easy access, direct access to a picnic area, and a scenic route through the Smoky Mountains.
Benefits of Using the Wears Valley Entrance
Minimal Traffic
The Wears Valley entrance is primarily used by locals, which means you can avoid the heavy traffic that often occurs in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg during peak seasons.
Easy Access
The entrance is easily accessible from nearby areas like Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley, and Sevierville. It connects to Little River Gorge Road, allowing quick access to popular areas like Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Elkmont, Newfound Gap, Tremont, and the Townsend Wye.
Direct Access to Picnic Area
The Wears Valley entrance leads directly to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area, which is a great spot for a snack or picnic lunch. The picnic area has a covered pavilion and individual picnic areas with grills and tables.
Scenic Route
The drive through Wears Valley offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, making it a scenic and peaceful alternative to the more crowded routes.
How to Access the Wears Valley Entrance
Directions
From Pigeon Forge, drive 9.2 miles on Wears Valley Rd to Wears Valley, TN. Then, take a left onto Line Springs Rd. Continue on Line Springs Road for 1.4 miles, which will turn into Wears Cove Gap Rd when it crosses the national park boundary.
Caution
Exercise caution on Line Springs Rd, as it is curvy and narrow.
Popular Areas Accessible Through the Wears Valley Entrance
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Cades Cove | A historic valley with preserved log cabins, churches, and other structures. |
| Newfound Gap | A mountain pass with scenic views and a popular spot for photos. |
| Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area | A picnic area with a covered pavilion and individual picnic areas. |
| Elkmont | A historic logging community with preserved buildings. |
| Tremont | A scenic area with hiking trails and picnic spots. |
| Townsend Wye | A scenic area with hiking trails and picnic spots. |
| Clingmans Dome | The highest point in the Smoky Mountains, offering panoramic views. |
Additional Information
Wears Valley
Wears Valley is known for its open land, quiet environment, and scenic views. It is often referred to as “the peaceful side of the Smokies”.
Local Attractions
Wears Valley has unique attractions like the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, the Coaster at Goats on the Roof, Tennessee Mountain View Winery, and Wears Valley Zipline Adventures.