The Great Smoky Mountains Parkway is a 23.4-mile (37.7 km) highway that serves as the primary access point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding tourist destinations in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This scenic drive offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, with stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and a wealth of outdoor activities.
Route Description of the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway
The Great Smoky Mountains Parkway begins at the Tennessee-North Carolina state line in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just south of Gatlinburg. It widens to four lanes as an undivided arterial route in Gatlinburg and becomes part of the Foothills Parkway as its spur route. The parkway passes through the Little Pigeon River Gorge and includes a 4.3-mile (6.9 km) segment on a narrow strip of National Park Service (NPS) land, which is a four-lane divided highway running along both banks of the northward-flowing Little Pigeon River.
Junctions and Access Points
The Great Smoky Mountains Parkway connects to several major roads and offers various access points for visitors:
| Location | Road |
|---|---|
| South End | US 441 in Gatlinburg |
| North End | I-40 in Kodak |
| Major Junctions | US 321, SR 66, SR 448 |
| Visitor Centers | Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove (open year-round except Christmas Day) |
| Picnic Areas | Cades Cove, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms (open year-round) |
| Trailheads | Multiple trails, including those with warnings or closures due to bear activity |
Traffic and Road Conditions
The Great Smoky Mountains Parkway can experience high traffic volumes, with over 50,000 vehicles per day in some locations. Road closures may occur due to severe weather events, such as winter storms, floods, and tornados. Visitors are encouraged to contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at (865) 436-1200 for the latest updates on road and weather conditions.
Scenic Drives and Attractions
The Great Smoky Mountains Parkway is part of a larger network of scenic drives in the region, including the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive connecting Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering picnic areas, hiking trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers.
Some of the must-visit attractions along the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway include:
- Cades Cove: A historic valley with preserved 19th-century buildings, hiking trails, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
- Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering panoramic views from the observation tower.
- Laurel Creek Road: A scenic drive through the national park, featuring waterfalls and hiking trails.
- Parson Branch Road: A remote and less-crowded road that provides access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Important Contacts
For the latest information and updates on the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway and the surrounding area, visitors can contact the following resources:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: (865) 436-1200
- Blue Ridge Parkway: (828) 298-0398
- SmokiesRoadsNPS: Follow on Twitter for current road status updates
Conclusion
The Great Smoky Mountains Parkway is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the natural beauty and outdoor adventures of the Great Smoky Mountains. With its scenic drives, diverse wildlife, and abundance of recreational opportunities, the parkway offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and interests.
References
- https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
- https://www.pigeonforge.com/great-smoky-mountains-national-park/blue-ridge-parkway/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Smoky_Mountains_Parkway
- https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm
- https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/districts/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-region/