Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of auto touring experiences, covering over 800 square miles of pristine natural areas in the East. The park features 16 scenic drives, with over 270 miles of roads, most of which are paved, and gravel roads maintained for standard vehicles.
Smoky Mountain National Park Driving Tour
The Smoky Mountain National Park Driving Tour is a self-guided journey through the park’s most scenic and historic routes. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the winding roads, discover breathtaking vistas, and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road is a 33-mile drive from Cherokee, North Carolina, to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This scenic route offers numerous pullouts and access points to the Appalachian Trail, allowing you to take in the stunning mountain views and explore the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Balsam Mountain Heintooga Ridge Road
The Balsam Mountain Heintooga Ridge Road is a one-way gravel road that provides access to sweeping mountain vistas. This route is accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers a unique opportunity to experience the park’s rugged terrain.
Cataloochee Valley & Elk
The Cataloochee Valley is a historic area within the park, featuring preserved buildings and the opportunity to observe the park’s elk population. The two-lane narrow gravel road leading to the valley offers a peaceful and scenic drive.
Clingmans Dome Road
Clingmans Dome Road is a seven-mile spur road that leads to the park’s highest peak, Clingmans Dome. This drive takes you through a cool, damp spruce-fir forest and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Road to Nowhere
The Road to Nowhere is a six-mile drive that leads to an abandoned tunnel, offering stunning views of Fontana Lake and the surrounding mountains. This unique route provides a glimpse into the park’s history and the challenges faced by early settlers.
Tips and Essentials
To ensure a safe and enjoyable Smoky Mountain National Park Driving Tour, consider the following tips and essentials:
- Travel Times: Expect to average 30 miles per hour or slower to navigate the winding roads safely.
- Booklets: Short booklets are available for purchase from park visitor centers and the Smokies Life online store, serving as personal tour guides along many park roads.
- Safety: Shift to a lower gear when going downhill to conserve brakes, keep extra distance between vehicles, and use pullouts frequently to allow other vehicles to pass.
Self-Guided Driving Tour
The self-guided Smoky Mountain National Park Driving Tour allows you to explore the park at your own pace, taking in the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The duration of the tour varies depending on the route chosen and the time spent at each stop, but it typically includes the following attractions:
- Panoramic mountain views
- Tumbling mountain streams
- Weathered historic buildings
- Mature hardwood forests
- Wildlife viewing opportunities