Europeans settled the Cades Cove area between 1818 and 1821. Flexible itineraries, including scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a weekend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and getaways to Asheville, Raleigh-Durham, and Charlotte Strategic advice designed for hikers, beach-goers, foodies, wildlife-watchers, and more; The top local experiences: Explore the gardens of the Biltmore Estate, check out the art museum in Raleigh, or kick … Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Skyline Drive is generally open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. At 25 miles in length, the Little River Road connects Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg to... 3. Top 4 Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains You Should Experience 1. Great Smoky Mountains. Rich Mountain Road is a seasonal, two-way road that exits the Cades Cove loop and leads to the town of Townsend. The Best Scenic Drive in AppalachiaUS 129 in NC and TN: The Tail of the Dragon “For a day full of the twisty stuff, it’s hard to beat the awesomely named Tail Of The Dragon near Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Tennessee/North Carolina border. For a delightful Great Smoky Mountains National Park scenic side trip, drive to Balsam Mountain via Heintooga Ridge Road, which begins at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 458.2, just 11 miles from the southern end of the Parkway. These places are best for scenic drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Foothills Parkway; Newfound Gap Road; Newfound Gap; Little River Road; Rich Mountain Road; See more scenic drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tripadvisor Newfound Gap Road is THE main road that goes through the Smoky Mountains, running north – south. A Smoky Mountain scenic drive many people don’t know about is along Wears Valley. This one-way, gravel scenic drive stretches for 8 miles (13 kilometers). You can stop throughout the loop to check out the historical buildings, go on hikes, or even have a picnic in the picnic area. 1. Cades Cove. It runs from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina and takes about 90 minutes to drive … Newfound Gap Road. This road also boasts the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as a variety of forest ecosystems. The road is 5.5 miles long, and it is one way. This road connects Pigeon Forge to Townsend and is about 15 miles long. Nantahala Area The gorge, the mountain, the lake Side note! •. The Parkway is considered not only the best scenic drive in North Carolina but also the best scenic drive in the United States. Rich Mountain Road is the #2 Scenic Drive for Late Summer Wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountains! Scenic Drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the Park’s Sugarlands Visitor Center, go west on Little River Road to Cades Cove. The direct drive from Kingston to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 945 miles (1520 km), and should have a drive time of 15 hr 22 min in normal traffic.. It wouldn't surprise me if the entirety of Glacier National Park, beginning in Kalispell or Whitefish, MT, were considered one of the United States' most beautiful scenic drives, but there are two official scenic driving routes within the park. The Going-to-the-Sun Road and Marias Pass are scenic drives that enchant many a visitor every year. Cades Cove. … Located near Wears Valley, this drive is more popular in the fall and is perfect for those looking for a peaceful drive. Wind up the mountain and arrive at the Blue Ridge Parkway in 6.3 miles. The Dragon and More 318 curves and two dams . A project that lasted around 75 years, with more to come over the next 20, select portions of Foothill Parkway are now open to the public and offer beautiful, scenic views with several pull-offs for nature watchers. Cades Cove is one of the most popular spots in the national park, and the 11-mile one-way loop road is a significant reason for this. Clingmans Dome Road: Open March 30 through November 30. Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 510,000 acres, making it the largest national park in the eastern part of the United States. Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains: Our Top 5 Ranked. One of the popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains is the Foothills Parkway. As you begin your drive, you’ll slowly start going up about 3,000 miles. By Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park author Jason Frye. SCENIC DRIVES 1. Check out these scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. When you stay with Stony Brook Cabins, you will be near all of these scenic drives in the Smokies. The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a narrow six mile stretch of twists and turns. 6. Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives 1. The Blue Ridge Parkway travels 469 miles through the North Carolina mountains and finishes at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This is a one-way loop that goes through the woods in the national park. Turn left on the Parkway (north) and take the first road on the left (sign for Weaverville). Newfound Gap Road. Great Smoky Mountain RR offers many trip options. Flexible itineraries, including scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a weekend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and getaways to Asheville, Raleigh-Durham, and Charlotte Strategic advice designed for hikers, beach-goers, foodies, wildlife-watchers, and more; The top local experiences: Explore the gardens of the Biltmore Estate, check out the art museum in Raleigh, or kick … Speaking of the Little Cataloochee Trail, it’s located in the scenic Cataloochee Valley on the north end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It also gives you easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains 1. Travel Activities. Cherohala Skyway To Tellico Plains plus Joyce Kilmer . Experience scenic beauty, local food, mountain music and all there is to see and do along America's Favorite Drive. The scenic drive is perfect for those hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife. Check out these top 6 scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains you’ll love: 1. Wears Valley Road stretches all the way from the heart of Pigeon Forge to the peaceful Townsend,... 2. Lyon Springs Road. This road connects Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina. As you enjoy the view, don’t forget to take advantage of … Cades Cove isn’t the only scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains near Pigeon Forge. Friend Activities. Check out a few more favorites below! Everyone’s favorite scenic drive in the Smokies is through Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For an incredible scenic drive, take the two-lane Foothills Parkway located off Hwy. Little Greenbrier Road: Open April 10 through November 30. You can stop throughout the loop to check out the historical buildings, go on hikes, or even have a picnic in the picnic area. The drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee along Newfound Gap Road takes about an hour. The most popular drive in the Smokies is Cades Cove. Newfound Gap is a 32-mile long journey, really showcasing the beauties of Smoky Mountains TN. 3 Best Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives in the Fall A visit to the Smoky Mountains in the fall isn’t complete without taking a beautiful scenic drive. Cades Cove Loop Road. Newfound Gap Road is by far one of the longest best scenic drives in smoky mountains, at 29.2 miles one way (58.4 miles round trip). Little River Road. Popular Cabins: Bear Tracks #17. To get to this road, you have to travel along a portion of the Cades Cove Loop. Millions of visitors come to this part of the national park every year. You drive 11 miles around a paved loop where you can stop and get out at any point to take pictures or enjoy the fresh outdoors. It stretches for 11 miles through a valley surrounded by the mountains. Newfound Gap. Live. Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains. This scenic mountain drive is … Blue Ridge Parkway. We are staying a couple of nights in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg and on our departure day, we are heading to Hilton Head Island and wanted to take the scenic route for the first part of our trip. Enjoy the views at Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome. This road stretches 72 miles from Cosby to Chilhowee, Tennessee. Cataloochee Valley. Stretching from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC, this 31.6-mile Gatlinburg scenic drive offers superb mountain views. As you drive through the mountains, you’ll have incredible views. The Gap boasts the highest driveable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as a variety of forest ecosystems. Known for winding roads, gorgeous views, river access, camping areas, and hiking trails, Smoky Mountain scenic drives include byways, skyways, national park roads, and the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. Best Things To Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a mecca for outdoor lovers. Along with its abundant wildflowers and wildlife, the park offers stunning waterfalls along wooded trails (Grotto Falls), strenuous climbs (Clingmans Dome or Chimney Tops) and scenic drives (the Roaring Fork Motor Trail). Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a favorite scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. The rolling green hills and subtle blue light, the lush greenery and wildlife sighting opportunities, all make this area perfect for road trips. #2 Heintooga Road in Smoky Mountains National Park . The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is another one of our favorite scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. For the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, look no further than the winding roads of the East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains. Here are the top 4 drives in the Smoky Mountains near our campground you should go on: 1. Newfound Gap Road will take you straight across the mountain from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina on a 33 mile road. This winding road offers 5.5 miles of incredible fall colors, rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old growth forest and several well preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings! 321 just west of Townsend 18 miles up Chilhowee Mountain. Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over half a million acres, making it the largest national park in the East. The Cades Cove Loop Road is the most popular scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains. Here are the 7 of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains to explore. Scenic Drives #2: Lowest Elevation Pass: Newfound Gap Road. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Oconaluftee to Sugarlands to Cades Cove . Even better, there are specific roadways that truly showcase the best when it comes to scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. Posted October 10, 2020 by Tony Perez. It winds through the mountains and the national park, giving you breathtaking views any time of the year. 1. It is an 11-mile paved loop road in a valley... 2. While just about any drive in the Smoky Mountains can be considered scenic, these roads outrank the rest. Total Distance: 5.5 miles. Though it is paved, motorhomes, buses, and trailers are not permitted on … Cades Cove. These historic buildings offer visitors a glimpse of the life of early settlers. US 441, a 38 mile route from Cherokee to Gatlinburg, climbs to over 5,000 feet elevation at New Found Gap before plunging to 1,500 feet at Sugarlands Visitor Center offering unmatched mountain views and fabulous touring.From here TN 73 AKA Little River Road winds 33 miles … It offers scenic drives, plenty of hikes, and, of course, abundant wildlife. This beautiful road has been under construction for years and has been completed in sections. A one-lane, paved scenic drive through Cades Cove valley offers views of the area prior to the creation of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With so many routes to take, you can lose yourself in the scenic beauty, unique foliage and animal sightings. It’s a beautiful drive through the back country where you can see people’s homes, farm land, and find cute little mountain shops where you might want to stop and look around. BRP maps, Parkway app, and more. The upper section of Tremont Road, past the Great Smoky Mountains Institute, turns into a gravel road. If you want a more adventurous drive, consider taking the Parkway to milepost 458.2 and then make the drive to Balsam Mountain via Heintooga Ridge Road. 6 Scenic Smoky Mountain Fall Drives Near Wears Valley 1. Here are some of the best ways to get out among the fall colors of the Smoky Mountains, with scenic drives and places to observe the colors working their way down the mountain to … Cades Cove Scenic Drive Written by: The SmokyMountains.com Local Experts Team The Cades Cove Loop winds for 11 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a picturesque drive with a backdrop of the mountain peaks and its lush, rolling greens. You’ll … Start from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and you’ll find yourself just a moment’s ride away from these beautiful woodland paths. Rich Mountain Road is one of the best-kept secrets of the Smoky Mountains. Rich Mountain Road. A scenic auto tour of the park offers panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings and uninterrupted forest stretching to the horizon. Newfound Gap is a great drive to go on if you want to really enjoy mountain views. A scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains is one of the best way to experience the amazing fall colors. Morning Drive – From Cherokee, take US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) north to the top of the Smokies. SCENIC DRIVES IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS . If you want a more adventurous drive, consider taking the Parkway to milepost 458.2 and then make the drive to Balsam Mountain via Heintooga Ridge Road. 5 of the Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains You Don’t Want to Miss. 4. Free … The Newfound Gap is a 31-mile pass in the Great Smoky Mountains and sits at an elevation of 5,046 feet, making it the lowest elevation pass in the park to be drivable by car. From scenic drives to beautiful nature and hiking trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also home to over 1,400 bears! The Parkway route allows for RV’s and trailers as well. Upper Tremont Road is one of the best Smoky Mountain scenic drives that still remains a hidden gem. Road to Nowhere Lakeview Drive, north of Bryson City . The Dragon and More 318 curves and two dams . Cataloochee Valley Scenic Drive. 40 best stops between Kingston and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park How long is the drive from Kingston to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?. Upper Tremont Road. The Blue Ridge Parkway This massive scenic drive runs from Cherokee, N.C., to Afton, Va., spanning 469 miles. We are also located just across a narrow gravel road from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so as … Packing up the family for a vacation in Gatlinburg is a classic experience for many and we want to help you have the best time possible. There’s about 33 miles left until the road is completely finished, but you can drive on completed sections. Parson Branch Road: Closed due to hazard trees. See the best of the Smoky Mountains: Best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains; The best of hiking in the Smoky Mountains; The big list of things to do in the Smoky Mountains; Driving the scenic route from Gatlinburg to Clingman's Dome; Driving the slow scenic … A great reason to adventure to the mountains is taking a scenic drive! Posted April 23, 2020 in Blog Posts. Drive down the mountain ridge for 7 miles. There’s a lot of great hiking in the Smoky Mountains, but for those who fancy an afternoon drive, here are some of the most scenic roadways in the area. Before the park was christened a national park in 1940, the thriving community of Cataloochee was the largest settlement inside the park’s boundaries. TRAVEL. Nantahala Area The gorge, the mountain, the lake A very scenic drive people love to go on is the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Oconaluftee to Sugarlands to Cades Cove . The Parkway is considered not only the best scenic drive in North Carolina but also the best scenic drive in the United States. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. A national parkway, it traverses the foothills of the northern Smokies and passes through parts of Blount, Sevier, and Cocke counties. It provides the opportunity for visitors to spot black bears, coyotes, deer, turkeys, and even raccoons! This is one of the most scenic highways in the Smoky Mountains. Cades Cove Loop. Ready for what’s labeled as America’s favorite scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains? 4. Newfound Gap This is one of the most scenic highways in the Smoky Mountains. Cades Cove is one of the most popular spots in the national park, and the 11-mile one-way loop road is a significant reason for this. It can be accessed from either Cherokee, NC or Gatlinburg, TN. This 11-mile road also offers views of historic cabins and the mountains. Cades Cove Loop. The Baldface Mountain Overlook is one of the most scenic overlooks along the Skyline Drive. A cut in the stone wall around the overlook leads to a rocky outcropping just a few feet away. It's the perfect place to enjoy the view for a while and snap a photo to remember this beautiful view. There are several spots along the road where you can get out and explore historic buildings. There are over 270 miles of road in the Smokies. It connects the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests to the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains is Cades Cove Loop. Owl's Nest. It is an 11-mile, one-way loop road that ... 2. Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives. Cades Cove Loop. This is among the most popular scenic drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Blue Ridge Parkway. Would greatly appreciate any and all suggestions on things to do in the park, places for good local cuisine, farmer's markets, etc! Drive down the road all the way, and you will end up in Tuckaleechee right by Townsend. Approved by Congress in 1944 the Foothills Parkway located in the mountainous foothills of the Tennessee Valley, mostly travels below and parallel to the Great Smoky Mountains. There are places along the road where you can get out and walk to a historic building to stretch your … Newfound Gap Road will take you straight across the mountain from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina on a 33 mile road. The Cades Cove Loop Road is the most popular scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains. Seasonal Road Closures. PigeonForge.com. This less-traveled, country road begins just off the Cades Cove loop directly across from the Missionary Baptist Church at sign post #8 and heads north. It stretches for 11 miles through a valley surrounded by the mountains. For scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through 469 miles of beautiful forest and mountain terrain between Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.The scenery is outstanding and there are many recreational activities to do along the way; picnic area, hiking trails, camp grounds and visitor centers are just a few.