Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains

The Best Scenic Drives in the Smokies

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the most spectacular scenic drives in the eastern United States. With no entrance fee required, these drives are also among the best free activities available to visitors. Whether you are looking for a quick 30-minute motor trail or an all-day driving adventure that crosses the entire park, the Smokies have a scenic route perfect for you.

The park's scenic drives wind through diverse landscapes, from lush valley floors along rushing streams to high-elevation mountain passes with views stretching to the horizon. Along the way, you will pass trailheads, waterfalls, historic buildings, scenic overlooks, and abundant wildlife. Many visitors consider these drives to be among the highlights of their entire Gatlinburg vacation, and it is easy to see why - the natural beauty is simply extraordinary.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is the scenic drive closest to downtown Gatlinburg and one of the most popular in the park. This 5.5-mile one-way loop road winds through a stunning old-growth forest with some of the largest trees in the park. The road follows the Roaring Fork stream, which cascades over rocks and through lush vegetation alongside the route.

Along the drive, you will find several short walking trails to waterfalls, including the popular trail to Grotto Falls (the only waterfall in the park you can walk behind) and the short path to the Place of a Thousand Drips. Historic log cabins and homesteads are scattered along the route, offering a glimpse into the lives of early mountain settlers. The motor trail is a one-way road with a 10 mph speed limit, so plan approximately one hour for the drive itself, plus time for any stops.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed during winter months (typically December through mid-March) due to weather conditions. During the rest of the year, it is open from dawn to dusk. Early morning visits offer the best chance of wildlife sightings, including black bears that are frequently spotted along the road.

Newfound Gap Road (US 441)

Newfound Gap Road is the only road that crosses the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park, connecting Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina. This 33-mile route climbs from approximately 1,400 feet at the Sugarlands entrance to 5,046 feet at Newfound Gap on the Tennessee-North Carolina state line, making it one of the most dramatic elevation gains of any road in the eastern US.

The drive takes about one hour without stops, but plan for two to three hours to enjoy the numerous overlooks and pulloffs along the way. Highlights include the Chimney Tops overlook, Morton Overlook, Newfound Gap with its Rockefeller Memorial, and the turn-off to Clingmans Dome (the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet). The road passes through multiple climate zones as it climbs, with vegetation changing from hardwood forest to spruce-fir forest at the highest elevations.

Newfound Gap Road is open year-round, though temporary closures can occur during winter ice storms. Fall foliage along this drive is legendary, with peak color typically occurring from mid-October at the highest elevations to early November at lower elevations.

Cades Cove Loop Road

The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile one-way scenic drive through a beautiful mountain valley that was once home to a thriving pioneer community. The valley is surrounded by mountains on all sides, creating a natural amphitheater of stunning beauty. This is widely considered the best place in the park for wildlife viewing, with black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and coyotes regularly spotted in the open meadows.

Historic structures along the loop include three churches, several log cabins, a working gristmill, and a cantilever barn. These preserved buildings tell the story of the families who lived in this remote valley from the early 1800s through the establishment of the national park in 1934. Interpretive signs and pull-offs are available throughout the drive.

Be aware that Cades Cove is extremely popular and can experience heavy traffic, especially during fall foliage season and summer weekends. The loop can take 30 minutes with no stops but routinely takes 2 to 4 hours due to traffic and wildlife viewing stops. For the best experience, arrive early in the morning (before 9 AM) or visit on a weekday.

Little River Road

Little River Road connects the Sugarlands entrance (near Gatlinburg) to the Townsend entrance, following the beautiful Little River for most of its 18-mile length. The road passes through dense forest with the river visible through the trees, and several pulloffs allow you to stop and enjoy the water. This is one of the best roads in the park for combining a scenic drive with short walks to riverside spots.

Popular stops along Little River Road include The Sinks (a dramatic waterfall and swimming hole), Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, and the Elkmont historic district. The road is well-paved and two lanes throughout, making it a comfortable drive for any vehicle.

Tips for Scenic Driving in the Park

• Start early: Morning light is beautiful, traffic is lighter, and wildlife is more active at dawn
• Use pulloffs: Never stop in the travel lane to view wildlife or scenery. Pull completely off the road.
• Check road conditions: The park service website and social media accounts post current road closures and conditions
• Fill your gas tank: There are no gas stations inside the park
• Bring binoculars: Essential for wildlife viewing, especially at Cades Cove
• Fall foliage timing: Peak color varies by elevation. Higher elevations peak in early to mid-October, lower areas in late October to early November.
• Watch for wildlife on roads: Bears, deer, and turkeys regularly cross park roads. Drive slowly and stay alert.
• Combine with hiking: Many great trailheads are located along scenic drives