Scenic Road Trips in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A drive through and to Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers breathtaking advantages. While hiking allows you to connect closely with breathtaking waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and scenic rock trails, a leisurely drive provides a comprehensive view of this multifaceted 520,000-plus acre natural wonder. Additionally, there are numerous labeled “Quiet Walks” to stop at if you want to stretch your legs amidst the vibrant nature.

Most routes in the park showcase swirling fog, rugged peaks, and towering hardwoods. Moreover, one loop offers an opportunity to explore a centuries-old European settlement. The journey to the park can be just as enjoyable, featuring charming small towns, sprawling destinations, and family-friendly attractions.

1. Cades Cove Loop

Best Inner-Park Road Trip Loop
Cades Cove–Cades Cove; 11 miles

Among the various loops and customizable adventure options within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cades Cove Loop is certainly one of the most popular. This is primarily due to the vibrant wildlife, including white-tailed deer and black bears, alongside numerous historic structures such as barns, churches, and even a working gristmill from the 1800s.

If traffic slows down your progress, a visitor center located mid-loop provides a perfect spot to take a break, with several adjoining trails, including the scenic 5-mile Abrams Falls trek. For camping enthusiasts, the Cades Cove Campground is open year-round, boasting nearly 160 sites.

Planning Tip: Cades Cove Loop operates daily from 8 am to sunset, with crowds often peaking after 10 am.

2. Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee

Best Road Trip for First Timers
Sugarlands Visitor Center–Oconaluftee Visitor Center; 29 miles

On any park map, you’ll notice a stunning north-south route cutting beautifully through the park – the Newfound Gap Route. As the lowest-elevation pass through the park, this scenic drive features towering hardwoods and spruce firs amidst a frequently foggy landscape.

Be sure to take in the incredible viewpoints along the way, particularly the Carlos C. Campbell Overlook at approximately mile 15, located at the Tennessee-North Carolina state line, highlighting the Rockefeller Memorial that commemorates the park’s dedication by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1940.

3. The Foothills Parkway

Best Road Trip for Fall Foliage
Wears Valley–Route 129; 32 miles

Identifying the absolute best spot for fall foliage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be challenging. However, the western section of The Foothills Parkway stands out, presenting winding vistas framed by trees and numerous viewpoints for enjoying scenic overlooks. With a total of 19 overlooks, be sure to prioritize Overlook #8 for breathtaking views of the park and nearby Maryville.

Note that an eastern portion of The Foothills Parkway exists, running between Interstate 40 and Cosby, featuring four scenic overlooks and magnificent vistas.

Planning Tip: The eastern and western segments of The Foothills Parkway are not directly connected. If you want to experience both, Route 321 serves as the best route to connect them.

4. Knoxville to Gatlinburg via Sevierville and Pigeon Forge

Best Kid-Friendly Road Trip
Downtown Knoxville–Sugarlands Visitor Center; 45 miles

For travelers arriving to experience the Smoky Mountains, many journeys kick off at Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport. After picking up a rental car, make a stop in Knoxville to enjoy some local barbecue before proceeding along Interstate 40 to explore family-friendly towns like Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.

Sevierville boasts its revitalized downtown with a statue of local icon Dolly Parton, while Pigeon Forge is home to attractions like Dollywood and The Historic Old Mill, where you can observe traditional grain processing. Additionally, the Island area in Pigeon Forge features a variety of attractions including great dining and entertainment options.

5. Asheville to Gatlinburg via Cherokee

Best Road Trip to Visit Breweries
Downtown Asheville–Sugarlands Visitor Center; 86 miles

If you’re arriving on the North Carolina side, take a journey from the craft beer hot spot of Asheville. Indulge in samples from local breweries such as Hillman Beer and renowned establishments like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium.

After enjoying beverages in Asheville, traverse through Maggie Valley, home to the beautiful Soco Falls. Before entering the park, Cherokee offers a chance to explore charming locales and rich history at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, detailing the tribe’s vibrant legacy.

6. Atlanta to Cherokee via Blue Ridge, Georgia

Best Road Trip for a Multi-Day Adventure
Downtown Atlanta–Oconaluftee Visitor Center; 178 miles

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is renowned for being the busiest airport in the U.S., making it a popular gateway to the Southeast. From Atlanta, take a scenic route to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the North Carolina side of Smoky Mountains National Park. Avoid taking the quicker I-85 to Route 23 route; instead, choose I-75 to US Route 74 for a more picturesque drive through charming southern towns and stunning natural landscapes.

In the Nantahala National Forest, adventure seekers will find more than 600 miles of trails suitable for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, allowing for ample opportunities to camp and explore the natural beauty of the area.