- Discover the 5 best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, perfect for non-hikers, families, and road trip lovers.
- Get practical tips: best times to visit, where to stop, and how to avoid crowds.
- Book your cabin near the park for the ultimate mountain getaway!
Did you know you can spot black bears, see 1800s cabins, and admire jaw-dropping mountain vistas, all without leaving your car? The Smoky Mountains’ scenic drives offer the region’s best views and history, no hiking boots required. Find out more about the top scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains by reading on!
Why Choose a Scenic Drive in the Smokies?
- No hiking required: Perfect for families, seniors, and anyone who prefers to explore by car.
- Wildlife & history: See black bears, deer, and historic pioneer cabins from your window.
- Year-round beauty: Enjoy wildflowers in spring, lush forests in summer, gorgeous foliage in fall, and snow-capped peaks in winter.
- Accessible adventure: Most drives are fully accessible, with plenty of pull-offs and picnic spots.
Key Takeaway: Scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains offer the park’s best views, wildlife, and history!
Detailed Guide: The 5 Best Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives
1. Cades Cove Loop Road
Why Go: The most popular scenic drive in the Smokies, Cades Cove is a wildlife and history lover’s dream. This 11-mile one-way loop circles a lush valley dotted with pioneer cabins, churches, and open meadows, all prime spots for spotting black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
Highlights:
- Historic Sites: John Oliver Cabin, Cable Mill, 1800s churches, Carter Shields Cabin.
- Wildlife: Best at dawn/dusk; bears, deer, turkeys, coyotes.
- Picnic Area: At the loop entrance.
- Photo Spots: Open meadows, historic buildings, misty mornings.
Insider Tips:
- Arrive early (before 10 a.m.) or late (after 5 p.m.) to avoid crowds and get parking.
- Closed to vehicles on Wednesdays for cyclists and walkers.
- Parking tag required if you stop for more than 15 minutes.
2. Newfound Gap Road (US 441)
Why Go: Newfound Gap Road is a 33-mile route that connects Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC, climbing to the park’s highest drivable pass (5,046 ft). Expect jaw-dropping overlooks, access to Kuwohi, and a chance to stand with one foot in Tennessee and the other in North Carolina.
Highlights:
- Overlooks: Campbell Overlook (Mt. LeConte), Morton Overlook (sunset), Newfound Gap Overlook.
- Kuwohi: Highest point in TN, panoramic views (short, steep paved path).
- Historic Sites: Rockefeller Memorial, Mingus Mill.
- Visitor Centers: Sugarlands (Gatlinburg), Oconaluftee (Cherokee).
Insider Tips:
- Check road status in winter, as snow and ice can close the pass.
- Best for fall colors (mid-October) and spring wildflowers.
- Restrooms and info at both visitor centers.
3. Foothills Parkway
Why Go: Less crowded than other drives, the Foothills Parkway offers sweeping mountain and valley views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Multiple overlooks and picnic spots make it perfect for a leisurely day trip.
Highlights:
- Look Rock Overlook: Short walk to a panoramic tower.
- Multiple pull-offs: Great for photos and picnics.
- Wildlife: Bears, deer, and birds often seen.
Insider Tips:
- Pack snacks and water, there are no food stops along the route.
- Accessible pull-offs and restrooms at Look Rock.
- Best for sunrise/sunset photography.
4. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Why Go: The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 6-mile, one-way loop through dense forest, historic homesteads, and alongside a rushing mountain stream. Waterfalls, log cabins, and wildlife make this a favorite for a short, immersive Smokies experience.
Highlights:
- Historic Cabins: Noah “Bud” Ogle Homestead, Bales Place.
- Waterfalls: Grotto Falls (short hike), Place of a Thousand Drips (roadside).
- Ely’s Mill: Crafts and local goods at the end of the loop.
Insider Tips:
- Closed in winter (open May–Nov).
- Not suitable for RVs or trailers.
- Arrive early for parking at trailheads.
5. Little River Road
Why Go: Little River Road is an 18-mile riverside drive that connects Gatlinburg to Townsend, winding past waterfalls, picnic areas, and trailheads. It’s a favorite for fall color and easy access to water features.
Highlights:
- Waterfalls: Meigs Falls (view from road), The Sinks (short walk).
- Picnic Areas: Metcalf Bottoms, Townsend Wye.
- Trailheads: Laurel Falls (paved, family-friendly hike).
Insider Tips:
- Parking fills up fast at popular stops, so go early.
- Great for fall foliage and spring wildflowers.
- No restaurants inside the park, consider packing a picnic.
Mini-Summary:
Each drive offers a unique Smoky Mountains experience. You can choose Cades Cove for wildlife and history, Newfound Gap for epic views, Foothills Parkway for peaceful panoramas, Roaring Fork for forest immersion, and Little River Road for waterfalls and riverside beauty.
Practical Tips for Your Smoky Mountains Road Trip
- Check road status: Some drives close in winter or for weather, visit the NPS conditions page before you go.
- Parking tag required: Needed if you stop for more than 15 minutes anywhere in the park.
- Arrive early or late: Beat the crowds and enjoy peaceful views.
- Pack essentials: Snacks, water, paper map, and extra fuel, cell service is spotty.
- Accessibility: Most drives are car-friendly and have accessible pull-offs; Cades Cove and Newfound Gap have ADA restrooms.
- Restrooms: Available at visitor centers and some picnic areas; limited elsewhere.
FAQs: Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains
What is the most scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains?
Cades Cove Loop Road is the most popular and arguably the most scenic, offering wildlife, historic sites, and more in one easy loop. On the other hand, Newfound Gap Road has some of the best mountain views around!
When is the best time to do a scenic drive in the Smokies?
Early mornings or late afternoons are best for fewer crowds and more wildlife. Fall (mid-October) is peak for foliage, while spring brings wildflowers.
Do I need to pay to drive in the Smoky Mountains?
There’s no entrance fee, but you need a parking tag if you stop for more than 15 minutes.
Are the scenic drives accessible for people with limited mobility?
Yes! All five drives can be enjoyed from your car, and many pull-offs and restrooms are accessible.
Can I see wildlife from my car?
Absolutely, especially in Cades Cove and Roaring Fork. Early and late in the day are best for bear and deer sightings.
Plan Adventures in the Smoky Mountains
Now that you know more about some of the top scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, you are one step closer to enjoying the incredible natural beauty that the area has to offer! Plus, if you are looking to get out of your car and do some hiking in the Smokies, you can find out about some of the top hikes at Great Smoky Mountains National Park right here!
