GSMNP AUTO TOURS

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the most scenic drives in the United States. Winding roads pass through lush forests, picturesque valleys, and offer panoramic mountain views.

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Here are some of the best auto-touring drives within and around the park:

Cades Cove Loop Road: This 11-mile one-way loop circles the Cades Cove valley and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly in the morning and late afternoon. Along the drive, visitors can stop at various historic sites, including old homesteads, churches, and a grist mill.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A 5.5-mile one-way loop road near Gatlinburg, this drive offers a close-up view of the forest and streams, with several pull-offs to view waterfalls and historic buildings.
Newfound Gap Road (US-441): This 32-mile drive cuts through the heart of the park, connecting Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC. It offers varied views from forests to heath balds and includes the Newfound Gap overlook, which is roughly the midpoint of the drive.
Blue Ridge Parkway: While not entirely within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it connects the park to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It’s renowned for its scenic beauty, especially during fall when the leaves change colors.
Little River Road: Connecting Sugarlands Visitor Center to Cades Cove, this 25-mile drive offers views of the river, waterfalls, and the surrounding forest. Stops like The Sinks and Meigs Falls are popular along this route.
Foothills Parkway: There are two main sections of this drive – the western section near Walland and Look Rock, and the eastern section near Cosby. Both sections offer panoramic views of the Smokies from a series of pull-offs.
Rich Mountain Road: This one-way road offers an alternative exit from Cades Cove and provides different perspectives of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Clingmans Dome Road: This 7-mile road branches off from Newfound Gap Road and takes visitors close to the highest point in the park. A short hike from the parking area leads to Clingmans Dome observation tower, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

When planning an auto-touring adventure in the park:

Check for seasonal road closures, especially during winter months when snow and ice can affect higher elevations.
Weekends, especially during peak seasons (fall foliage and summer), can be crowded. Consider starting early or visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience.
Always adhere to speed limits and use pull-offs to view scenery or wildlife to avoid traffic congestion.

Whether you’re exploring dense forests, historic sites, or cascading waterfalls, the park’s roads offer an accessible way to experience the stunning landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains.