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If you’re visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee, there is so much more to experience than the attractions, restaurants, and shops along the Parkway. Some of the best scenery in the area can be found by simply getting in the car and taking a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains.
Whether this is your first visit to Gatlinburg or your fifteenth, there is always something beautiful to discover in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From breathtaking mountain overlooks and rushing streams to historic buildings and abundant wildlife, the park’s roads offer some incredible opportunities to explore.
Here are four beautiful scenic drives near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that deserve a spot on your next Smoky Mountains itinerary.
Planning tip: Road conditions and seasonal closures can change, so always check the National Park Service’s current road status before heading out. Primary roads such as Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and Cades Cove Loop Road are generally open year-round, weather permitting, while several secondary roads close seasonally.
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road, also known as US 441, is one of the most spectacular drives in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The approximately 35-mile road connects Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with Cherokee, North Carolina, and crosses directly through the heart of the national park. Along the way, you’ll find numerous overlooks and pull-offs where you can stop and take in the mountain scenery.
One of the most memorable stops is Newfound Gap, which sits along the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. It’s a great place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
Another highlight is Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome. The road leading to Kuwohi is a seasonal secondary road.
If you have time, make a day of the drive. Stop at the overlooks, explore some of the short trails, visit the visitor centers, and continue into Cherokee, North Carolina, where you’ll find attractions including the Oconaluftee Indian Village and Museum of the Cherokee People.
And don’t forget to keep your eyes open for wildlife. The Smokies are home to black bears, deer, elk, wild turkeys, and many other animals.
Why we love it:
- Beautiful mountain overlooks
- Tennessee-North Carolina state line
- Access to Newfound Gap and Kuwohi
- Scenic route to Cherokee
- Plenty of opportunities to stop and explore
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
If you’re looking for a scenic drive that combines mountain scenery, rushing water, waterfalls, and history, put Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on your list.
Located just outside Gatlinburg, the entrance to the drive can be accessed near traffic light #8 on the Parkway. The 5.5-mile, one-way road winds through a lush forest and provides opportunities to see historic structures, streams, waterfalls, and other natural features. Roaring Fork is a seasonal secondary road.
One of the highlights is Place of a Thousand Drips, a waterfall located beside the road. After periods of heavy rain, the water flowing through the area can be especially impressive.
You’ll also find historic homesteads and other structures along the route, giving you a glimpse into what life was like in the Smoky Mountains before the national park was established.
If you enjoy hiking, there are opportunities to combine this drive with nearby trails, including the trail to Grotto Falls. Just remember that parking at popular trailheads can be limited.
Why we love it:
- Easy access from Gatlinburg
- Beautiful mountain streams
- Historic cabins and structures
- Place of a Thousand Drips
- Hiking opportunities
- A completely different experience from the busy Gatlinburg Parkway
Little River Road
For a relaxing drive with beautiful water and mountain scenery, Little River Road is another excellent choice.
The road follows the Little River through the Smokies, connecting the Sugarlands area near Gatlinburg with the Townsend area. Along the way, you’ll find scenic pull-offs, river views, picnic areas, and opportunities to stop and explore.
One of the great things about Little River Road is that you don’t necessarily have to plan a specific destination. You can simply enjoy the drive and stop whenever you find a view that catches your attention.
There are also hiking opportunities along the route, making it easy to turn a scenic drive into a full day of exploring.
Consider stopping at Metcalf Bottoms, a popular picnic area located along the Little River. From there, visitors can also access nearby historic sites and trails.
Why we love it:
- Beautiful river views
- Mountain scenery
- Scenic pull-offs
- Picnic opportunities
- Hiking and historic sites
- Convenient route between Gatlinburg and Townsend
Little River Road is considered one of the park’s primary roads and generally remains open year-round, weather permitting.
Cades Cove Loop Road
No list of scenic drives in the Great Smoky Mountains would be complete without Cades Cove Loop Road.
Located on the western side of the national park near Townsend, Tennessee, Cades Cove is a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. The 11-mile, one-way loop gives visitors the opportunity to experience mountain scenery, historic structures, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing all from one route.
This is a drive you don’t want to rush.
The National Park Service recommends allowing at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, and you’ll want additional time if you plan to hike or explore some of the historic sites.
Keep your camera ready because wildlife sightings are common. You may see deer, wild turkeys, and—if you’re lucky—black bears. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and never approach or feed animals.
Cades Cove is also a wonderful place for history lovers. Along the loop, you can explore historic homesites, churches, cemeteries, and other structures that tell the story of the people who once lived in this mountain community.
One unique feature is the park’s vehicle-free Wednesdays, which typically occur during the Summer Months. During these days, motor vehicles are prohibited on the loop, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to experience the road without vehicle traffic.
Why we love it:
- 11-mile scenic loop
- Mountain views
- Wildlife viewing
- Historic buildings
- Hiking opportunities
- One of the most memorable drives in the Smokies
Don’t Forget Your Great Smoky Mountains Parking Tag
Before heading into the national park, remember that parking tags are required when you park within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes. The requirement applies throughout the park, including areas such as Cades Cove and Roaring Fork.
It’s also important to remember that having a parking tag does not guarantee that you’ll find a parking space. Popular areas and trailheads can fill quickly, especially during busy travel periods.
The National Park Service recommends having a backup plan because parking can be limited throughout the Smokies.
Which Scenic Drive Should You Choose?
Each of these drives offers something a little different.
For mountain overlooks: Choose Newfound Gap Road.
For waterfalls, streams, and historic structures: Choose Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
For a relaxing river drive: Choose Little River Road.
For wildlife, history, and a full-day adventure: Choose Cades Cove Loop Road.
And if you have the time, don’t choose just one! These scenic drives can easily be incorporated into multiple days of a Gatlinburg or Great Smoky Mountains vacation.
Add These Scenic Drives to Your Next Gatlinburg Trip
One of the best things about visiting Gatlinburg is how easy it is to escape the hustle and bustle and experience the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
So on your next trip, take some time to put down the attraction list, get in the car, and enjoy the drive.
Whether you’re searching for breathtaking mountain overlooks, peaceful rivers, waterfalls, historic buildings, or opportunities to spot wildlife, these scenic drives offer plenty of reasons to explore beyond the Gatlinburg Parkway.
Pro Tip: There are no gas stations once you enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and little to no cell service. Make sure that you have all of the necessities that you will need before entering the national park.
Save this guide for your next Smoky Mountains getaway and share it with your favorite driving companion!
Road conditions, seasonal schedules, and closures can change, so check with the National Park Service before your visit for current conditions and alerts.