Driving in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Scenic Drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park by car is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to experience its breathtaking beauty. With nearly 400 miles of roadway winding through the park and its surrounding landscapes, visitors can enjoy dramatic mountain vistas, diverse forests, waterfalls, and historic sites—all from the comfort of their vehicle.

Planning Your Drive

When setting out for a scenic drive, start early, drive with caution, and allow time to fully enjoy the views. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife including elk, black bears, wild turkeys, and otters—so always remain alert, and remember to drive slowly.

Due to the park’s popularity, traffic is common during peak seasons, and mountain weather conditions can change rapidly. Road closures due to maintenance, heavy rain, or snow are not uncommon. Checking the latest park updates before heading out is strongly recommended.

Top Scenic Routes in the Smokies

Here are five of the most popular roads that showcase the natural and cultural beauty of the park:

Cades Cove Loop Road
A picturesque 11-mile loop through a broad valley known for its abundant wildlife, historic cabins, and serene meadows.

Cataloochee Valley
A remote area rich in wildlife, including elk herds, and known for its historic buildings and tranquil setting.

Newfound Gap Road (US 441)
A dramatic drive that crosses the park from Tennessee to North Carolina, featuring sweeping mountain views and access to Clingmans Dome.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
This one-way loop just outside Gatlinburg winds through lush forest, past waterfalls and historic homesteads.

Upper Tremont Road
A quieter, less-traveled route perfect for those looking to enjoy scenic river views, hiking trailheads, and peaceful nature settings.

Visitor centers and regional information hubs offer affordable guidebooklets for each of these routes, providing valuable insights and helping you get the most from your drive.

Iconic Mountain Vistas

For postcard-worthy views, these three scenic overlooks offer some of the best vantage points in the Smokies:

Newfound Gap Overlook
This border crossing between Tennessee and North Carolina features panoramic views that are especially vibrant during the fall foliage season.

Clingmans Dome
At 6,643 feet, the park’s highest point offers the chance to see as many as seven states on a clear day from its observation tower.

Carlos Campbell Overlook
Located near Gatlinburg, this spot offers a spectacular view of Mount Le Conte and is ideal for a short scenic detour.

Seasonal Tips and Quiet Alternatives

Autumn, especially late September through early November, is an exceptional time to visit, with rich colors painting the landscape. Cades Cove remains a top destination for wildlife viewing and peaceful scenery, but it’s best enjoyed early or late in the day to avoid heavy traffic. Don't miss Meigs Falls, visible from Little River Road on the way to the Cove.

If you're looking to avoid crowds, consider these lesser-known routes:

• Foothills Parkway – Offers long-range views with light traffic.
• Blue Ridge Parkway – Known for its expansive overlooks and floral diversity.
• Rich Mountain Road – A gravel road departing from Cades Cove that winds through peaceful woodland and ends in Townsend.

The Cosby and Greenbrier areas are also excellent alternatives for springtime wildflower viewing, trout fishing, and quiet hikes along mountain streams and cascades.

Make the Most of Your Visit

To help get you oriented and plan your excursions from the cabin – and to save you lots of time – check our guides to Getting Around, which includes priceless Shortcuts and Back Roads, and also check out our guide to Scenic Drives Near Gatlinburg for a list of all the great roads. And see our Super Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to get familiar with the many different features and attractions.

TIP: Also see our Insider’s Visual Guide to the National Park – and remember that whatever part of the park interests you the most, we have vacation cabins all over the area: see our Gatlinburg cabin rentals, Pigeon Forge cabins, and Wears Valley cabins.