Little River Road: Filled With Scenic Wonders

Explore Little River Road: A Scenic Gateway to the Smokies

Little River Road is a picturesque route that winds through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, connecting Gatlinburg to the renowned Cades Cove area. Beginning at Sugarlands Visitor Center, just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, the road travels west alongside the tranquil Little River, offering access to waterfalls, hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.

Initially named Fighting Creek Gap Road, it becomes Little River Road near the Elkmont Campground turnoff and continues to the Townsend Wye, where it transitions into Laurel Creek Road leading to Cades Cove.

A Journey Through Natural Beauty

This drive is ideal for visitors seeking a leisurely way to experience the park’s natural wonders, especially families with young children, travelers with pets, or anyone with limited mobility. The route offers numerous stops where you can enjoy the landscape without venturing far from your vehicle.

The road is known for its serene forest views, river access, and convenient proximity to multiple points of interest. Along the way, you’ll find scenic pullouts and designated stops, each offering its own unique experience:

• Maloney Point – A scenic overlook perfect for photography or simply enjoying the view.
• Laurel Falls – A short, paved hiking trail leading to a stunning waterfall, popular with visitors of all ages.
• Elkmont – A historic area featuring campsites, hiking trails, and the peaceful Little River Trail.
• Metcalf Bottoms – A well-equipped picnic area ideal for a mid-day break.
• The Sinks – A powerful waterfall with dramatic rock formations.
• Meigs Falls – A roadside waterfall visible from a small pull-off.
• Townsend Wye – A natural swimming area where two branches of the Little River meet.

Begin at Sugarlands Visitor Center

Sugarlands Visitor Center is a great place to start your day. Knowledgeable rangers and a variety of maps and guides are available to help you plan your visit. Several accessible nature trails are located nearby, including a flat, paved path suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. It’s an ideal introduction to the park for first-time visitors.

Discover Quiet Walkways

Scattered along Little River Road are several “Quiet Walkways,” short trails that lead to tranquil spots away from the main road. These hidden gems offer a peaceful escape into the forest, with many requiring only a few minutes of walking to reach secluded, scenic areas. Look for small roadside signs that mark their entrances. Most have space for one or two vehicles to park.

Visit Meigs Falls

Located about 13 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center, Meigs Falls is one of the few waterfalls in the park visible from the road. Easily overlooked, this serene cascade is best viewed from a small parking area just west of The Sinks. While the waterfall is impressive year-round, dense summer foliage may partially obscure the view, so spring and fall are ideal for clearer sightings.

Relax at the Townsend Wye

At the junction known as the Townsend Wye, the middle and west prongs of Little River converge, forming a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing during warmer months. The area features shallow entry points and deeper sections, making it a favorite destination for both relaxation and recreation. It’s a great place to cool off before continuing your journey to Cades Cove or the town of Townsend.

Continue Toward Cades Cove or Explore the Quiet Side

From the Townsend Wye, you can head left on Laurel Creek Road into Cades Cove, one of the park’s most celebrated destinations. Alternatively, follow the road to the right into Townsend, a quieter community with a rich cultural history and a strong connection to the Smokies.

Often referred to as “The Quiet Side of the Smoky Mountains,” the area includes both Townsend and Wears Valley—ideal destinations for travelers seeking a more peaceful experience away from the busy hubs of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Highway 321 provides direct access from Pigeon Forge to this part of the park, either by passing through Wears Valley or continuing directly into Townsend.

Fall is a particularly scenic time to travel this route, as vibrant foliage descends into the lower elevations, transforming the landscape into a patchwork of autumn color.

Plan Your Stay

Whether you choose a cozy cabin in Wears Valley or a rental in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, there are plenty of lodging options close to Little River Road. For more help navigating the park, explore our maps and guides, including detailed scenic driving routes throughout the Smokies.

Little River Road is more than just a way to get to Cades Cove—it’s a destination in its own right, offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and peaceful discovery in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

There are many Wears Valley cabins available in this quiet side of the Smokies, just as there are the Gatlinburg rental cabins and the Pigeon Forge cabins. And for other guides to enjoying the national park, try our Smoky Mountains map page, and our scenery guide to Driving in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.