Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains
Scenic Drives and Viewpoints in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee offer breathtaking scenery almost anywhere you travel, but several routes stand out for their exceptional views and memorable stops perfect for photography and exploration.
Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As the most visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. To enjoy a more tranquil visit and secure parking at popular spots, consider planning your drive early in the morning or later in the evening.
Within the park, some of the most picturesque drives include the Cades Cove Loop Road, Newfound Gap Road, and Little River Road. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, beginning near Gatlinburg, offers a scenic, immersive journey featuring waterfalls, overlooks, and multiple hiking opportunities. For a quieter alternative, Rich Mountain Road provides a peaceful route, especially if Cades Cove is busy. For detailed tips, refer to our comprehensive guide on driving within the park.
Scenic Routes Beyond the Park
Outside the park boundaries, Wears Valley Road from Pigeon Forge provides stunning mountain vistas as it winds toward Townsend, located on the quieter side of the Smokies. This road also leads to Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, which connects to Little River Road. Another valuable route is the Gatlinburg Bypass, which offers a scenic way to avoid Parkway traffic while enjoying lovely views.
One of the most remarkable drives in the region is the Foothills Parkway. This highway, free of commercial development, delivers sweeping panoramic mountain views and a uniquely peaceful driving experience.
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, several lesser-known roads suitable for biking also make excellent scenic driving routes. Our Biking guide highlights these hidden gems for explorers looking to immerse themselves in natural beauty.
Must-See Overlooks and Vistas
Several designated overlooks provide stunning vantage points worth the visit. The Carlos Campbell Overlook, just under three miles south of Gatlinburg on Highway 441, offers an outstanding view of Mount LeConte. Newfound Gap Overlook, located approximately 15.5 miles along the same highway at the North Carolina state line, presents expansive ridge-line vistas on both sides of the border.
Nearby, Clingmans Dome Road leads to the park’s highest point and a well-known observation tower that, on clear days, affords views across seven states.
Rich Mountain Road features an overlook with a unique perspective of Cades Cove and the historic Baptist Church. Additionally, the Gatlinburg Bypass includes the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, which provides a classic panoramic view of the town—a popular photo spot for visitors.
Wildlife and Safety Tips
While exploring the Smokies, always stay alert for wildlife on or near the roads. If you encounter animals, especially bears, maintain a safe distance and never approach them. Observing wildlife from afar protects both visitors and animals, preventing dangerous habituation that could lead to relocation or worse.
Additional Travel Considerations
And any time you’re driving you should be aware that your GPS and cell phone may not be reliable in some parts of the mountains. Check a map for directions. And check our guide to Shortcuts and Back Roads to get better oriented to the area. You can also find more scenic-route advice in our guide for travelers driving in from the Best Airport for Flying to Gatlinburg, which is McGhee Tyson airport on the south side of Knoxville.