The Most Beautiful Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains
By Leif Palmer
Posted on June 17, 2025
The Great Smoky Mountains are known for breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, historic sites, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. While hiking is one of the most popular ways to explore the national park, not everyone wants to spend their vacation on the trails. Fortunately, some of the most spectacular scenery in the region can be enjoyed right from your vehicle.
Whether you are visiting during spring wildflower season, the vibrant colors of fall, or the quiet beauty of winter, scenic drives offer an easy way to experience the Smokies. Many of these routes provide access to overlooks, historic structures, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing areas without requiring strenuous hiking.
If you're planning to spend time exploring the area around Gatlinburg, understanding where to park downtown can make your trip easier. Before heading into the mountains, visitors can find helpful parking information at Parking in Gatlinburg.
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road is one of the most famous drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stretching approximately 31 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina, this route offers some of the most impressive mountain views in the southeastern United States.
The road climbs more than 3,000 feet in elevation, providing visitors with changing landscapes as they travel through different forest ecosystems. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous overlooks where you can safely pull off and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains.
One of the highlights is Newfound Gap itself, which sits at an elevation of 5,046 feet. Visitors can walk a short distance to enjoy incredible mountain vistas and learn about the area's history. The road also provides access to Clingmans Dome Road, leading to the highest point in Tennessee.
Cades Cove Loop Road
Cades Cove is one of the most visited destinations in the national park, and for good reason. This 11-mile one-way loop offers a unique combination of mountain scenery, historic structures, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The broad valley is surrounded by mountains and provides excellent opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and other wildlife. Early morning and late evening are often the best times for wildlife viewing.
Along the route, visitors can explore preserved churches, cabins, mills, and other structures that provide a glimpse into Appalachian life during the 1800s. Numerous pull-offs allow visitors to stop for photographs and enjoy the scenery.
Traffic can become heavy during peak travel seasons, so arriving early is often recommended.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Located just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers one of the most enjoyable scenic drives in the park. This narrow, winding one-way road travels through lush forests alongside mountain streams and historic buildings.
The route is particularly beautiful during spring and summer when the forest canopy is fully developed. In autumn, colorful leaves transform the area into one of the most photographed locations in the Smokies.
Highlights include historic cabins, rushing streams, and access to several popular trailheads. Visitors can also stop near the trail leading to Grotto Falls, one of the park's most beloved waterfalls.
Because of its narrow design, larger vehicles may find the route challenging. Checking seasonal openings before visiting is also recommended.
Foothills Parkway
The Foothills Parkway is often considered one of the most underrated scenic drives in East Tennessee. Designed specifically for sightseeing, the roadway offers stunning panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and surrounding valleys.
The newest section connecting Wears Valley to Walland has quickly become a favorite among photographers and visitors seeking mountain views without the traffic found in some other areas of the park.
Multiple overlooks along the route provide opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. On clear days, visitors can see ridge after ridge of blue-tinted mountains stretching into the distance.
The parkway is particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset when changing light conditions create dramatic views.
Little River Road
Little River Road connects Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg to Cades Cove and offers a scenic drive of its own. Running alongside the Little River for much of its length, this roadway provides easy access to several popular destinations.
Visitors can stop at numerous pull-offs to enjoy river views, photograph cascades, or simply relax beside the water. During warmer months, many families enjoy watching tubers and anglers along the river.
Popular stops include The Sinks, a powerful waterfall located just off the road, and several picnic areas that make excellent spots for lunch.
Cherohala Skyway
Although not located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherohala Skyway is worth considering for visitors who enjoy long scenic drives. This 43-mile route connects Tennessee and North Carolina through remote mountain terrain.
The road climbs to elevations exceeding 5,000 feet and offers numerous overlooks with spectacular views. Because commercial development is limited along the route, visitors can enjoy a peaceful driving experience surrounded by natural beauty.
Motorcyclists frequently rank the Cherohala Skyway among the most scenic roads in America, but it is equally enjoyable for families and casual visitors.
Best Time for Scenic Drives
Each season brings a different experience to the Smokies. Spring offers wildflowers and fresh greenery. Summer provides lush forests and abundant wildlife activity. Fall is famous for brilliant foliage displays that attract visitors from around the world. Winter often delivers long-range mountain views that are hidden by foliage during other seasons.
Early morning drives typically provide the best opportunities for wildlife sightings and lighter traffic. Sunset drives can also be rewarding, particularly along Foothills Parkway and Newfound Gap Road.
Planning Your Scenic Drive Adventure
Before setting out, check road conditions and weather forecasts. Mountain weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Bringing water, snacks, a camera, and a full tank of fuel can help ensure a comfortable trip.
It's also wise to allow extra time for stops. One of the best parts of exploring the Smokies by car is discovering unexpected overlooks, wildlife sightings, and scenic pull-offs along the way.
Final Thoughts
The Smoky Mountains offer some of the most beautiful scenic drives in the United States. From the panoramic views of Newfound Gap Road to the wildlife-rich valley of Cades Cove and the stunning overlooks of Foothills Parkway, there is something for every visitor to enjoy.
Whether you're planning a short afternoon excursion or a full day of sightseeing, these scenic drives provide an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of East Tennessee and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in Gatlinburg. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.