The Best Scenic Drives In the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are beautiful year-round, and one of the best ways to experience them is to take a scenic drive. From mountain vistas to rushing streams and cascading waterfalls, the Smoky Mountains offer a diversity of landscapes that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car. Here is a list of some of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains.
Tail of the Dragon
The Tail of the Dragon is one of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. It’s an 11-mile stretch of US Route 129 that winds through the hills and valleys of the region, with 318 curves for you to enjoy. Although it’s not for the faint of heart, it is one of the most unique and thrilling roads in the Smoky Mountains.
Cades Cove Loop Road
Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile one-way road through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The road takes you through lush woodlands, past historic buildings, and alongside some of the most incredible wildlife in the region. You’ll also have a chance to catch a glimpse of some of the breathtaking waterfalls scattered throughout the area.
Foothills Parkway
The Foothills Parkway is the longest scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains, running 32 miles from Chilhowee Mountain to the Wears Valley. Along the way, you can enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Smokies, with grand vistas of the peaks and valleys in the distance.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a five-mile route through dense old growth forests and along tumbling streams. This scenic drive is especially popular for those who appreciate nature and photography, as there are plenty of opportunities to capture some unique shots of the native birds and animals that call the area home.
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road is one of the most scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. It takes you along a 30-mile route that takes you through the heart of the national park, with plenty of photo ops of the steep ridgelines of the Appalachian Mountains in the distance. You’ll also have the chance to catch a glimpse of some of the classic Smoky Mountain sights like Clingman’s Dome and the Laurel Falls.
The Cherohala Skyway
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile drive that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the Smoky Mountains. This route takes you to the highest elevations in the region, over 5,400 ft in some places, so you can spend some time above the clouds with stunning views of the Appalachians.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the longest and most scenic roads in the United States, stretching 469 miles along the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to North Carolina. The stretch of the Parkway that passes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the region, so be sure to have your camera ready.
Little River Road
The Little River Road is a popular route through the Smokies, due to its incredible views of the river and the surrounding hills. The route takes you through the heart of the national park, with countless photo ops of the incredible waterfalls, lush woodland and wildlife of the area.
Cherokee-Great Smoky Mountain Expressway
The Cherokee-Great Smoky Mountain Expressway is a 32-mile drive through the center of the national park. It takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the region, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for views of the majestic Appalachians in the distance.
How to Enjoy Your Drive in the Smoky Mountains
Now that you know some of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, lets talk about how to get the most out of them. Here are some tips for making the most of your scenic driving experience in the region:
• Pack some snacks and drinks – Enjoying your journey is much easier if your tummy is full and happy, so be sure to have some snacks and drinks in your car before you head out.
• Fiddle with your camera gear – Make sure your camera gear is in order before you set out on your journey so that you can fully enjoy the scenery.
• Come early or late – Try to plan your trip during the early morning or late evening hours to get the most out of your drive.
• Fill up the gas tank – Running out of gas in the middle of nowhere is a trip killer, so be sure to fill up your tank before you set out.
• Bring a map – A printed map may come in handy if you want to explore some of the lesser-known roads and trails in the area.
• Take your time – You don’t have to rush on your drive, so take your time and enjoy the views while you’re travelling.
No matter what scenic drives you take in the Smoky Mountains, you’re sure to have some unforgettable experiences and unimaginable sights. So hit the road, and explore the best scenic drives that the Smokies have to offer.
