Top 5 Smoky Mountain Drives You Should Go On
Want to see the beauty of the mountains without hiking? There are several Smoky Mountain drives you can go on to enjoy the area! You can go on a long drive or a short drive, but no matter which road you decide to go on, you’ll see picturesque views. Here are the top 5 Smoky Mountain drives you should go on:
1. Little River Road
Little River Road may not be the first road on some people’s list, but it’s a beautiful drive through the mountains. It runs from Gatlinburg to Townsend. The road is curvy, and it runs alongside the river almost the entire way. There are several spots where you can pull off to see waterfalls or splash in the creek. This is a great drive to go on in the fall because of all the trees you can see along the drive.
2. Wears Valley
For a truly scenic Smoky Mountain drive, you should take Wears Valley. This road runs from Pigeon Forge to Townsend. You’ll see little mountain towns and a ton of local homes along this drive. There are hole-in-the-wall shops and restaurants you might want to try, and there are beautiful views of valleys, farms, and the mountains. This is a beautiful drive any time of the year.
3. Cades Cove
The most popular drive in the Smokies is Cades Cove. This drive is a paved loop that is 11 miles long and takes you through a mountain valley. People love this drive because of the beauty of the area. You’ll see empty fields of wildflowers where white tailed deer or wild turkey graze early in the morning. There are incredible mountain views, and it’s especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colors. Wild animals are often seen in this area, and there are several places where you can get out and explore historic buildings.
4. Foothills Parkway
Another great Smoky Mountain drive is Foothills Parkway. This is a great place to go if you want to avoid a ton of crowds. Foothills Parkway is pretty unique because the road has been completed in sections. There’s still about 33.5 miles of road left to be completed, and it has been worked on for about 75 years. You’ll have incredible mountain views and a ton of places to stop along this road. There’s even an overlook with a picnic area where you can get out and have a meal with your loved ones!
5. Newfound Gap
Newfound Gap is a great scenic drive. It runs from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina. There are a ton of fun things you can get out and do along this road, including Clingmans Dome and a few picnic areas. You’ll have breathtaking mountain views all along this road, and it’s especially beautiful in the fall.
You’ll love every single one of these Smoky Mountain drives. Are you ready to come enjoy the drives through the Smokies? Look through our Pigeon Forge hotel rooms and book your next trip today!
