If you love the mountains and want to see them at your own pace, a scenic drive through the Smokies is one of the best ways to do it. You don’t need to hike for hours or plan every detail. Just hop in your car, roll down the windows, and head toward some of the most peaceful views in Tennessee and North Carolina.
The Great Smoky Mountains are full of roads that offer more than just a way to get from one place to another. These drives are the experience. Whether you want big views, quiet forests, or a chance to see wildlife, there’s a route here that you’ll want to take again and again.
Here are four scenic drives that are easy to reach, simple to follow, and packed with unforgettable views.
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1. Foothills Parkway: Big Views with a Relaxed Ride
Foothills Parkway is one of the most talked-about drives in the Smokies—and for good reason. This road runs along the edge of the mountains and offers long, open views with very little traffic. It’s the kind of drive you can take slowly and still enjoy every second.
The section between Wears Valley and Walland is especially popular. It’s close to Pigeon Forge, which makes it an easy trip if you’re staying nearby. The road is smooth, the curves are gentle, and the pull-offs are perfect for photos or just sitting back for a minute. You’ll see layers of mountains, stretches of forest, and open sky all around.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to go. In the morning, the mist hangs low over the trees. In the evening, the colors shift slowly from gold to blue as the sun drops behind the hills.
If you’re planning to stay close to this route, Visit My Smokies is a great place to start your search for lodging. They list all kinds of options, including affordable Pigeon Forge cabins. These cabins are not only easy on your budget, but they also put you just minutes from the parkway. It’s a quiet, scenic place to stay without being far from town.
2. Newfound Gap Road: From Lowlands to Mountain Peaks
Newfound Gap Road is one of the main roads through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It stretches from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina, and takes you from the base of the mountains all the way up to the high peaks.
This road gives you a chance to see a little bit of everything. As you drive, the trees change, the temperature drops and the views grow wider. You’ll pass streams, rock formations, and thick forests. Along the way, you’ll find pull-offs that offer great spots for photos or short walks.
One highlight is the Newfound Gap Overlook. From here, you can stand on the Tennessee–North Carolina state line and take in views that go on for miles. The Rockefeller Memorial is also nearby and marks where President Franklin D. Roosevelt stood when he dedicated the national park in 1940.
The drive is about 33 miles one way. Plan for a few hours so you can stop and enjoy the sights along the route.
3. Cades Cove Loop: History, Wildlife, and Wide-Open Fields
If you want a drive that mixes scenery with local history and wildlife, Cades Cove Loop is a must. This 11-mile, one-way road loops through a large valley surrounded by mountains. It’s one of the best places in the Smokies to spot deer, turkeys, and even black bears.
As you make your way around the loop, you’ll pass historic cabins, barns, and churches that date back to the 1800s. Some are close enough to walk to and explore. The open fields give you a clear view of the mountains in every direction.
The loop can get crowded, especially in the afternoon, so it’s best to go early. If you’re an early riser, you’ll enjoy the quiet and may catch more wildlife moving around before it gets warm.
Cades Cove is about an hour’s drive from Pigeon Forge, but the trip there is scenic too. You’ll pass streams, hills, and peaceful woods on your way in and out.
4. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A Short but Packed Adventure
If you don’t have much time but still want a beautiful drive, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a great pick. This one-way loop is just a few miles long and starts right near downtown Gatlinburg.
The road winds through dense forest, with streams running beside you and mountain views popping up through the trees. It feels tucked away even though it’s so close to town.
You’ll pass by historic buildings, log cabins, and several trailheads. Grotto Falls is one of the highlights. It’s a short hike from the parking area and leads to a waterfall you can actually walk behind. Rainbow Falls is also nearby and offers a longer hike with a rewarding view at the end.
The drive is best in spring or after rain, when the streams are full, and the forest feels especially alive. Since it’s a narrow road, larger vehicles like RVs aren’t allowed, which keeps traffic calmer.
You don’t need to be an expert traveler or hiker to enjoy the Smokies. Sometimes, the best views come from the comfort of your car. Each of these scenic drives gives you a different taste of what the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer.
Whether you’re chasing mountain views, hoping to see wildlife, or just looking for a peaceful way to spend the afternoon, there’s a road here for you. You can take it slow, stop when you want, and soak up the sights without having to plan a full-day hike.
So next time you’re in the Smokies, try one of these scenic routes. You’ll see why people come back year after year. All it takes is a tank of gas, a little time, and the right place to stay nearby.
