Little River RoadĪt 25 miles in length, the Little River Road connects Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg to the popular Cades Cove region of the Smoky Mountains. If you only have time to drive one road in the national park, The Newfound Gap road is a truly classic drive through the Smoky Mountains. Additionally, Newfound Gap has historic significance since it is the place where President Roosevelt formally dedicated the national park in 1940 for "the happiness of the American people." The famous Appalachian Trail passes along this spot on its way to Maine. This high mountain pass marks the state line of Tennessee and North Carolina in the national park. The main destination of Newfound Gap Road is, of course, Newfound Gap. The route also passes by the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee. On the way to Newfound Gap, you'll pass several popular hiking trails including the Alum Cave Trail to Mt. Oconoluftee Valley Overlook – This spot offers views of the Oconoluftee Valley in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains.Morton Overlook – Located just below Newfound Gap, this impressive overlook provides a view of the Newfound Gap road.The Chimney Tops Overlook – This pull-off features a view of the prominent Chimney Tops outcropping.Campbell Overlook – This impressive pull-off offers stunning views of Mt.
Along the way, there are several overlooks with mountain views: The low elevation regions feature a lush hardwood forest, while the high elevation ridges near Newfound Gap showcase a beautiful spruce-fir forest.
From Newfound Gap, motorists can descend to Cherokee, NC that rests at an elevation of 1,991 ft.Īlong this route, you'll be able to see a variety of forest types as you climb higher in into the mountains. Beginning at an elevation of 1,289 Ft in Gatlinburg TN, this mountain road climbs to 5,046 Ft at Newfound Gap, the lowest drivable pass in the national park. Newfound Gap RoadĪlso known as US-441, The Newfound Gap Road is arguably the most iconic scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains. Get ready for an excellent day in the national park with these gorgeous scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains! 1. With stunning mountain views, amazing wildlife, and historic cabins, you won't soon forget driving through the Smoky Mountains National Park! Additionally, the Smokies have no entrance fee, so you can enjoy these beautiful driving trails for only the price of fuel. miles in size and with over 270 miles of roadways, this national park is best explored by car. Looking for the best scenic drives in the Smokies? Check out our guide on the best 8 driving roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!Īt over 800 sq.