Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Scenic Drives You'll Love in the Smokies
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on June 9, 2026
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the few places where the drive itself can become the highlight of your vacation. Around nearly every curve you'll discover mountain vistas, peaceful streams, historic cabins, colorful wildflowers, or panoramic overlooks that make you want to stop and simply enjoy the view. Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or spending an entire week in East Tennessee, exploring the Smokies by car is an easy way to experience the area's incredible natural beauty.
Many first-time visitors ask where they should begin. Fortunately, the region offers several scenic routes, each with its own personality. Some feature sweeping mountain vistas, while others follow rushing rivers or wind through quiet forests rich with Appalachian history. The routes below consistently rank among the favorites for visitors of all ages.
After enjoying one of these unforgettable drives, consider seeing the Smokies from an entirely different perspective with a guided canopy tour at Smoky Mountain Ziplines. It's the perfect way to combine sightseeing with outdoor adventure.
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) is often considered the signature drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stretching approximately 33 miles between Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina, the road climbs more than 3,000 feet in elevation while passing through several distinct forest ecosystems.
As you ascend, you'll notice dramatic changes in vegetation and temperature. Numerous pull-offs provide opportunities to photograph mountain ridges that seem to stretch endlessly across the horizon. Newfound Gap itself sits at more than 5,000 feet above sea level and offers one of the park's most recognizable overlooks.
If your schedule allows, continue to Kuwohi, the highest point in the national park. The paved half-mile trail to the observation tower rewards visitors with spectacular 360-degree views on clear days.
Cades Cove Loop Road
Cades Cove remains one of the most popular destinations in the Smokies, and for good reason. The eleven-mile one-way loop combines beautiful mountain scenery with preserved Appalachian history and outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities.
Historic churches, log homes, barns, and a working grist mill provide a fascinating glimpse into mountain life during the 1800s. The wide open meadows also make this one of the best places in the park to watch for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, and black bears from a safe distance.
If wildlife photography interests you, you may also enjoy our guide to spotting wildlife safely in the Smokies.
Foothills Parkway
The Foothills Parkway offers some of the finest long-range mountain views in East Tennessee while generally experiencing lighter traffic than many areas within the national park itself. Numerous overlooks allow visitors to stop safely and enjoy sweeping vistas of the Smoky Mountains.
This drive is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when changing light creates layers of blue mountain ridges that seem to disappear into the distance. Photographers often consider the Parkway one of the area's hidden treasures.
Little River Road
Little River Road follows the river between Gatlinburg and Townsend, creating one of the park's most peaceful drives. The road passes crystal-clear water, picnic areas, trailheads, waterfalls, and several favorite swimming locations during the warmer months.
Popular stops include The Sinks, Metcalf Bottoms, and Laurel Falls Trail. Even if you choose not to hike, simply driving beside the river provides a relaxing break from busier tourist areas.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Located just outside downtown Gatlinburg, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers a quieter experience through old-growth forest and historic mountain communities. This one-way route winds beside rushing streams while passing preserved log cabins, mills, and trailheads.
Because of its narrower roadway and shaded forest, the drive feels more intimate than many other scenic routes in the Smokies. Visitors looking for peaceful scenery often rank it among their favorite experiences.
Planning Your Scenic Drive
A little preparation can make your day much more enjoyable. Begin with a full tank of fuel, carry drinking water, and allow extra travel time. Mountain traffic often moves slowly, especially during weekends in spring and autumn.
Check weather conditions before leaving, as higher elevations can be significantly cooler than nearby towns. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended since many overlooks and historic sites involve short walks.
If you're visiting during peak fall color season, arriving early in the morning usually provides lighter traffic and better opportunities for photography.
Quick Tips for Scenic Drives
- Start early to avoid the largest crowds.
- Keep binoculars handy for wildlife viewing.
- Never approach or feed wildlife.
- Bring water and light snacks.
- Check road conditions before entering the national park.
- Take your time and enjoy the journey.
See the Smokies From Above
After exploring the mountains by car, why not experience them from above the forest floor? At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, you'll soar through the treetops while enjoying beautiful views that complement everything you've experienced during your scenic drive.
Whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, or bringing the entire family, our professionally guided canopy tours provide an unforgettable outdoor adventure that fits perfectly into any Smoky Mountain itinerary.
If you're still planning your vacation, be sure to read our Smoky Mountain Packing Guide, our article on why families love ziplining, and our Ultimate Smoky Mountain Vacation Guide for even more travel ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scenic drive for first-time visitors?
Newfound Gap Road is often the best choice because it combines mountain overlooks, changing elevations, and access to Kuwohi, the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Which scenic drive offers the best chance to see wildlife?
Cades Cove is widely recognized as one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the park. Early morning and late afternoon generally provide the best opportunities.
Are scenic drives inside the national park free?
There is no admission fee to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, visitors should check current National Park Service requirements regarding parking tags if they plan to leave their vehicle for extended periods.
When is the best time of year for a scenic drive?
Every season offers something unique. Spring features wildflowers, summer brings lush green forests, autumn showcases spectacular fall colors, and winter often provides peaceful views with fewer visitors.
Can I combine a scenic drive with other outdoor activities?
Absolutely. Many visitors enjoy a scenic drive in the morning followed by a canopy tour at Smoky Mountain Ziplines, creating a full day of unforgettable Smoky Mountain experiences.
Additional Resources
For current road conditions, seasonal closures, and park information, visit the official National Park Service website at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/.
