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Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Best Scenic Stops Between Gatlinburg and Cherokee
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on March 31, 2026
The drive between Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina, is one of the most scenic routes in the Smoky Mountains. Traveling along Newfound Gap Road through Great Smoky Mountains National Park gives visitors opportunities to experience mountain overlooks, waterfalls, forests, wildlife viewing areas, and peaceful roadside stops throughout the journey.
Many visitors consider this drive one of the highlights of their Smoky Mountain vacation because the scenery changes constantly as the road climbs through different elevations and landscapes. Instead of rushing directly from one destination to another, travelers who take time to stop along the way often discover some of the most memorable views in the entire national park.
Whether you are planning a full-day scenic drive or simply exploring the Smokies at a relaxed pace, these scenic stops between Gatlinburg and Cherokee are worth adding to your itinerary.
You can also explore our Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guide for more scenic drives, overlooks, waterfalls, and outdoor travel ideas.
Newfound Gap Overlook
Newfound Gap is one of the most famous scenic stops in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Located along the Tennessee and North Carolina state line, the overlook provides panoramic mountain views that stretch for miles across the Smokies.
Visitors enjoy:
- Layered mountain scenery
- Easy roadside access
- Cooler mountain temperatures
- Photography opportunities
- Sunrise and sunset views
Because the overlook requires very little walking, it works well for families and travelers of nearly all ages.
Kuwohi Observation Tower
Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, is the highest point in Tennessee and one of the most popular scenic destinations in the Smokies.
The paved trail leading to the observation tower is short but steep, rewarding visitors with panoramic mountain views stretching across multiple states on clear days.
Families often enjoy:
- Long-range mountain scenery
- Cloud-filled valleys
- Cool mountain air
- Sunset photography
- High-elevation landscapes
You may also enjoy our guide to the best mountain views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Chimneys Picnic Area
The Chimneys Picnic Area offers a peaceful stop beside flowing mountain streams and shaded forest scenery.
Many visitors enjoy:
- Relaxing picnic breaks
- Short walks beside the river
- Peaceful forest surroundings
- Family outdoor time
- Scenic roadside relaxation
Because the picnic area sits directly along Newfound Gap Road, it fits naturally into scenic driving itineraries.
You may also enjoy our guide to peaceful picnic spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Morton Overlook
Morton Overlook is one of the best sunset viewing locations in the Smokies and remains a favorite stop for photographers and scenic travelers.
The overlook provides:
- Wide panoramic mountain views
- Beautiful evening lighting
- Layered Smoky Mountain ridges
- Fall foliage scenery
- Convenient roadside access
Sunsets here often create some of the most dramatic mountain photography opportunities in the national park.
Beech Flats Quiet Walkway
For visitors wanting a short nature walk during the drive, Beech Flats Quiet Walkway provides a peaceful forest trail near Newfound Gap Road.
The trail offers:
- Forest scenery
- Quiet walking areas
- Stream crossings
- Relaxing outdoor atmosphere
- Short hiking opportunities
It works especially well for travelers wanting a scenic break from driving without committing to a long hike.
Mingus Mill
Near Cherokee, Mingus Mill provides a scenic historic stop surrounded by mountain forest scenery.
The historic grist mill and nearby walking areas create opportunities to enjoy:
- Historic Smoky Mountain culture
- Streamside scenery
- Easy walking paths
- Photography opportunities
- Peaceful outdoor surroundings
The combination of history and natural scenery makes Mingus Mill a popular stop for families exploring the North Carolina side of the park.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Located near Cherokee, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is one of the best final stops along the drive.
Visitors often enjoy:
- Mountain history exhibits
- Scenic river views
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Historic farm buildings
- Walking trails
The surrounding fields are especially popular for elk viewing during certain times of the year.
Why This Scenic Drive Is So Popular
The drive between Gatlinburg and Cherokee remains popular because it combines many different types of Smoky Mountain scenery within a single route.
Visitors experience:
- Mountain overlooks
- High elevations
- Forested valleys
- Streams and waterfalls
- Historic locations
- Wildlife viewing areas
Every season also creates a slightly different experience throughout the drive.
Best Times to Make the Drive
Spring
Spring brings flowing waterfalls, blooming greenery, and comfortable temperatures.
Summer
Summer provides lush forests and long daylight hours for sightseeing.
Fall
Fall foliage season creates some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Smokies.
Winter
Winter often provides clearer long-distance views and quieter roads depending on weather conditions.
You may also enjoy our guide to why the Smoky Mountains are beautiful in every season.
Tips for Enjoying the Drive
- Allow extra time for scenic stops
- Start early during busy seasons
- Bring layers for changing temperatures
- Keep cameras ready for wildlife sightings
- Check weather conditions before higher elevation travel
Many visitors discover that the best Smoky Mountain experiences happen during unplanned scenic pull-offs and quiet roadside moments.
Add Outdoor Adventure to Your Smoky Mountain Vacation
Many visitors enjoy balancing scenic sightseeing with outdoor adventure during their Smoky Mountain trip.
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, guests can soar above the forest canopy near Pigeon Forge while enjoying incredible mountain scenery from a completely different perspective.
The experience pairs naturally with scenic drives, waterfall stops, and national park exploration throughout the Smokies.
You may also enjoy our post on what makes Smoky Mountain Ziplines a great first-time adventure.
Enjoy the Journey Through the Smokies
The drive between Gatlinburg and Cherokee is more than just transportation through the national park. It is one of the best opportunities to experience the beauty, variety, and peaceful scenery that make the Smoky Mountains such a beloved destination.
Take your time, stop often, and allow the mountain scenery to become part of the memories you carry home long after the trip ends.
