Best Driving Roads In Smoky Mountains

The Cades Cove Loop Road is one of the most popular driving routes in the Smoky Mountains. The 11-mile road winds through a beautiful valley full of mountains and forests, and offers plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.

If you're interested in history, you'll love exploring the cove's many historical sites, including log homes, mills, churches, and more. You can get up close and personal with these old structures and learn about their stories.

Surrounded by rugged mountains and lush forests, this isolated valley was once home to one of the largest and most prosperous settlements in the region. Today, the Cataloochee Valley is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience a bit of history and natural beauty.

The valley is home to a variety of historic buildings, including two churches, a school, and several homes and outbuildings. You'll also fina variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, turkey, and other wildlife. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you drive through!

If you're looking for an incredible driving experience in the Smoky Mountains, look no further than Newfound Gap Road. The lowest drivable pass in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with an elevation of 5,046 feet.

The scenic roadway travels between the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tennessee; up and over the mountains; and into Cherokee, North Carolina.

This 31-mile stretch of road offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and there are plenty of overlooks where you can stop and take it all in. The road is also popular with hikers, as it provides easy access to some of the best views in the park.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail got its name from the sound of a river rushing through the mountains. The six-mile road is full of twists and turns, making it a one-way looping scenic drive. 

During your drive you'll have views of waterfalls, old mills, log cabins and other structures while also getting an up close look at the forest itself. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and explore!

This 72-mile stretch of highway has a western section that extends for 33 continuous miles from Chilhowie Lake to Wears Valley, and an eastern section that extends from Cosby to Interstate 40.

The Foothills Parkway is a beautiful scenic drive that offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The parkway is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area, and it's especially wonderful during the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, and in the fall when the leaves are changing color.

Rich Mountain Road provides a calmer option to leave Cades Cove if you need respite from the traffic. 7 miles long and only allowing one-way travel, this twisting gravel road is more rustic than most of the park's main roads.

As it leads north out of Cades Cove and into Townsend, Rich Mountain Road passes through tranquil forest that frequently affords sightings of wildlife as well as stellar opportunities for nature photography.

Given its more primitive state, however, there are certain things you should be mindful of depending on conditions when traveling on Rich Mountain Road.

The Upper Tremont Road winds its way through the picturesque Smoky Mountains, providing drivers and passengers with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

This winding road is perfect for a scenic drive, and during the fall, the changing leaves create a beautiful backdrop for a day out with family or friends. There are several parking areas located around the loop, so visitors can easily pull over to enjoy a picnic lunch or take a hike on one of the many trails that intersect the road.

The Middle Prong Trailhead is also accessible from Upper Tremont Road, making it easy to explore the area further.

The journey down Little River Road is best known as a picturesque route from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove. The road gently winds between Gatlinburg and Townsend, making for a pleasant drive.

To begin, start at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg. As you follow the easy curves of the roadway, keep an eye out for seven signposts that label points of interest along the way—such as spectacular mountain views, popular overlooks, waterfalls and other natural attractions.