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Road trips are an exciting way to discover new places. It’s just you, a few close traveling companions, and the open road to adventure. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, these Smoky Mountain road trip routes showcase the Smokies’ best overlooks, historic sites, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Why Gatlinburg Is the Perfect Road Trip Base Camp

First, you may be wondering why you should choose Gatlinburg as a base camp for Great Smoky Mountains road trips. It’s simple: Due to its location at the north entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will never be more than a few minutes away from the most stunning nature views and activities!

Scenic Drives You Can’t Miss Around Gatlinburg

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – The Classic Smoky Mountain Loop

Named after the Roaring Fork stream that will be your “companion” on this leg of your journey, this wonderful trail offers a peek into Appalachian history. This part of your road trip in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, could actually be described as an outdoor museum, offering the chance to explore 19th-century homesteads, including the Ephraim Bales cabin and Alfred Reagan tub mill. You will drive by a waterfall (Place of a Thousand Drips) and perhaps take the time to walk behind Grotto Falls, the only waterfall in the park that allows guests to do so.

Clingmans Dome Road – The Drive to the Rooftop of the Smokies

Ascending over 1500 feet to the highest peak in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome Road (now officially Kuwohi Road) is considered a sacred site for the Cherokee people. At the top, Kuwohi Observation Tower offers views that will take your breath away. The road is closed from December through March.

Foothills Parkway – The Hidden Gem Most Visitors Miss

Foothills Parkway is the oldest unfinished highway project in Tennessee, with construction starting in the 1940s. Designed as a scenic drive, this was not meant to be a shortcut; it is still growing and expanding. A hidden gem, there will be no crowds, and there are also no parking passes or entry fees to purchase. Drivers can stop at multiple pull-offs to truly appreciate the views of mountains, forests, and verdant green valleys. It is also a beautiful place to enjoy sunrises and sunsets.

Foothills Parkway

  1. Western section: Starts at US 129 in Chillowee and ends at US 321 in Wears Valley
  2. Eastern section: Starts in Crosby and ends at I-40 exit 443.

The Cades Cove Loop – History, Wildlife, and Mountain Views

Open daily from sunrise to sunset, this 11-mile loop is one of the area’s most popular drives. Here is where you will see mama deer and their babies grazing peacefully roadside, and you may get to experience your first “bear jam” when traffic stops for a bear sighting. The John P. Cable Grist Mill, still working, will be seen on your drive, and the historic sites continue with old barns, chicken coops, and a carriage house populating the countryside along the loop. Finally, cars are forbidden on this roadway on Wednesdays from May through September, leaving it open to pedestrians and cyclists.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Smoky Mountain Road Trip

Now that you have a better understanding of the scenic drives that you can take, it is the perfect time to learn how to make your journey even more exciting.

It may seem obvious, but be sure to fill up your car with gas. Although none of these road trips in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are particularly long, it does put a crimp in the fun when you have to stop and fill up in the middle of your adventure, and no one wants to run out of gas while on their journey.

What to Pack for a Day of Scenic Driving

When to Hit the Road (and When to Stay Home)

There are times when you won’t be able to drive on many of the scenic roads we mentioned, and times when you can but may not want to. It is best to avoid planning a Smoky Mountains road trip during the winter months, as many roads are closed from mid-December through late March. Ice and snow make travel hazardous. Holiday weekends tend to be busier, which can increase drive times, so you may want to reschedule if you are short on time. Last but not least, a fall road trip in Gatlinburg is ALWAYS going to be a great idea thanks to beautiful leaf-peeping opportunities!

Make Your Cabin the Home Base for Every Adventure

Whether you’re planning a lengthy stay in the area or just passing through on a road trip, our cabin rentals in Gatlinburg are the ideal place to recuperate after a day of driving. Staying near downtown Gatlinburg puts you within easy reach of Roaring Fork, Newfound Gap Road, and other major scenic drives. Contact The Cabin Rental Store to learn more about our lovely property options and start planning your drive through the Smoky Mountains!

living room in one of our Gatlinburg Monthly Rentals

Smoky Mountain Rental Options to Consider:

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