When you stay with us, you probably want to visit the Smokies. There are several fun things to do in the national park, such as hiking or going on a picnic, but a great way to see the beauty of the mountains is going for a drive. There are several drives through the Smoky Mountains to choose from. You can take a popular tour through the mountains or find a more scenic route. Here are 5 drives through the Smoky Mountains you’ll want to go on:
1. Wears Valley
If you want to enjoy a more scenic route, then you should drive Wears Valley Road. It runs from Pigeon Forge to Townsend. This road has rolling fields, mountain views, and mountain homes all along the drive. There are several local restaurants along the drive you might want to try, and there are plenty of local shops too. This is a great drive to get away from it all and see what it’s like for locals who live in the area.
2. Little River Road
Little River Road is a drive through the Smoky Mountains you can’t miss. You pretty much drive on it if you’re going to any popular destination in the park. This road runs from Gatlinburg to Townsend. It winds and curves with the mountains. You might get to see some mountain views, and you’ll definitely have beautiful wooded views. This road follows along the river in the mountains, and there are several pull offs where you can get out and explore. This is also the main road you’ll take to get to hiking trails, picnic areas, and virtually anywhere else in the park.
3. Cades Cove Loop
The most popular drive in the Smoky Mountains is Cades Cove. This is an 11-mile loop road set in the valley of the Smokies. It is surrounded by mountains, so any kind of view you want to see is at Cades Cove. This is a great place to go if you want to possibly see wildlife. There are several historic buildings and churches in the area you can explore. Plus, you can pull over on the side of the road and get out at any point. Families love taking their kids here, and it’s great for people of all ages to enjoy.
4. Foothills Parkway
Another drive through the Smoky Mountains that’s fun is Foothills Parkway. This road is unique in the area because it was commissioned by Congress in 1944, and the entire road still isn’t finished. It has been worked on in phases over the years, and there are still sections waiting to be completed. The sections you can currently drive offer mountain views for miles. You can pull off and take pictures or have a picnic. Everyone will love driving Foothills Parkway.
5. Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road is another great drive for you to enjoy while you’re in town. It runs from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina. It is the lowest drivable pass in the Smokies, making it the first place that sees snow most of the time. Popular destinations such as Clingmans Dome are off this road, so you have plenty to do and explore when you drive it. Plus, there are some incredible mountain views.
These drives through the Smoky Mountains are a great way to spend your next vacation. Want to know what else you can do when you stay in one of our condos? Check out these attractions in the Smoky Mountains for more ideas!
