Great Smoky Mountains Driving Tour
- Laura
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
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On the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of southern Appalachia. Our Great Smoky Mountains driving tour will put you in the heart of this amazing 522, 427 acre black bear habitat. Get to know the area's rugged landscape and unique character cruising past its log cabins, old growth forests, gristmills, and waterfalls,
We have arranged our one day Great Smoky Mountains itinerary to hit our favorite park highlights. The route includes stops at Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, and the Elkmont Ghost Town. For more information on park services and attractions read our articles on planning a trip and things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If you only have one day in the region, use our route to make the most of your time. Our Great Smoky Mountains driving tour takes in some of the best sites the park has to offer. It includes three of the prettiest drives in the park, panoramic views, and short hikes to get you into the woods.
HOW TO GET TO GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
This Great Smoky Mountains driving tour is concentrated on the Tennessee side of the park. If you are flying into the region, the closest airport is the McGhee-Tyson Airport near Knoxville TN. There is no public transportation to the park from major cities in the area.
Click on this link to investigate airfare.
Click on this link to investigate car rentals in Tennessee.
THINGS TO DO IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
If driving isn’t your preferred method of seeing the park, consider these guided tours and excursions:
BEST TIME TO VISIT GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an outdoor vacation destination; and, weather is a key factor in deciding the best time to visit. As one of the most visited US National Park’s, it tends to get very congested in the warmer months. In the winter, some roads and trails close.
Taking these factors into consideration, we think the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the months of (late) April, May, June, September, October, and (early) November. If able:
Avoid weekends and holidays
Avoid the month of July, August, and peak foliage weeks
Visit early in the day; or later in the afternoon
Check the park’s congestion forecasting calendar to avoid the busiest days
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS MAP
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS DRIVING TOUR
Total Driving Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Driving Tour Duration: 8-10 hours
To navigate between stops on our Great Smoky Mountains driving tour, use our map. If you get off track, signage is good at major intersections and GPS generally works in the park. Also, be aware there are no restaurants, stores, or gas in the park. So, fill-up and purchase provisions before starting the driving tour.
STOP 1: Cades Cove Scenic Loop at 8AM
Begin the driving tour with a jaunt around the Cades Cove Scenic Loop. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road is a one-way paved road that winds through an idyllic valley sitting in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains. Along the route, there are a number of heritage-stops at homesteads, churches, and cemeteries.
Pick up a map of the stops at the Cades Cove Visitor Center before starting the drive. Plan on 4 hours at this stop. The tour begins here two main reasons:
1) This loop is one of the most popular in the park. Traffic is often bumper to bumper – even at non-peak times. Driving it earlier in the day means less crowds, more parking spaces, and more general enjoyment; and
2) This area is great for viewing wildlife, including black bears. The animals tend to be most active in the early morning (and at dusk).
STOP 2: Elkmont Ghost Town at 12 Noon
Initially a logging camp, and later a resort area for wealthy southerners, the community of Elkmont was abandoned after the region became a national park. The area is now known as the “Elkmont Ghost Town.” Several cottages that have been restored by the National Park Service, and are open for viewing.
Take a half-hour to view the cottages, then walk for a mile or so along the adjacent Little River Trail. On this easy and relatively flat trail see lots of wildflowers, dense Smoky Mountains woods, and a meandering river.
STOP 3: Newfound Gap at 2:00PM
Find your way from Elkmont to US Rt 441, Newfound Gap Road. This beautiful divided highway cuts through the park from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC. Along the route, there are many overlooks with large parking lots where you can pull in for views and photos.
One of the highest points along the highway (and in the park) is the Newfound Gap Overlook at 5,046 feet. The overlook sits on the border between Tennessee and North Caroline. Picnic here. There are tables, rest rooms, and an elevated platform for mountain viewing.
TOURS & EXCURSIONS IN TENNESSEE
STOP 4: Kuwohi Mountain (Clingmans Dome) at 3PM
After a 7 mile drive up Kuwohi Mountain, park in the large lot and walk towards the Clingmans Dome Visitor Center. Take the 1-mile paved trail (all upwards) to the Kuwohi Mountain Observation Tower (formerly known as Clingmans Dome).
The path is gorgeous with large boulders, benches, and an alpine forest. At the summit, climb the Observation Tower. On a clear day, enjoy exceptional views of the Great Smoky Mountains. On a foggy day, be treated to an other-worldly landscape. Note: Road closed in the winter.
STOP 5: Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail at 5:15PM
If you have any steam left, treat yourself to one more scenic drive. If you are staying in Gatlinburg, it is on the way home.
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 6 mile one-way paved roadway. The scenic loop winds through a mossy forest with lots of streams and waterfalls. Before entering the motor trail, stop at the Noah “Bud” Ogle farmstead. There are several heritage buildings to tour at the homestead. Note: Road closed in the winter.
WHERE TO STAY IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
If you are able to stay overnight in the area, Gatlinburg is a great base from which to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The town abuts the park, and is a short distance from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. In Gatlinburg visitors will find many hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Here is a sampling of well-reviewed Gatlinburg hotels near the Great Smoky Mountains:
Old Creek Lodge - Gatlinburg
Margaritaville - Gatlinburg
Baymont by Wyndham - Gatlinburg
Greystone Lodge - Gatlinburg
Hope you enjoy our 1 day Great Smoky Mountains itinerary, Laura and Randy
For more information traveling to US National parks, read our travel blog posts on:
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