Some of the best days in the Smokies start with a drive. These are the scenic roads and day trips we recommend to our guests, from quick overlooks near Gatlinburg to full-day outings in Cherokee, North Carolina, and beyond.
An 11-mile one-way loop through a broad, historic mountain valley, and one of the best places in the park to spot white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkey. Go early to beat the traffic. On select dates the loop is closed to cars for walkers and cyclists, so check the NPS Cades Cove page for the current schedule before you go.
A quick and easy drive to some of the best winter views, visit the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook that offers panoramic views of the city and the mountains. People go here to see the Smokies covered in snow- when they don’t have the view you do!
Roaring Fork typically closed the end of November through April. The narrow, winding, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail invites you to enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the area. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip. Rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings.
Providing views of both Tennessee and North Carolina, Newfound Gap offers some of the most breathtaking views in the park. If you’d like to experience true American adventure, it’s possible to take a few steps on the trail from here. Franklin D. Roosevelt established the park from here in 1940.
The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is Clingman’s Dome. The road to Clingman’s Dome is closed in the winter, but in the Spring, Summer and Fall, the spot offers amazing views of the Smokies and beyond. From the Clingman’s Dome parking area, you can take in breathtaking vistas, showing off the North Carolina side of the park.
A quiet, sweeping mountain drive on the Cosby side of the park. The Cosby section runs about 5.6 miles to I-40 (about 39 miles of the full parkway are open today), with wide pull-offs and layered-ridge views that most Pigeon Forge visitors never find.
This Safari is a Scenic drive through of beautiful lands & pastures! You can either drive your car through & take your time to study the animals & take photos or ride the tractor pull wagon ride! You will see Animals from 6 Continents! They also offer a Store, picnic area, petting zoo, & restrooms! Remember wagon ride is by Appointment only!
This road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways. It is considered “the destination” for motorcycle and sports car fans throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Be cautious as the turns are tight, but the Tail of the Dragon will be the ride of your life.
With fun, interactive exhibits and programs, every day they tell visitors from the globe exciting, world-changing stories and they help explain how our world and universe works. Located in Oak Ridge.
America’s Largest Underground Lake, the Lost Sea is a Registered National Landmark as well as a Civil War Trail Marker. Tours through the cavern include a boat ride on the Lost Sea and take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records!
Located in Cherokee, North Carolina. Harrah’s Cherokee is tucked away in the Smoky Mountains and is home to an exciting 150,000 square foot casino, refreshing amenities, delicious dining options, and world-class entertainment.
You can take one of their many train routes, including a Christmas train, a loop around the Hiwassee River Gorge, or a dinner train. Check out their website! Train might leave from Chattanooga or Delano.
Our cabins make a comfortable home base for all of it. See what is open for your dates.
