Summary

• Gatlinburg is a picturesque mountain town in eastern Tennessee, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Scenic drives around Gatlinburg offer stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, waterways, and historic sites.
• Visitors can escape the daily stress of life and enjoy peace and quiet while exploring Gatlinburg's beautiful landscapes and wildlife.

Gatlinburg has been crowned as one of the most beautiful small towns in the Tennessee mountains.

Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a picturesque mountain town famous for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. It is situated on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where visitors can indulge in activities such as hiking and fishing. Moreover, the town features several popular attractions like the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, and Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park.

For those who want to escape the stress of daily life, Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination, touted as one of America's most beautiful spring vacation spots. To explore the area's beauty, visitors can take scenic drives that showcase the town's stunning location, surrounded by lush forests and magnificent peaks of the Smoky Mountains. From winding mountain roads to serene valley vistas, Gatlinburg's most scenic drives offer a little something for everyone.

UPDATE: 2023/10/24 11:38 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

Four More Scenic Drives Around Gatlinburg, Tennessee!

This article has been refreshed with four new scenic drives around Gatlinburg, as well as added talking points to existing ideas. Remember to pack snacks, bring water, and fill up the tank!

14 Upper Tremont Road

One of the shortest scenic drives in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Upper Tremont Road, is just 3.4 miles each way, with both gravel and paved road segments. Regardless of what is rumbling around underneath the car, however, there is no doubt Upper Tremont Road offers plenty to see. Water is a major theme of the Upper Tremont road, with small streams and natural pools that are perfect for wading through or fishing in.

Offering a unique and often overlooked view of the park, there is no doubt the short and sweet Upper Tremont Road is one of the best scenic drives near Gatlinburg.

• Reasons to Drive the Upper Tremont Road: Short Scenic Drive; Near Waterways; Fliy Fishing Areas; Water Wading Areas

13 Clingmans Dome Road

A simple drive to an overlook and back, the Clingmans Dome Road is a generally easy drive that is perfect for those looking to quickly get a look at the sprawling Smoky Mountain landscape. Clingmans Dome Road spans just seven miles to the summit of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in this part of the Smoky Mountains.

The entire stretch of road is paved, making it friendlier than a number of other scenic drives through the Great Smoky Mountains. Despite its fairly simplistic route, there is no doubt Clingmans Dome and its endless views of the mountains are well worth the time.

• Reasons to Drive the Clingmans Dome Road: Simple, easy-to-navigate road; Panoramic summit views of the Great Smoky Mountains

12 Forge Creek / Parson Branch Roads

A two-in-one scenic drive around Gatlinburg, the Forge Creek and Parson Branch roads are only 16 miles round-trip. Thankfully, this short scenic drive packs in plenty of views through every foot of the trail. A gravel path, the Forge Creek and Parson Branch roads have a number of small offshoots for those hoping to explore a little further, either for quick Instagram pictures or a spontaneous hike through the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Forge Creek / Parson Branch Roads also have a unique history, following the trails that bootleggers and moonshiners used through the Smoky Mountains during the infamous Prohibition era.

• Reasons to Drive the Forge Creek / Parson Branch Roads: Quieter Scenic Drive; Numerous Scenic Off-shoots; Historically Significant Road

11 Cataloochee Valley Road

Looking for a scenic drive near Gatlinburg that doesn't require dealing with heavy tourist traffic? The Cataloochee Valley Road is an ideal scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains that is a little further off the beaten path. A windy gravel path, the Cataloochee Valley Road is generally less traveled due to its narrow route. Steep drop-offs along the drive with no guard rail also deter crowds, making it a win for those hoping for some peace and quiet.

Indeed, Cataloochee Valley Road has a number of scenic views of the mountains, with elevated views of the changing trees in fall or vast greenery in summer. With far fewer people to compete with, even during peak season, Cataloochee Valley Road is undoubtedly one of the best scenic drives in Gatlinburg.

• Reasons to Drive the Cataloochee Valley Road: Solitude During Peak Season; Overlook-style Views of the Smoky Mountains

10 Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an impressive Gatlinburg driving trail that spans six miles. Named after the adjacent Roaring Fork River, this narrow and winding road is a favorite among tourists who love exploring the outdoors and marveling at natural beauty.

As visitors make their way along the trail, they are treated to awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains, verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls. The trail is flanked by trees, which not only offer shade but also provide an opportunity to bask in the tranquility of nature. The trail is also known as one of the best places to spot wildlife in the Smoky Mountains.

Moreover, history buffs will delight in the chance to explore several well-preserved buildings from the 1800s, including charming old log cabins, grist mills, and churches. These historic structures offer a glimpse into the area's rich history, providing a unique and enriching experience for visitors.

• Reasons to Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Stunning views of the surrounding mountains, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls; Wildlife Watching

Related: 10 Must-Do Things Around Gatlinburg

9 Foothills Parkway

The Foothills Parkway is a six-mile narrow road that winds through eastern Tennessee's most picturesque landscapes. Named after the Roaring Fork River that runs alongside it, this 33-mile scenic drive promises an unforgettable experience for travelers of all kinds. As drivers pass by, they will enjoy panoramic views of the Smokies' rolling hills, verdant forests, and majestic peaks.

Visitors can find several pull-off areas along the way, allowing them to stop and take in the stunning scenery, snap some photos, or breathe in the fresh mountain air. Visitors should keep their cameras handy, as wildlife might be spotted along the way - from black bears and deer to eagles soaring overhead.

• Reasons to Drive the Foothills Parkway: Roaring Fork River, picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, verdant forests, and majestic peaks of the Smokies

8 Cades Cove Loop Road

The picturesque Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile, one-way drive located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. The Smoky Mountains are renowned as a photographers' paradise for their scenic vistas and wide array of wildlife. This popular route attracts millions of visitors each year who come to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and meadows. As visitors traverse the loop, they will be treated to panoramic vistas of the valley and its lush, dense forests.

The road also winds through open meadows, offering an opportunity to spot some of the park's wildlife, such as deer, turkey, and even black bears. Along the way, visitors can stop at numerous pull-outs to take photos, have a picnic, or simply bask in the beauty of the scenery. Cades Cove Loop Road is also home to several historical buildings and structures, including rustic log cabins, charming churches, and a fully operational grist mill. These historic sites provide a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage and offer a unique experience for visitors.

• Reasons to Drive the Cades Cove Loop Road: stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and meadows; spot wildlife and historic buildings

7 Newfound Gap Road

If visitors are searching for a scenic drive that immerses them in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they will love the picturesque journey along the Newfound Gap Road. This 31-mile winding highway starts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and travels all the way to Cherokee, North Carolina, offering incredible views of the park's varied landscapes.

As drivers go along the road, they will meander through dense forests filled with deciduous trees and may even spot some of the park's wildlife, like deer or black bears. The journey leads to the park's highest point, the Newfound Gap overlook, where visitors can bask in panoramic views of the majestic surrounding mountains.

• Reasons to Drive the Newfound Gap Road: breathtaking views of the park's diverse landscape, dense forests, spot wildlife

Related: 10 Unique Places To Stay In Gatlinburg, Tennessee

6 Little River Road

Little River Road is a picturesque 18-mile stretch located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The road runs alongside the Little River, offering visitors breathtaking views of the park's stunning landscape. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. As visitors drive along the road, they can take in the beauty of the Little River, which flows parallel to the road for much of the way.

The drive also passes through dense forests, providing a serene and calming experience. There are several pull-outs along the road where visitors can stop to take photos or enjoy the scenery. The Townsend "Y" is one of the most visited destinations on Little River Road. This is where the road splits, with one section continuing to follow the Little River and the other heading towards Cades Cove. The Townsend "Y" offers various shops, restaurants, and amenities for visitors to explore, making it a must-see destination.

• Reasons to Drive the Little River Road: Little River has breathtaking views, hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds; the road is also lined with several pull-outs.

5 Wears Valley Road

Wears Valley Road, also known as Highway 321, is a scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. This 16-mile road runs from Pigeon Forge to Townsend and offers unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road also passes through small towns such as Wears Valley and Townsend, offering an opportunity to explore the local shops and restaurants.

• Reasons to Drive the Wears Valley Road: panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and the valley below, passes through several small towns

4 The Gatlinburg Bypass

The Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is home to the Gatlinburg Bypass, a scenic drive that spans 3.6 miles from the south end of Gatlinburg to the national park boundary. By taking this bypass, visitors can avoid the downtown area and instead marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. As they drive along, they can catch glimpses of iconic peaks such as Mt. LeConte and Clingmans Dome. The bypass is also dotted with pull-outs where visitors can pause to snap photos or simply soak up the stunning scenery.

• Reasons to Drive The Gatlinburg Bypass: stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, several pull-outs along the road

Related: Visit These 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Tennessee

3 Rich Mountain Road

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the scenic Rich Mountain Road spans 12.5 miles from Cades Cove to the Townsend "Y," showcasing remarkable views of the mountains and valleys. The winding road takes travelers through lush forests and peaceful meadows, offering a serene ambiance. Numerous scenic overlooks line the road, providing visitors with abundant opportunities to stop, take photos, or appreciate the stunning scenery.

• Reasons to Drive the Rich Mountain Road: verdant forests, serene meadows, pull-outs along the road

2 The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, stretching from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The parkway offers one-of-a-kind views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys, making it one of the most popular scenic drives in the United States, attracting millions of visitors annually. In fact, in 2017, Blue Ridge Parkway was the most visited "national park" in the US.

Visitors can engage in a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing along the parkway. The parkway also passes through several small towns, which provide opportunities for visitors to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions.

• Reasons to Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway: stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys; recreational activities, including hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing; passes by several small towns

1 The Tail Of The Dragon

The Deals Gap, commonly referred to as The Tail of the Dragon, is a famous and demanding driving course situated in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. This stretch of US 129 extends for 11 miles and features 318 turns that are renowned for their sharpness and hairpin bends. As a result, it has become a favorite spot for car and motorcycle aficionados. The route is also extremely scenic and beautiful, making it a favorite for visitors of all kinds.

• Reasons to Drive The Tail Of The Dragon: Challenging road of exquisite beauty