Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Drive is located in Tennessee and North Carolina, USA.It lies between Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina, situated within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is famous for its mountain views, wildlife, and colorful forests.
Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Drive Location Map, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Tennessee Maps & Info
Top Attractions Along Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Drive
- Clingmans Dome – Highest peak in the park with an observation tower offering 360-degree views.
- Cades Cove – Scenic valley with historic buildings, wildlife viewing, and a loop road for driving or cycling.
- Newfound Gap – Mountain pass with panoramic overlooks and a visitor center.
- Laurel Falls – Popular waterfall accessible via a short, paved hiking trail.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – One-way scenic drive with hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic structures.
- Mingus Mill – Historic water-powered grist mill demonstrating traditional Appalachian craftsmanship.
- Clingmans Dome Trail – Short hike from the parking area to the summit observation tower.
Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Drive Facts
| Official Name | Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Drive |
| Location | Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 35.6118° N, 83.4895° W (Gatlinburg entrance / Newfound Gap Road) |
| Total Length | ~33 miles (53 km) main scenic route through the park |
| Established | 1934 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) |
| Managed By | National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region / Landscape Type | Mountainous, forested, river valleys, waterfalls, wildlife habitat |
| Main Features | Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, Laurel Falls, Roaring Fork, scenic overlooks, dense forests, mountain streams |
| Visitor Activities | Scenic driving, hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, picnicking, ranger programs, cycling |
| Trails Connected | Alum Cave Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, Appalachian Trail (sections) |
| Accessibility | Main road accessible by car; many overlooks and short trails wheelchair accessible |
| Nearby Towns | Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee |
| Entry / Fees | Free access; park entrance is free (no vehicle permit required) |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–November) for wildflowers, foliage, and milder weather |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 12–14 million (entire park) |
| Nearby Airport | McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Knoxville, TN – 45 miles (72 km) |
| Transportation | Private vehicles, bicycles, shuttle services, hiking trails; limited on-site parking at some trailheads |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) — UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/driving.htm |
| Famous For | Panoramic mountain views, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, diverse forests, wildlife, seasonal foliage |
| UNESCO / National Status | Designated U.S. National Park; UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1983) |
Distances from Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Drive to Nearby Landmarks
- Clingmans Dome – 24 km (15 mi)
- Newfound Gap – 20 km (12.5 mi)
- Cades Cove – 28 km (17.5 mi)
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Gatlinburg, TN – 11 km (7 mi)
- Ober Gatlinburg – 15 km (9 mi)
- Great Smoky Mountains Visitor Center – 9 km (5.5 mi)
- Laurel Falls Trail – 14 km (8.5 mi)
- Mingus Mill – 30 km (18.5 mi)
- Elkmont Historic District – 18 km (11 mi)
- Fontana Lake – 50 km (31 mi)
- Mount LeConte – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Charlies Bunion – 28 km (17.5 mi)
- Newfound Gap Road Overlook – 20 km (12.5 mi)
- Deep Creek Trail – 35 km (22 mi)
- Parsons Branch Trail – 32 km (20 mi)
- Greenbrier – 40 km (25 mi)
- Townsend, TN – 28 km (17.5 mi)
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center – 34 km (21 mi)
- Clingmans Dome Observation Tower – 24 km (15 mi)
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