Auto Touring

Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 800 square miles and is one of the most pristine natural areas in the Eastern United States. An auto tour of the park offers a variety of experiences, including panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings, and mature hardwood forests stretching to the horizon.

Visitors can choose from 384 miles of road in the Smokies. Most are paved and the gravel roads are maintained in suitable condition for standard passenger cars. Travel speeds on most of the park's paved roads average 35 miles per hour. Please check for road closures before planning an auto tour. Review more traffic and travel tips for a safe visit.

 

Favorite Auto Touring Spots

A scenic forested mountain view
Tennessee

Foothills Parkway West (new section)

Travel Foothills Parkway between Wears Valley and Walland for quiet and scenic views of the Smokies.

Fall-colored trees blanket smoothly rolling mountain sides.
TENNESSEE

Foothills Parkway East

Foothills Parkway East flanks the northeastern boundary of the park and offers unique panoramic views of the Smokies and beyond.

A scenic overlook viewpoint of mountains.
Tennessee

Foothills Parkway West (old section)

Drive between Walland and Chilhowee for beautiful views looking back into the Smokies and into the surrounding communities.

A small, rustic, faded log cabin near a creek surrounded by rocks and greenery
Tennessee

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Tennessee's narrow, winding Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings.

A wooden barn in a grassy field below a cloudy sky alongside a gravel road
NORTH CAROLINA

Cataloochee & Balsam Mountain

Cataloochee Valley hosts elk and preserves rich cultural history. Nearby Balsam Mountain offers cooler weather with its high elevations.

A paved road, fence, and field in the foreground with rolling mountains on the horizon.
TENNESSEE

Cades Cove

A scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. An 11-mile, one-way loop encircles the valley.

Sweeping mountain views in the distance. A paved walkway and trees in the foreground.
NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE BORDER

Kuwohi & Newfound Gap

Kuwohi & Newfound Gap area straddles the pinnacle of the Smokies where an important high-elevation pass connects the two sides of the park.

A scenic view of forest and distant mountains and a peak of Fontana Lake.
North Carolina

Lakeview Drive

Climb out of Bryson City, to see scenic views of Fontana Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone:

(865)436-1200

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