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drive through the smoky mountains

Things to Know Before You Drive Through the Smoky Mountains

With its rolling hills, lush valley, towering mountains, and wildlife, the Smokies are one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers. Spring and summer bring beautiful wildflowers, and with autumn comes the bright fall foliage. Even a scenic drive in the winter can be magical with the snowy peaks on display! Plus, you can experience all of the scenery for free by taking a leisurely drive through the Smoky Mountains. Keep reading for our best tips and driving tour recommendations!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Pass

car traveling through the windy roads in the Smoky MountainsThe best part about the national park is that there’s no entrance fee. You can drive all of the roads and pull off the road to explore for less than 15 minutes for free! If you do want to get out and hike, walk around a historic site, or have a picnic, you’ll need to buy a parking pass. These passes are affordable and help to fund the upkeep of the park. You’ll find several convenient places to buy a parking pass, including online and in-person at visitor centers. 

Tips for Driving in the Smoky Mountains

  • Don’t be in a rush– avoiding traffic in the Smokies can be difficult, especially at Cades Cove, so plan for extra time, and don’t be in any rush; relax and enjoy the mountains and the atmosphere!
  • Fill up your gas tank– make sure to have a full tank of gas before entering the national park, since you won’t find any gas stations within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Get an early start– most of the heavy traffic arrives towards the middle of the day, so we highly suggest starting your day early, since it will most likely take several hours to complete the many driving tours in the Smokies. 
  • Watch your speed– pay attention to posted speed limits as you drive through the Smoky Mountains; many of the roads are narrow and twisty! 
  • Be mindful of pull-off areas– be respectful of other vehicles and don’t stop in the middle of the road to take photos. Use the designated pull-off areas to allow traffic to flow freely.
  • Keep a safe distance from wildlife– remember that you are just a guest in the wildlife’s natural habitat; do not approach animals, especially black bears. You can enjoy their presence from a distance!

Best Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives 

Want to know some of the best routes to drive through the Smoky Mountains? Whether you’re in the area during wildflower season or peak autumn foliage, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to exploring the national park roads! Be sure to check the NPS website before you visit– they’ll have up-to-date information about temporary and seasonal road closures. Here are our top recommendations for scenic drives:

scenic drive in the smoky mountainsMost thrilling: Tail of the Dragon

Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC: Newfound Gap Road

Less crowded: Parson’s Branch Road

Roadside waterfalls: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Hidden gem: Upper Tremont Road

Most popular: Cades Cove Loop Road

Mountain views: Foothills Parkway

Are you ready to plan your drive through the Smoky Mountains? Take a look at more recommendations for the road less traveled– you may not have heard about some of these underrated Smoky Mountain scenic drives before!