This portion of the parkway has three scenic pull-offs where visitors can take in English Mountain, the divide between North Carolina and Tennessee, and Cades Cove.įoothills Parkway West stretches 18-miles from Walland, Tennessee, down to Chilhowee and rolls along the Chilhowee Mountain crest. Trucks are not allowed on the parkway, and the only sign of civilization is the road you’re traveling.įoothills Parkway East starts at exit #443 off Interstate 40, climbs over Green Mountain, and ends 6-miles later in Cosby, Tennessee. The two finished sections, Foothills Parkway East and Foothills Parkway West have breathtaking scenic overlooks and are close to other Smoky Mountain attractions. One reason it isn’t well-known is that it is long from being completed. Not many tourists know about The Foothills Parkway, which is why we include it in our prime destinations. If you would like to test your mettle on this serpentine adventure, check out How to Drive the Tail of the Dragon for some valuable tips. Because of its popularity with such drivers, it’s best to avoid driving on the weekend from 11 AM-5 PM. The road will test any driver's skills, so it is no wonder that it attracts motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts who tackle it with gusto. The drive got its name because it looks like the tail of a dragon when viewed from overhead. It is located near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and is 11-miles of 318 sharp curves. The name alone should pique the interest of those with a sense of adventure. Clingman’s Dome Road is closed from December 1-March 31, but the Dome is open year-round. Because the Dome is at 6,643 feet above sea level, be sure to dress warmly even in summer as temperatures can be 10-20 degrees cooler. In the Dome, visitors can take in the 360° view of the highest point in the Smokies. The hike is steep, but there are park benches along the way if you need to rest. There is a parking lot at the end of the road where a half-mile paved trail leads to Clingman’s Dome. This 7-mile road climbs the Tennessee Smokies giving motor enthusiasts scenic views and pull-offs for picnics, sightseeing, and hiking. Clingman’s Dome Road is a 50-minute drive south from Gatlinburg and is off Newfound Gap Road. When his claim was verified, they named it after him in his honor. Thomas Clingman (1812-1897) boasted that this mountain was the highest point in the area. The weather can be cool in the summer, so dress accordingly, while crossing in winter can be extremely dangerous. Be sure you have plenty of gas and pack water and snacks for this desolate but scenic trip. There are pull-offs to soak up the scenery and snap some pictures, as well as waterfalls and hiking trails to explore. Motorists are given breathtaking, unobstructed mountain-top views before descending for 23-miles into Tennessee’s lush forests. The route lives up to its name because it rolls for 18-miles atop the 5,400-foot peaks of the Smokies. It cost the state of North Carolina $100,000,000 to build and is one of the “Top 10” motorcycle rides in the US. This 43-mile gem took 34-years to complete and connects Robbinsville, North Carolina, with Tellico Plains, Tennessee. So pack a picnic lunch, fill up the tank, and let’s go exploring! This post will list what we consider are the iconic drives in the Smoky Mountains and why they deserve to be on your bucket list. Even the names of these destinations stir the imagination: Clingman’s Dome, The Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway. One of the best ways to take in all the Smokies offer is on a scenic drive. The Smoky Mountains are among nature’s many treasures that beckon adventurers, sightseers, and nature lovers the world over to visit.
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