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

Tennessee
Foothills Parkway West (new section)

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

Foothills Parkway East flanks the northeastern boundary of the park and offers unique panoramic views of the Smokies and beyond.
Tennessee
Foothills Parkway West (old section)

Drive between Walland and Chilhowee for beautiful views looking back into the Smokies and into the surrounding communities.
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.
NORTH CAROLINA
Cataloochee & Balsam Mountain

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

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