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

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  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.

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  NORTH CAROLINA

  Cataloochee & Balsam Mountain

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

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  TENNESSEE

  Foothills Parkway East

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

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  Tennessee

  Roaring Fork

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

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  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.

 

Short booklets are available to serve as your personal tour guides along many park roads. These booklets are keyed to numbered posts or landmarks and include information on park history, wildlife, and plants. Booklets are available for purchase from park visitor centers and the Smokies Life online store.