This 7-mile, one-way route runs north from Cades Cove to the Park boundary at Rich Mountain Gap and on down the mountain to Townsend TN. Rich Mountain Road was built in the 1820s following an old Indian trace into Cades Cove. Points of interest include a stand of shagbark hickory, a species rarely found in the Smoky Mountains. At one point on the road—shortly after leaving Cades Cove—you can enjoy a spectacular view of the cove and the Primitive Baptist Church, a favorite of photographers. The road is closed in winter. No trailers or RVs are allowed. Plan on spending about one hour on this trip if you stop to enjoy the spectacular view back down towards Cades Cove and the Primitive Baptist Church—a favorite of...
This 8-mile gravel road leads from the Cades Cove Loop Road to US 129 toward the North Carolina side of the Park and Calderwood Dam. Parsons Branch Road was originally a main artery among a complex of roads feeding the smaller coves and hollows with Cades Cove. These highlands coves were home to several mountaineer farmers who stood against Confederate raiders. Parsons Branch leads south from Cades Cove and is located just after the Cades Cove Visitors Center. No trailers or RVs are allowed. This route takes approximately one hour to...
The most visited part of the Park—and for good reason. A favorite in the Fall, this 11-mile loop road is located in an idyllic setting and offers a self-guided tour of historic homesteads, preserved structures, and churches. Mountain vistas, beautiful pastureland, abundant wildlife, and a visitor’s center allow the visitor a real feel for what it was like for the early settlers to the area. The loop road also provides access to Parson Branch Road and Rich Mountain Road which exit on the NC and TN sides of the Park, respectively. An additional feature of Cades Cove is access to the trailhead to Abrams Falls, a relatively easy 5-mile round trip hike. From this trail, Abrams Creek bends away in a horseshoe shape to a secluded area favored by anglers for trout fishing. Plan on spending the entire day in Cades...
About the Lakeview Drive Auto Tour This 6 drive is also known as “The Road to Nowhere.” This Smoky Mountain driving tour gives you amazing views of Fontana Lake. When the Fontana Dam was created, in the 1940s, the roads in the area flooded. The solution was to build this new road to follow the shore of Fontana Lake. The road is completely paved and starts right outside Bryson City, North Carolina. And, hence the name, the road ends in the middle of nowhere at a tunnel. It truly just ends. Why? Because the park could not finishing the road due to environmental studies stating that the park would be impacted by the road construction. So, today, the road still remains unfinished, but you’re able to drive along it without a problem. Directions to The Road to Nowhere Auto Tour To get there, travel south on Newfound Gap Road into Cherokee NC. In Cherokee, turn right on US 19 and drive 10 miles to Bryson City. At the old Swain County Courthouse, turn right onto Everett Street and cross the Tuckaseegee River. Follow Everett Street through town (it changes to Lakeview Drive) and continue to the park boundary. Continue 5 miles into the park. Lakeview Drive ends at the mouth of a...
There are countless numbers of fun and exciting things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, starting with visiting a Smoky Mountain Visitor Center. From historical exhibits to unique programs, there is a ton of fun things to do here you cannot find anywhere else in the area. To discover all of our favorite things about visiting a Smoky Mountain Visitor Center, read below! 1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Newsletter One of our favorite things you can find at a Smoky Mountain Visitor Center is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park newsletter. Issued in conjunction with the National Park Service, the Smokies Guide newsletter is an amazing way to stay up-to-date on park information and to discover fun and exciting things planned during your visit. This information can include tips about the wildlife, upcoming events or programs, historical tidbits, and more! The best part is, they are completely free to pick up! All you have to do is swing by your favorite Smoky Mountain Visitor Center and there they will be. 2. Unique Books About the Smoky Mountains In addition to the Smokies Guide newsletter, a trip to the Smoky Mountain Visitor Center is also the best place to find a variety of unique books all dedicated to the national park. Whether you want to learn a bit more about the park’s history, the people who once lived there, the intricate ecosystem, or anything else, you are sure to find a book to match these needs. Our favorite are the books that contain pictures of what the area once looked like. There is also a collection...
