Drive America’s Highways for 22 miles east along Tennessee Route 360 from Vonore to Tellico Plains.
Smoky Mountains
Nestled in the heart of the southeastern United States, the Smoky Mountain region stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur and cultural heritage. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and historical significance, the region is intricately woven with an intricate network of highways that offer unparalleled access to its treasures.
Interstate 40 (I-40): Serving as a vital conduit for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the Smoky Mountain experience, Interstate 40 winds through the heart of the region. Stretching roughly from coast to coast, this transcontinental highway allows for convenient access to the Smokies from both the east and west. As it traverses the region, I-40 offers glimpses of panoramic vistas, dense forests, and charming small towns.
US Route 441: Revered as the “Gateway to the Smokies,” US Route 441 provides a scenic route that leads directly into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This iconic highway leads travelers through an array of elevation changes, granting a front-row seat to the park’s dramatic terrain and abundant wildlife. As the main artery connecting the towns of Gatlinburg and Cherokee, US 441 epitomizes the region’s enchanting allure.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Meandering along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a leisurely drive that unveils captivating vistas of the Smokies and its environs. While not confined solely to the Smoky Mountain region, this national treasure seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. The Parkway’s scenic overlooks, meadows adorned with wildflowers, and well-preserved natural landscapes create an idyllic driving experience that beckons exploration.
US Route 321: Tracing a picturesque path from the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains into the heart of the region, US Route 321 offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. As it winds through the Tennessee countryside, this highway showcases rolling hills, meandering rivers, and a sense of tranquility that encapsulates the spirit of the Smokies.
US Route 129 (Tail of the Dragon): Acclaimed by driving enthusiasts, US Route 129, also known as the Tail of the Dragon, is a world-famous road that winds through the Smokies with 318 exhilarating curves over 11 miles. This challenging and thrilling stretch is a haven for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts, offering an unmatched driving experience amid the lush mountain landscape.
Foothills Parkway: As a testament to human engineering harmonizing with the natural world, the Foothills Parkway provides a scenic corridor that elegantly frames the Smokies. Offering unobstructed panoramas of the mountain range, this parkway delivers an awe-inspiring driving experience. Its carefully designed overlooks and thoughtfully curated vistas ensure that every mile traversed is a celebration of the region’s majestic landscapes.
The Smoky Mountain region stands as an epitome of natural beauty and cultural significance, seamlessly connected by an intricate web of highways. Whether venturing through the iconic vistas along Interstate 40, immersing oneself in the grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via US Route 441, embarking on a serene journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway, exploring the picturesque countryside along US Route 321, embracing the exhilarating twists of US Route 129 (Tail of the Dragon), or savoring the breathtaking views offered by the Foothills Parkway, each highway presents a distinct facet of the region’s multifaceted allure. As you traverse these roads, you’ll forge a profound appreciation for the Smoky Mountain region’s captivating landscapes and rich heritage.
Our Smoky Mountains Videos
U.S. Route 411: Seymour to Maryville – Tennessee
The drive along U.S. Route 411 from Seymour to Maryville, Tennessee offers a scenic and pleasant journey through the beautiful countryside of eastern Tennessee. This approximately 15-mile route takes you through picturesque towns, rolling hills, and charming rural landscapes.
U.S. Route 441: Sevierville to Seymour – Tennessee
Drive America’s Highways for 12 miles north along U.S. Route 441 from Sevierville to Seymour, Tennessee.
U.S. Route 321: Wears Valley to Pigeon Forge – Tennessee
Drive America’s Highways for 8 miles north along U.S. Route 321 from Wears Valley to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Foothills Parkway – Tallassee to Wears Valley – Tennessee
Drive America’s Highways for 32 miles north along the Foothills Parkway from Chilhowee, near Tallassee to Wears Valley, Tennessee
U.S. Route 129: Deals Gap to Tallassee – Tail of the Dragon – NC/TN
The drive along U.S. Route 129 from Deals Gap to Tallassee at the Foothills Parkway is a scenic and thrilling journey. The road winds its way through the Great Smoky Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The road is also known for its many curves and turns, making it a popular destination for motorcyclists and sports car drivers.
U.S. Route 129: Tallassee to Deals Gap – Tail of the Dragon – TN/NC
Drive America’s Highways for 15 miles south along U.S. Route 129 – the “Tail of the Dragon” – from Tallassee to Deals Gap.
Foothills Parkway: Wears Valley to Tallassee – Tennessee
The drive along the Foothills Parkway from Wears Valley to Tallassee is a 32-mile scenic and picturesque journey through of the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. This section of the parkway offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests, providing a memorable experience for nature lovers and road trip enthusiasts.
U.S. Route 321: Pigeon Forge to Wears Valley – Tennessee
The drive along U.S. Route 321 from Pigeon Forge to Wears Valley is about 15 minutes long, and it takes us through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. The 8-mile route takes us past towering mountains, lush forests, and sparkling streams.