Drive America’s Highways for 15 miles west along U.S. Route 321 from Cosby to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
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
Foothills Parkway: Interstate 40 to Cosby – Tennessee
The Foothills Parkway is a beautiful scenic drive that stretches from Interstate 40 to Cosby, Tennessee. This 6-mile stretch of highway takes us through some of the most beautiful and picturesque scenery in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Interstate 40: U.S. Route 276 to Cosby
The drive along Interstate 40 from U.S. Route 276 to Cosby, Tennessee is a beautiful and scenic journey through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. This section of the highway is approximately 28 miles long and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape.
U.S. Route 74: Balsam to Waynesville – North Carolina
Drive America’s Highways for 7 miles east along U.S. Route 74 from Balsam to Waynesville, North Carolina.
U.S. Route 441: Gatlinburg to Cherokee – Newfound Gap Rd – TN/NC
Drive America’s Highways for 29 miles south along U.S. Route 441 from Gatlinburg to Cherokee.
U.S. Route 74: Lake Junaluska to Balsam, North Carolina
Drive America’s Highways for 9 miles west along U.S. Route 74 from Lake Junaluska to Balsam, North Carolina.
Interstate 40: Newport to Lake Junaluska
🚙 Drive America's Highways for 44 miles east along Interstate 40 from Newport, TN to Lake Junaluska, NC. We start the drive from Newport to Lake Junaluska merging onto I-40 from the U.S. Route 70 interchange, just west of Newport. Driving initially east on I-40, we...
U.S. Highway 441 – Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Drive America's Highways for 4.5 miles north along US-441 from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge in Tennessee. Join us as we make the short drive from the resort town of Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee up U.S. Highway 441 north to the tourist town of Pigeon...
U.S. Highway 441 Northbound in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Drive America’s Highways for 3.5 miles north along U.S. Highway 441 Northbound in Gatlinburg, from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the northern city limits.