Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Smokies as we drive the Foothills Parkway from Chilhowee near Tallassee to Wears Valley, Tennessee—32 miles of panoramic views, scenic overlooks, and smooth, winding pavement.
Smoky Mountain Region
Explore the Smoky Mountain Region, encompassing Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Discover breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a plethora of attractions for all ages.
Smoky Mountain Region: Exploring Sevierville, Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg
Nestled in the heart of East Tennessee, the Smoky Mountain Region encompasses the charming towns of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Serving as gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—the most visited national park in the United States—these towns offer a harmonious blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant entertainment. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, or a serene mountain retreat, the Smoky Mountain Region provides an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Sevierville: A Blend of Heritage and Adventure
Sevierville, the hometown of country music legend Dolly Parton, offers a delightful mix of historical sites and modern attractions. Visitors can explore the Historic Downtown Sevierville, featuring the iconic Dolly Parton statue and beautifully preserved architecture. For aviation enthusiasts, the Tennessee Museum of Aviation showcases vintage aircraft and exhibits detailing the history of flight. Nature lovers can delve into the subterranean wonders of Forbidden Caverns, a guided tour through sparkling formations and underground streams.
Pigeon Forge: Family Fun and Entertainment
Pigeon Forge is renowned for its array of family-friendly attractions and entertainment options. At the heart of the town lies Dollywood, a theme park co-owned by Dolly Parton, offering thrilling rides, live music, and traditional crafts. The Island in Pigeon Forge provides a vibrant atmosphere with shopping, dining, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel offering panoramic views. For adventure seekers, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster delivers an exhilarating ride through the scenic landscape.
Gatlinburg: Gateway to the Smokies
Gatlinburg serves as a picturesque entry point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The town boasts attractions like the Gatlinburg Space Needle, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, and the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop featuring the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Visitors can also explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, home to a diverse array of marine life.
The Smoky Mountain Region’s unique blend of natural splendor, cultural richness, and entertainment ensures a memorable experience for all who visit.
Experience Smoky Mountain Region
U.S. Route 441: Gatlinburg to Cherokee – Newfound Gap Rd – TN/NC
Experience one of the most scenic drives in America as we travel U.S. Route 441 from Gatlinburg to Cherokee through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Newfound Gap to the Oconaluftee Valley, this route offers stunning views, historic sites, and unfor…
U.S. Route 411: Sevierville to Newport – Tennessee
Take a scenic drive along U.S. Route 411 from Sevierville to Newport, Tennessee. This 19-mile stretch winds through the Smoky Mountain foothills, passing Fairgarden’s historic schoolhouse, Chestnut Hill’s lakeside charm, and the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest…
Tennessee Route 454: Gatlinburg to Caton
Take a scenic drive along Tennessee Route 454 from Gatlinburg to Caton through the lush hills and artsy enclaves of the Smoky Mountains. This 6-mile route offers winding roads, rural charm, and a peaceful alternative to busier tourist highways.
U.S. Route 321: Wears Valley to Pigeon Forge – Tennessee
Take a peaceful 8-mile drive along U.S. Route 321 from Wears Valley to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This short Smoky Mountains route pairs stunning views and mountain charm with easy access to Pigeon Forge’s lively attractions.
U.S. Route 129: Deals Gap to Tallassee ~ Tail of the Dragon – NC/TN
Cruise the legendary Tail of the Dragon on U.S. Route 129 from Deals Gap to Tallassee — a 15-mile thrill ride through the Smoky Mountains featuring 318 famous curves, forest tunnels, and breathtaking mountain views.
Foothills Parkway: Wears Valley to Tallassee – Tennessee
Take in 32 miles of tranquil mountain scenery along the Foothills Parkway from Wears Valley to Tallassee. Enjoy sweeping overlooks, seasonal colors, and a leisurely drive through Tennessee’s beautiful Smoky Mountain foothills.
U.S. Route 321: Pigeon Forge to Wears Valley – Tennessee
Cruise 8 miles along U.S. Route 321 from Pigeon Forge to Wears Valley, Tennessee, where lively roadside attractions give way to serene Smoky Mountain scenery, rustic cabins, and open valley views—perfect for a quick scenic drive or a gateway to deeper adventures.
U.S. Route 321: Cosby to Gatlinburg – Tennessee
Explore the scenic 15-mile drive along U.S. Route 321 from Cosby to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This route winds through rural farmland, forested hills, and into the bustling heart of the Smokies, offering a perfect mix of mountain scenery and local attractions.
Foothills Parkway: Interstate 40 to Cosby – Tennessee
Experience the stunning Foothills Parkway from Interstate 40 to Cosby, Tennessee — a 6-mile scenic drive offering breathtaking Smoky Mountain views, peaceful forest pull-offs, and easy access to quiet trails and hidden waterfalls near Cosby.
Interstate 40: U.S. Route 276 to Cosby – Tennessee
Cruise 28 miles west along Interstate 40 from U.S. Route 276 to Cosby, Tennessee. Experience breathtaking mountain views, the dramatic Pigeon River Gorge, historic tunnels, whitewater adventures in Hartford, and peaceful access to the Smokies at Cosby.
Interstate 40: Newport, TN to Lake Junaluska, NC
Enjoy a breathtaking 44-mile drive along Interstate 40 from Newport, TN to Lake Junaluska, NC. Experience the Pigeon River Gorge, Great Smoky Mountains scenery, river rafting spots, scenic overlooks, and a charming lakeside finish — perfect for a memorable Appalachian…