Scenic Drives: Exploring the Smokies by Car


Not every Smoky Mountain adventure has to begin with hiking boots and trail maps. Sometimes, all it takes is turning the ignition, rolling down the windows, and letting the crisp mountain air do the rest. If you’re traveling with toddlers, grandparents, or simply want a more relaxed way to explore, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers scenic drives that are just as breathtaking as its trails—many of them lined with picnic spots, short hikes, and even wildlife sightings.

Here are two scenic routes where the road itself becomes the destination.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: History, Forests, and Waterfalls

Just a few minutes outside Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a hidden treasure that gives you an authentic Smoky Mountains experience. This one-way, 5.5-mile loop road winds through old-growth forest, past tumbling streams, and alongside moss-covered rocks that shimmer in the light filtering through the trees.

The hum of Roaring Fork Creek provides the perfect soundtrack as you slowly cruise through this peaceful corridor. As the road curves through the forest, you’ll pass historic homesteads like the Ephraim Bales Cabin and Alfred Reagan’s Tub Mill, each with interpretive signs that bring Appalachian history to life.




Roaring Fork Creek



Ephraim Bales Cabin


Planning a Break?
Pull over at the Trillium Gap Trailhead and take the family on a short hike to Grotto Falls. This 2.6-mile round-trip trail is especially fun because it’s one of the only falls in the park you can walk behind. Picnic Idea: Several roadside pull-offs offer tranquil spots beside the stream—perfect for laying out picnic and dipping your feet in cool mountain water. A shady lunch break here beats any restaurant patio.

Wildlife Viewing Tip: Early mornings or just before dusk are your best chances to spot local residents like black bears, white-tailed deer, or wild turkeys. Keep a respectful distance and bring binoculars or a zoom lens for photos.

Upper Tremont Road: A Quieter Kind of Beauty

For those in search of serenity and fewer crowds, Upper Tremont Road is a must-drive. This gravel road follows the Middle Prong of the Little River and begins near the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, winding through one of the most peaceful areas of the park.

As you drive slowly along the edge of the river, you’ll spot mossy cascades, leafy canopies, and several unmarked spots perfect for pulling over and just soaking it all in. The absence of traffic makes this area feel like a personal retreat.



Upper Tretmont Road

Bonus Trails Nearby

Toward the end of the road, you’ll find access to the West Prong Trail and the Lynyrd Cemetery Trail short, peaceful hikes perfect for young children or anyone looking to stretch their legs.

Picnic Tip: Bring a lightweight blanket and some snacks. Several flat rock clearings by the river make for a natural, shaded dining area. No picnic tables necessary just water, woods, and quiet.

Important Reminder: Cell phone service is unreliable in this area. Download offline maps before you arrive, and avoid driving this road with large RVs or trailers as the terrain can be narrow in places.

Why Scenic Drives Work for Families

When you’ve got a mix of ages and energy levels, scenic drives in the Smokies offer the perfect middle ground. You can take in epic views, learn local history, stop for short hikes or nature photos, and enjoy a full day of exploration all without ever lacing up your hiking boots.

These drives also allow for spontaneous detours, unplanned wildlife encounters, and easy ways to turn a simple afternoon into something unforgettable.

   


Scenic drive through Roaring Fork in the Smokies











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