Driving Trails
Popular Motor Trails
Enjoy nature up close, breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, many nature trails, and 384 miles of road.
Pull over on any of the spots along the driving trails to capture the beauty of the Smokies on camera. Most roads are paved, and the gravel roads are maintained.
Our team will set you up with maps or show you how to use offline maps so you can explore with ease!
Travel and explore on the roads at 35 miles per hour. Explore UTV sightseeing to scenic waterfalls like White Oaks Flats Falls, Cane Creek Twin Falls, Megis Falls, Mannis Branch Falls – all visible from the trails. Check out a few of our favorite spots below!
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is one of the most popular routes in the Great Smokies, with views of a broad valley and surrounded by mountains. This 11-mile one-way loop circles the cove so you can sightsee at a leisurely pace.
If you are lucky, you can catch views of wildlife. This is a popular trail in summer, fall season, and on weekends so be courteous to other visitors and use pullover spots to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
Loop closed every Wednesday from May 3rd to September 27th.
Clingmans Dome
Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in Tennessee at 6,643 feet above sea level, travel along the 7-mile stretch leads to the summit’s observation tower.
The roads are winding with views of mountain valleys, ridges and various woodland areas. Stop at the observation tower for the best views of the entire national park.
Closes seasonally. Check Great Smoky Mountains National Park for up to date information.
Newfound Gap
Another beautiful drive is the Newfound Gap and the lowest drivable pass in the national park. The elevation is 5046 feet; the scenic drive involves climbing up to 3000 feet and see mountains and woodlands that include pine-oak, evergreen spruce, and hardwoods.
The road travels 7 miles through the park’s center and is the only fully paved road in the national park.
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Trail is named for the large and fast-flowing mountain stream in the park; this narrow and winding road gives you views of rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old forests, historic buildings, traditional log cabins, and grist mills.
The road is a looped 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road and a favorite trip for many. Immerse in nature on this trail, which is no wonder why this is a favorite trail for many visitors.
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Visit our gorgeous mountain town to dine, have fun and explore attractions galore for the whole family. Check out the historic old mill, Dollywood, visit the interactive museum, and tour wineries and distilleries.
Metcalf Bottoms
Just a short drive from the city of Townsend, TN, you can ride up to the picnic area, stop and relax or enjoy the hiking trails such as the Little Brier Gap Trail. The trails begin at 1,700 feet with ascents and descents.
Hike into old, towering tree forests, and the natural canopy that runs along the Little Greenbrier River. Learn about the abandoned, Greenbrier community, and school still standing from 1882.
Downtown Pigeon Forge
Visit our gorgeous mountain town to dine, have fun and explore attractions galore for the whole family. Check out the historic old mill, Dollywood, visit the interactive museum, and tour wineries and distilleries. This wonderful city is also just a short drive away from Sevierville where you can explore more trails.
Downtown Gatlinburg
The quaint mountain town of Gatlinburg is one of the top-visited locations in the U.S. There are all kinds of scenic viewpoints and fun attractions for the whole family with many interests. Take a ride to the top of the Space Needle, visit the aquarium or picnic in the National Park or explore the waterfall and the hiking trails.
