Kid-Approved Adventure in the Smokies
Three hundred and eighty-four miles of exhilarating motor trails are waiting out there for you. The Smokies were meant to be taken in unhurried, open-air and from the driver’s seat of a premium UTV, not viewed through a dusty windshield or a crowded tour bus window. So, you’re starting in the right place!
If you’re new to these mountains, don’t sweat it. We’ll get you dialed in with our offline maps and insider tips before you even turn the key. You’ll be able to navigate the backcountry and find those quiet, camera-worthy overlooks without even needing a cell signal. Check out these top five Smoky Mountains driving trails and start planning your ridgeline adventure today.
Popular Motor Trails
Cades Cove Loop Road
Route Overview
This is one of the most popular Smoky Mountain driving trails, and it’s easy to see why! It offers a perfect opportunity to witness breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
This peaceful and leisurely driving trail takes you through winding turns and varying elevations, offering fantastic views of a vast valley surrounded by majestic mountains and flowing streams. Cades Cove is home to many hiking trails like Meigs Falls and Abrams Falls Trail—a detour leading to a 20-foot waterfall. These will require additional time.
Wildlife enthusiasts, keep your eyes peeled for wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, groundhogs, and raccoons. With some luck, you might even spot black bears and coyotes during their active hours.
Along the way, you’ll encounter notable highlights such as the historic John Oliver Cabin from the 1820s—the home of the area’s first permanent European settlers—and a Baptist Church built in 1887. Visit the fully functioning Cades Cove Grist Mill built in the 1870s; it still operates with a traditional water wheel.
To avoid the crowds (busiest in summer and fall), we recommend visiting early in the morning or evening. Explore Cades Cove with a UTV rental from Ridge Riders and enjoy a special drive with friends and family.
Note that this drive is closed every Wednesday from May 3rd to September 27th.
Kuwohi (Clingman’s Dome)
Route Overview
This Smoky Mountain driving trail is great for anyone interested in catching some of the best views in the area that the Smoky Mountains are known for.
Enjoy this ride for its beautiful spruce-fir forests, mountain valleys, and ridges. The highest point, 6,643 feet above sea level, is the Clingman’s Dome scenic lookout point. Here, you’ll find spectacular 360° views of the Smokies that look out across the entire Smoky Mountain National Park. This area is known to be 15-20 degrees cooler due to the elevation. To top off the day of sightseeing, climb the steep ½ mile walk to the 54-foot Observation Tower on the mountain’s summit for unimpeded views.
This drive is closed in winter weather conditions from December through March.
Newfound Gap Road (Hwy 441)
Route Overview
Newfound Gap Road is by far one of the longest and most scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. During this drive, climb 3,000 feet up into the highlands before descending into the lowland’s areas again. There is a marked contrast in temperature between these areas as much as 15 degrees.
Along this route, you’ll be able to see various forest types as you climb higher into the mountains. The low-elevation regions feature a lush hardwood forest, while the high-elevation ridges near Newfound Gap showcase a beautiful spruce-fir forest. Along the way, there are several overlooks with mountain views, including Campbell Overlook, The Chimney Tops Overlook, and Morton Overlook.
One of the biggest draws for tourists is the state line itself. This is where President Roosevelt formally made the dedication that turned the park into a national historic site.
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Route Overview
This highly favored UTV Smoky Mountain driving trail, is a prime route for birding and scenic views and it’s a must-visit for Smoky Mountains enthusiasts. Named after the mighty and swift-flowing Roaring Fork stream in the park, this low-elevation winding road offers glimpses of cascading mountain streams, ancient hemlock trees, and forests. Additionally, this path offers glimpses of traditional log cabins, historic buildings, and a conventional “tub mill” used by settlers to grind corn into meal.
The Rainbow Falls Trail and Grotto Falls Trail are home of beautiful waterfalls and can be hiked from this route, but require much more time. You can also see Mount LeConte—the third largest mountain in the area from this route.
One of the most unusual sights on this driving trail is the “place of 1000 drips,” a rare roadside waterfall near the end of the trail where you can drive beside the falls!
This trail is closed during winter, and is typically open from March 29th to Dec 1st.
The Sinks
Route Overview
The Sinks is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. It’s an unnatural waterfall on the Little River created when loggers exploded dynamite in the river to remove a log jam. Visitors enjoy this waterfall, without a hike. Typically, the two-hour rental will give you about 15 minutes to check out the waterfall.
Choose Your Group Size, Then Pick Your UTV Model
2 Seater UTV Rental
- from $159
- 2-10 hours
Models Available: Polaris RZR Sport, Polaris RZR Pro XP, Polaris General XP
Features: Bluetooth Soundbar, Climate-controlled Cabs, Street-legal tires, Aftermarket Turn Signals
4 Seater UTV Rental
- from $159
- 2-10 hours
Models Available: Polaris RZR Sport, Polaris RZR Pro XP, Honda Talon Live Valve, Honda Talon Live Valve X
Features: Bluetooth Soundbar, Climate-controlled Cabs, Street-legal tires, Aftermarket Turn Signals
6 Seater UTV Rental
- from $179
- 2-10 hours
Models Available: Polaris Ranger 1000, Polaris Ranger 1500 (Enclosed), Can-Am Limited (Open & Enclosed), Can Am Defender 1000, Honda Pioneer 1000, CF Moto U10 Pro
Features: Bluetooth Soundbar, Climate-controlled Cabs, Street-legal tires, Aftermarket Turn Signals
Why Book with Ridge Riders
We’re Obsessive so You Can Relax
We keep our fleet new, clean & well-maintained for safe and extremely fun driving.
Personalized Planning Session
No planning ahead required! Just show up & we’ll match you with the right UTV and best routes for your family.
Here from Start to Finish
Our family-run business wants this to be a highlight for your family, so our friendly staff is here for every step of your journey.