🚗 4 Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains You’ll Fall in Love With

Explore the Smokies from the comfort of your car—then come home to Timberidge Cabins.

One of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to explore the Great Smoky Mountains is by taking a scenic drive. Whether you're chasing fall foliage, spotting wildlife, or simply soaking in the views, these routes offer unforgettable experiences with plenty of places to stop, stretch your legs, and snap a photo. And after a day of adventure, there’s no better place to unwind than your cozy retreat at Timberidge Cabins in Gatlinburg, TN.

Here are four of the top scenic drives in the Smokies—each one a perfect pairing with your Timberidge stay.

1. 🌄 Kuwohi Road (Formerly Clingmans Dome Road)

At 6,643 feet, Kuwohi is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park—and the highest peak in Tennessee. The 7-mile drive to the summit is packed with scenic pullouts offering panoramic views of ridges and valleys. At the end of the road, a short but steep half-mile hike leads to an iconic observation tower with 360° views that stretch over 100 miles on clear days2.

Timberidge Tip: Dress in layers—temperatures at Kuwohi can be 10–20°F cooler than Gatlinburg. And don’t forget your camera!

2. 🌿 Upper Tremont Road

This gravel road is a hidden gem that winds along the Middle Prong of the Little River. It’s quieter than other routes, making it ideal for peaceful drives, waterfall spotting, and impromptu picnics. You’ll find shaded parking areas, trailheads, and endless photo ops along the way4.

Timberidge Tip: Stop at the Middle Prong Trailhead for a short hike to one of the Smokies’ most photogenic waterfalls.

3. 🏞️ Wears Valley Road

Stretching 15 miles between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, Wears Valley Road offers stunning mountain views and access to the Foothills Parkway. It’s also a smart shortcut into the national park via Line Springs Road—less crowded than the Gatlinburg entrance6.

Timberidge Tip: Grab breakfast at Elvira’s Café in Wears Valley before your drive, then loop back to Timberidge for sunset views from your cabin porch.

4. 🌊 Little River Road

This 18-mile route (36 miles round trip) gently winds between Gatlinburg and Townsend, hugging the Little River. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, picnic areas, historic sites, and trailheads—including the popular Laurel Falls and Metcalf Bottoms8.

Timberidge Tip: Start your drive at Sugarlands Visitor Center, just minutes from Timberidge Cabins. End at Cades Cove for a wildlife-rich loop through Appalachian history.

🛏️ Stay Close to the Scenery at Timberidge Cabins

Located just outside downtown Gatlinburg, Timberidge Cabins offer the perfect basecamp for scenic drives, hiking adventures, and peaceful mountain escapes. Our historic log cabins blend rustic charm with modern amenities—hot tubs, fireplaces, full kitchens, and more.

Whether you're here for leaf-peeping season, spring wildflowers, or a cozy winter getaway, Timberidge Cabins put you in the heart of the Smokies with easy access to all four scenic drives.

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