9 Best Drive-Thru Views in the Smokies (No Hiking Required!)

Growing up, I never understood why people drove for fun. Coming home from lunch after church on a Sunday afternoon often meant getting stuck behind some older folks taking a leisurely Sunday drive, creeping along at 15 mph like they had nowhere to be. And when they’re taking up both sides of a two-lane country highway, you’re just along for the ride.

Fast-forward a few decades, and now? I get it. There’s something about rolling through the mountains, windows down, taking in the sights at a comfortable pace (preferably not 15 mph, though).

Whether you’ve got sleeping babies in the backseat, you struggle with mobility, or you just want to soak in the scenery without hiking boots or bug spray, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains from the comfort of the driver’s seat.

So if you’re looking for the best views in the Smokies that don’t require stepping out of your car, here are my top picks…

U.S. Highway 441

Winding from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina, this stretch of road (also known as Newfound Gap Road) is hands-down the best scenic drive in the Smokies.

If you only have time for one drive-through experience, this is the one to pick.

Why? For starters, it cuts straight through the heart of the park, offering unbeatable mountain views. There are scenic overlooks galore, each one tempting you to pull over and snap yet another photo.

But the real highlights?

• Newfound Gap – The lowest drivable pass in the Smokies and home to the Rockefeller Memorial, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the national park in 1940.
• Elk Sightings – As you near the North Carolina side, keep an eye out for elk grazing in the fields near the road.

The Foothills Parkway

If you’re looking for a scenic drive that offers breathtaking mountain views without the tourist congestion of Cades Cove or Newfound Gap Road, the Foothills Parkway is your answer.

This partially completed scenic byway runs along the western edge of the Smokies, offering sweeping panoramas of the mountains and valleys below.

With multiple overlooks, this drive is perfect for catching sunrise or sunset. The recently completed section between Walland and Wears Valley is especially stunning. And the best part? No traffic jams… just you, the road, and the mountains.

Cades Cove

I know, I know. Every list about the Smokies includes Cades Cove, and for good reason. It’s one of the most iconic drives in the national park.

But if we’re strictly talking about places where you can have an entire experience from the comfort of your car, Cades Cove loses some points, because half of the fun of Cades Cove is getting out and exploring the historic buildings.

The first half of the 11-mile loop is a dream – rolling meadows, grazing deer, and those perfect Smoky Mountain backdrops that look like they belong on a postcard. But the second half? A bit of a drag, especially if you’re crawling through at 3 mph, trapped behind someone who’s dead-set on spotting a black bear.

If you’re committed to staying in the car, go for the first half, soak in the scenery, and maybe even bail out at Sparks Lane before the loop slows to a crawl.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

If Cades Cove is the Smokies’ most famous scenic loop, Roaring Fork is its slightly underrated cousin.

Tucked just outside of Gatlinburg, this 5.5-mile one-way drive takes you through dense forests, past historic cabins, and alongside the ever-present Roaring Fork creek.

Roll the windows down, and you’ll hear exactly how it got its name. When the water’s high, the sound of rushing cascades fills the air, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the wilderness… even though your seatbelt is still fastened.

Bonus: This drive also features one of the only waterfalls in the park you can see from your car. The Place of a Thousand Drips is a delicate lacework of tiny falls that come together to create one mesmerizing view… no hiking required.

Just a heads-up… the road is narrow, winding, and closed in the winter. Also, if you’re in an RV or towing a trailer, this isn’t the drive for you.

Fall Leaf Peeping

The Smokies in autumn are a different kind of magic. Every year, I think I’ve seen the peak of fall’s beauty, and every year, I’m proven wrong.

You don’t need a specific destination… just drive. Pick a road, any road, and odds are you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking hues of gold, red, and orange.

That said, if you’re looking for a surefire winner, take Little River Road toward Cades Cove. There’s a particular stretch before the picnic area where the trees turn an impossibly bright yellow, creating a tunnel of color.

You’ll know it when you see it. And if the timing is just right, with the late afternoon sun filtering through the branches? It’s pure magic.

Christmas Lights in the Smokies

Come late November, Sevier County transforms into something straight out of a Hallmark movie. Downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge go all out with holiday displays, but the real showstopper? Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at the Smokies Stadium in Kodak.

It’s a full-blown synchronized light show, perfectly timed to Christmas music that plays through your car’s radio. You stay warm, the kids stay entertained, and you can sip on hot cocoa without worrying about frostbite. If you’re in town for the holidays, this is an absolute must.

The Gatlinburg Bypass

Short on time but still want a stellar Smoky Mountain view? The Gatlinburg Bypass is a quick, scenic route that cuts around the busy downtown area, offering up postcard-worthy overlooks of Gatlinburg framed by towering mountain peaks.

If you time it just right, you’ll catch one of the best sunset views in the park without ever having to leave your car. Perfect for those moments when you want the beauty of the Smokies without dealing with stop-and-go traffic.

Upper Tremont Road

For a quieter, lesser-known scenic drive, Upper Tremont Road is a hidden gem. This gravel road follows the Middle Prong of the Little River, leading to some of the most serene and untouched beauty in the park.

It’s especially gorgeous in the fall when the leaves turn brilliant shades of gold and red. Roll the windows down and enjoy the peaceful sound of the rushing river as you cruise along this tranquil stretch of road.

The Tail of the Dragon

If you like your scenic drives with a side of adrenaline, the Tail of the Dragon is calling your name. This legendary stretch of US-129 features 318 curves in just 11 miles, making it a favorite among motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.

While it’s technically just outside the Smokies, it’s close enough to count – plus, the ride is an experience all on its own.

Just be prepared: This road isn’t for the faint of heart, and you’ll want to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. [Personally, this route holds no joy for me, but if hairpin turns are your thing, knock yourself out.]

Ready to Hit the Road?

Sometimes, the best way to experience the Great Smoky Mountains is from behind the wheel… no hiking boots necessary.

Got a favorite scenic drive in the Smokies? Let me know in the comments!