How long is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Loop route?

This route takes 9 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Knoxville, Tennessee to Knoxville, Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is Mid-October for foliage; April to May for wildflowers.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

A car is the primary way to get around on this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Classic road trip, Adventure, Culture.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Loop

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The route · 6 stops

1
Knoxville, Tennessee
1 night
The Smokies' main gateway city, set on the Tennessee River about 45 minutes from the park. Spend a night before heading in: walk Market Square, ride up the 1982 World's Fair Sunsphere, and stock up. It is close to both the Townsend and Gatlinburg entrances.
The Smokies' main gateway city, set on the Tennessee River about 45 minutes from the park. Spend a night before heading in: walk Market Square, ride up the 1982 World's Fair Sunsphere, and stock up. It is close to both the Townsend and Gatlinburg entrances.
Buy your park parking tag before driving in. Great Smoky Mountains charges 5 USD per day or 15 USD per week to park anywhere in the park.
2
Townsend (Cades Cove)
2 nights38m · 45 km from previous
Townsend is the quiet side of the Smokies and the best base for Cades Cove, an 11-mile one-way loop of historic cabins, churches, and open meadows rich with deer, black bear, and wild turkey. Tuckaleechee Caverns and tubing on the Little River easily fill a second day.
Townsend is the quiet side of the Smokies and the best base for Cades Cove, an 11-mile one-way loop of historic cabins, churches, and open meadows rich with deer, black bear, and wild turkey. Tuckaleechee Caverns and tubing on the Little River easily fill a second day.
Drive the Cades Cove Loop at opening to beat traffic; by midday it can take three hours. The loop is vehicle-free on selected Wednesdays in summer.
3
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
3 nights25m · 30 km from previous
The park's busiest gateway and a natural three-night base. From here drive US-441 over Newfound Gap to Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, and the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail past waterfalls and log cabins. The town has a tramway, distilleries, and Anakeesta.
The park's busiest gateway and a natural three-night base. From here drive US-441 over Newfound Gap to Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, and the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail past waterfalls and log cabins. The town has a tramway, distilleries, and Anakeesta.
Kuwohi Road and Roaring Fork close from December into spring. Start high drives early; ridgetop weather differs sharply from the valley.
4
Cherokee, North Carolina
1 night35m · 42 km from previous
The southern park entrance and home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum show 19th-century mountain life, while the Museum of the Cherokee People tells a far older story. Mingo Falls nearby is one of the tallest cascades in the southern Appalachians.
The southern park entrance and home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum show 19th-century mountain life, while the Museum of the Cherokee People tells a far older story. Mingo Falls nearby is one of the tallest cascades in the southern Appalachians.
Elk often graze the Oconaluftee fields at dawn and dusk; stay at least 50 yards back. The Blue Ridge Parkway begins just north of town.
5
Bryson City, North Carolina
2 nights14m · 17 km from previous
A relaxed town on the Tuckasegee River and the hub for the Nantahala Gorge. Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad through the gorge, raft or kayak the Nantahala's whitewater, and walk the easy waterfall loop at Deep Creek, a quieter park entrance made for tubing in summer.
A relaxed town on the Tuckasegee River and the hub for the Nantahala Gorge. Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad through the gorge, raft or kayak the Nantahala's whitewater, and walk the easy waterfall loop at Deep Creek, a quieter park entrance made for tubing in summer.
Book Great Smoky Mountains Railroad excursions ahead in autumn. Deep Creek tube rentals are available from outfitters just outside the entrance.
6
Knoxville, Tennessee
1h 19m · 95 km from previous
Close the loop back in Knoxville via I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, around 75 miles from Bryson City. Time a final evening on Gay Street or by the river before flying out of McGhee Tyson Airport.
Close the loop back in Knoxville via I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, around 75 miles from Bryson City. Time a final evening on Gay Street or by the river before flying out of McGhee Tyson Airport.
The I-40 Pigeon River Gorge can slow with freight traffic; allow extra time. Pigeon Forge and Dollywood make an easy detour on the way back.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Loop

The route · 6 stops

Knoxville, Tennessee

Townsend (Cades Cove)

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Cherokee, North Carolina

Bryson City, North Carolina

Knoxville, Tennessee

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Loop

The route · 6 stops

Knoxville, Tennessee

Townsend (Cades Cove)

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Cherokee, North Carolina

Bryson City, North Carolina

Knoxville, Tennessee

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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