Newfound Gap Road, Tennessee, United States
5.0 (773 reviews) Spent Ranking #8 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Scenic Drives
Spectacular Drive
This is the main route that traverses Great Smoky Mountain National Park and offers spectacular views along the way. Many places to pull off but the best views are found at Newfound Gap, Luftee Overlook, and Morton’s Overlook. Beware that there was construction when I visited last month with single lane traffic at 1 point making for some long delays if arriving during the busiest times of the day
Address
Between Sugarlands and Oconoluftee 13.2 MIles from Sugarlands Visitor Center is the state line marker overlook, Tennessee, United States.
Mobile
Website
http://www.gsmnp.com/newfound-gap-road/
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 13:49
User Ratings
5.0 based on (773 reviews)
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Reviews
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5Dan 5:00 PM Nov 19, 2022
Fantastic Views & Wildlife Too!
My wife & I just returned from a trip to the GSMNP. Drove up US 441 from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. During October this 35 mile drive is one one the most scenic in America. It is an annual tradition for us. The tree leaves have changed to their most brilliant colors. There are multiple overlooks along the way providing ample opportunities for you to stop & take a break while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains & the spectacular fall foliage. Picture taking opportunities are everywhere. We stopped at Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome, Alum Cave Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, both the Sugarlands & the Oconaluftee visitor centers, Little River Road, The Sinks, Laurel Falls, & Mingus Mill. We saw wild turkeys, Elk, & also a mama bear & her cubs! Made life time memories. Highly recommend.
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5Dan 5:00 PM Oct 13, 2020
One Of The Most Scenic Drives Anywhere In America
My wife and I drove this 33 mile stretch of highway (US 441) between Gatlinburg Tennessee and Cherokee NC in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park last week. We always go in October when the leaves are changing colors. Along the way you will encounter diverse wildlife, trees, & plants as well as streams, creeks & waterfalls making this one of the most scenic drives anywhere in America. There are multiple pull-offs along the way including Newfound Gap that offer magnificent views of the mountains and the surrounding countryside. For even more spectacular views, take the 14 mile round trip drive to Clingmans Dome (elevation 6643 feet making it the highest mountain in the GSMNP). I promise you will not be disappointed and don’t be surprised when traffic just stops due to a bear sighting so have your camera ready. There are also multiple hiking opportunities at Chimney Tops or the Alum Cave trail. Additionally the Appalachian trail crosses at Newfound Gap. I saved the best for last. The GSMNP is the only National Park in the U.S. that is FREE-no entry fee! Open year round. However keep in mind that due to the high elevation (5046 feet at Newfound Gap) & the fact that this road is only cleared by snowplows and a gravel sandmix (no chemicals can be used for snow removal due to their harm to the environment), the park service will close the road when snow, ice, or high winds create a driving hazard. The alternate route will take you about an hour longer to get to Gatlinburg.
