In fall, the Smoky Mountains become filled with vibrant changing leaves in shades of red, yellow, and orange. There’s nothing quite like seeing the mountain landscape dotted with these fall colors, and the best way to experience them is by taking a scenic drive through the mountains! Here’s a list of some of the top fall scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains that you won’t want to miss!
1. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
One of the best fall scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains can be easily accessed from downtown Gatlinburg. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile, one-way road that travels through an old growth forest and past streams, waterfalls, and historical structures. The wooded views on either side of the road provide the perfect opportunity for seeing changing fall leaves. Park at one of the trailheads and hike a trail to become immersed in the tranquility of the fall scenery all around you. Some of these trails even lead to breathtaking waterfalls like Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls! This drive is a popular place to spot bears and other wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled!
2. Cades Cove Loop Road
One of the most popular fall scenic drives in the Smokies is Cades Cove Loop Road. This 11-mile, one-way paved loop meanders through the valley and woods, offering fantastic views of Smoky Mountain fall foliage in every direction! Along the way you’ll pass historical cabins, old churches, and other structures as well as trailheads to popular hikes like Abrams Falls. It’s also common to spot wildlife such as white-tailed deer and black bears along this drive. Cades Cove Loop Road intersects with Rich Mountain Road, which is another great scenic drive that showcases views of the valley blanketed in the colors of fall.
3. Foothills Parkway
Foothills Parkway is one of the most unique fall scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains! This scenic highway has several completed sections that are open to the public as well as a few that are still a work in progress. The newest section connects Wears Valley Road to US 321 in Walland. Along this drive you’ll see stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains on one side and the Tennessee Valley on the other. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Cumberland Mountains 50 miles to the west! In fall, this road is engulfed in colorful foliage, and the views of the surrounding areas are blanketed in the beautiful colors of fall.
4. Upper Tremont Road
Are you looking for fall scenic drives that are less traveled? Take a drive along Upper Tremont Road! You can find this hidden gem near Wears Valley on the way toward Cades Cove, and it is one of the best places to experience fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains! As you wind along the road you’ll pass tree-shaded parking areas where you can stop for a picnic under beautiful fall leaves and enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds of nature. You will also find various hiking trailheads along this road, including the Middle Prong Trail which leads to breathtaking waterfalls and pieces of history, all surrounded by fall scenery this season.
More Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in Fall
These are some of the best fall scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains that you won’t want to miss! Are you looking for more ways to experience autumn in the Smokies? Check out these top things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the fall!
