There are 384 miles of road in the Smokies. Most are paved, and even the gravel roads are maintained in suitable condition for standard passenger cars. But driving in the mountains presents new challenges for many drivers. Roads in the park are narrow and winding with blind curves and low shoulders.
Is it safe to drive in Gatlinburg Tennessee?
We're actually
a pretty safe place to drive most of the time
. However, this kind of reputation can cause people to not plan on bad weather.
How long does it take to drive through the Smoky Mountains?
The Loop is a one-way (one-lane) paved road. The scenic driving tour through the Cades Cove Loop takes
approximately two to four hours
depending on traffic.
Can you drive thru the Smoky Mountains?
Taking a scenic drive is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With almost
400 miles
of roadway in the park and the surrounding scenic area, you can drive to specific locations to enjoy, as well as tour through steadily changing vistas of great beauty.
Is driving in Smoky Mountains dangerous?
But now it has been listed as
the third most dangerous national park
, according to outdoor travel guide Outforia. Outforia said National Park Service data shows there have been 92 deaths at GSMNP over the past decade. … Park officials said most of those crashes were caused by speeding, inattentiveness or drunk driving.
Are there alligators in the Smoky Mountains?
Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. TWRA
has not stocked any alligators
in Tennessee. Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states.
Is Smoky Mountain water safe to drink?
Chemical disinfectants require very long contact times for the water temperatures found in the Smokies. Although most park waters are clear and
free-running you should never drink untreated water!
Do you need a car in Gatlinburg?
The city of Gatlinburg is easily walkable and the inexpensive trolley that operates 365 days a year offers service to nearby attractions. However, you'll need a
car to take advantage of the scenic driving loops
or to access areas of the national park that aren't within walking distance.
Is 441 closed from Cherokee to Gatlinburg?
Newfound Gap Road (Hwy 441) is
closed from Gatlinburg to Cherokee until further notice due to landslides and down trees
. Tom Sellars and 1,219 others like this.
How long does it take to drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee?
The Gatlinburg to Cherokee ride passes through Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Newfound Gap Road. Our map shows an arbitrary starting point at Starbucks in downtown Gatlinburg on US-441. From this spot, it takes
roughly 1 hour 24 minutes
to drive point to point without stopping along the way.
Is Cades Cove worth the drive?
The drive to Cades Cove alone will definitely be worth the trip
. As you drive through the beautiful wooded areas of the Smoky Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views, you and your family will feel like you arrived in Cades Cove in no time.
Do I need bear spray in Smoky Mountains?
Bear spray is legal for self defense in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park
. Although you probably won't need to use it, the peace of mind and security of knowing you have it on your hip so you can enjoy your hiking, camping or swimming is priceless.
How much does it cost to get into Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
is free
! Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. The park is one of the few national parks where no entrance fees are charged.
Is there a scenic drive through the Smoky mountains?
From
Newfound Gap Road to Balsam Mountain Road
, drive through some of the best scenic routes Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer and be sure make stops along the way to take in some breathtaking views.
How many days do you need in Smoky Mountain National Park?
If you are a first time visitor to the park and want to experience the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we suggest
3 to 4 full days of sightseeing
plus a day or two for doing some of the longer hikes, river tubing, or horseback riding and still have time to explore Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
How far apart are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?
Luckily, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are only
4 miles away
from each other. No matter where you choose to rent your cabin, you'll be close to the best sights in the Smokies.
