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The relaxing drive reveals stunning long-range landscapes and striking close-up views.įollow this stretch of river road to travel straight through the heart of the Smoky Mountains. The scenic route follows the crest of the mountains, with frequent parking areas along the way for motorists to enjoy the view. Starting at the Cherokee Indian Reservation, this auto-tour gives a glimpse of the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. Getting to the Blue Ridge Parkway might take some time for Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg visitors, but its excellent vistas are worth it. Related Post: Biltmore Estate Fall: 11 Reasons You Should Be Here The Parkway has been the most visited unit of the National Park Service every year since 1946. It's the longest road in the Smokies with the best Smoky Mountain fall colors. The Parkway links the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's the country's longest linear park and runs for 469 miles through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties. This National Parkway, also called the All-American Road in the United States, is noted for its outstanding beauty. Looking for the best waterfall hikes in the Smokies? Available hikes include the 2.6-mile roundtrip Grotto Falls and the 5.4-mile roundtrip hike to Rainbow Falls.ĭirections: Turn at Stoplight #8 off the Parkway in Downtown Gatlinburg onto Historic Nature Trail-Airport Rd.
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It's a one-way scenic loop, six miles long. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail highlights wildlife watching, historic buildings, log cabins, mountain streams, and countless hikes. Then, continue along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail through thick, dazzling forests. While cruising this route, stop at the Noah "Bud" Ogle Cabin to see the rustic structure framed in fall color. Auto-tour this one-way loop road and take historic and scenic sites from every angle. It's easy, beautiful, and mandatory if you're in the Smoky Mountains National Park. You'll be able to cover a vast stretch of land, crisscrossing mountains, valleys, and vistas, discovering a new scene at every turn. Follow these Smoky Mountain scenic drives to enjoy the daring, jolly spirit of the great US of A! Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trailĭriving through the Smoky Mountains is a treat for all ages. Tour Gatlinburg in the fall while viewing the brilliance and auras of mother nature's changing palettes with scenic drives through Smoky Mountain roads. So now that we've determined the best time for fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains, let's start planning! Related Post: Smoky Mountains Fall: An In-Depth GuideĪ great adventure awaits you, and it's so simple that you might laugh. Check out our guide on where to see peak Pigeon Forge fall foliage for a deeper dive.
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With the most spectacular array of colors among the sugar maples, scarlet oaks, sweetgums, and hickories. Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage 2022Īccording to experts in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the fall color display peaks at mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November. We have tips on driving through the Smoky Mountains, capturing the best swaggering views, and taking ridiculously good pictures. The best time for fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains is autumn when the trees burst with vibrant shades of fading sea greens, halo yellows, and bright scarlet in October. There's beauty all around us if we know where to look. The colors shift to gold, burnt orange, and mahogany tones-it's Great Smoky Mountain fall foliage. Follow along to choose the best Smoky Mountain scenic drive.Ĭatch the slanted sun as it beckons through jagged cliffs with wavering radiance.
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