Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Trail is named for the large and fast-flowing mountain stream in the park; this narrow and winding road gives you views of rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old forests, historic buildings, traditional log cabins, and grist mills.
The road is a looped 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road and a favorite trip for many. Immerse in nature on this trail, which is no wonder why this is a favorite trail for many visitors.
New Foothills Parkway
The Smoky Mountain Loop includes five of the top touring roads in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Climbs to over 5,000 feet elevation at Newfound Gap before plunging to 1,500 feet at Sugarlands Visitor Center offering unmatched mountain views and fabulous touring. From here TN 73 AKA Little River Road winds 33 miles westward through scenic rock overhangs along the Little River. A short jog will get you on the Foothills Parkway, 33 miles of touring fun along the ridge line with overlooks with views of the Smokies. There are many scenic overlooks to stop at to enjoy the scenic views and wildlife!
Clingmans Dome Trail: Visit the Highest Point in the Smoky Mountains
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome boasts the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The “Dome” refers to the mountaintop, not the man-made observation tower. The Dome lies within both Tennessee and North Carolina and is the highest point in Tennessee. On clear days, visitors may see as far as 100 miles.
Clingmans Dome, open year-round, can be reached by traveling Clingmans Dome Road, which closes December 1 through March 31 when conditions become unfavorable due to ice and snow. At the end of Clingmans Dome Road is the parking area, a visitor’s center, and the trailhead to the summit. The trail to reach the park’s highest point is paved and only measures one-half mile.
However, the trail can be moderate to difficult because of its steep incline. The half-mile trail to the summit of Clingmans Dome is paved, but very steep. During the short hike, you will gain 332 feet, which makes the climb gradient almost 13%! The Clingmans Dome hike does feature several benches along the way if you need to catch your breath during the ascent.
