Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Please take note of these revised directions to avoid a closed section of I-40.
FROM FLORIDA: Take I-75 North to I-40 East. Then take exit 435 to Newport. Turn Right on US-321 towards Gatlinburg on 321 to our campground.
FROM THE NORTHEAST: Take I-81 South to I-40 East to exit 435 to Newport. Turn Right on US-321 towards Gatlinburg on 321 to our campground..
At our campground in Tennessee, you are perfectly positioned to explore some of the most breathtaking scenic drives. Whether you are traveling with family, friends or that special someone, these leisurely routes offer stunning mountain views, cascading waterfalls and opportunities to spot wildlife — all from the comfort of your vehicle.
Just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, this narrow, one-way loop stretches 5.5 miles through dense forest and follows the rushing waters of Roaring Fork Creek.
Along this scenic drive in Gatlinburg, you will discover well-preserved log cabins and historic buildings that tell the story of early mountain settlers. The trail features several pull-offs where you can stop to photograph the Place of a Thousand Drips, a stunning roadside waterfall cascading down moss-covered rocks. Trailheads along the route provide access to popular hikes like Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls, making this motor trail in Gatlinburg perfect for combining a scenic drive with short nature walks.
Plan at least two hours to fully enjoy this experience. The road closes during winter due to weather conditions.
Cades Cove near Gatlinburg, TN, ranks as one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). As you navigate this Smoky Mountain scenic drive near Gatlinburg, watch for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and black bears grazing in the open meadows. The loop also features three historic churches, a working gristmill and numerous preserved homesteads that provide a glimpse into 19th-century Appalachian life.
Allow two to four hours for the complete circuit, especially during peak seasons when traffic moves slowly. Arriving early in the morning or late afternoon increases your chances of spotting wildlife and avoiding crowds.
For a truly spectacular journey through GSMNP, take Newfound Gap Road. This 33-mile route connects Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina, climbing nearly 3,000 feet in elevation as it crosses the park.
The drive showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Smokies, passing through multiple forest ecosystems from lowland hardwoods to high-elevation spruce-fir forests. Stop at Newfound Gap Overlook, the highest point on the road at 5,046 feet, for panoramic mountain views and access to the Appalachian Trail.
Following the gentle curves of the Little River, this scenic 18-mile road connects Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg to Cades Cove, providing a beautiful alternative approach to the valley.
You will drive alongside crystal-clear mountain streams, with numerous pull-offs perfect for picnicking or wading in the cool water. The road passes through old-growth forests and offers excellent opportunities for spotting salamanders, trout and other aquatic wildlife. This route is especially beautiful in autumn when the hardwood forests explode with fall colors.
For the most dramatic views in the Smokies, take the 7-mile Clingmans Dome Road to the highest point in Tennessee. This steep, winding road branches off from Newfound Gap Road and climbs to 6,643 feet.
At the summit, a half-mile paved trail leads to an observation tower that offers 360-degree views stretching up to 100 miles on clear days. The high-elevation spruce-fir forest along this route creates a rare ecosystem in the southern Appalachians. This road typically closes from December through March due to snow and ice.
These scenic drives are ideal for visitors of all ages and abilities. You don't need hiking boots or special equipment — just a sense of adventure and a camera to capture the memories. Pack a picnic lunch, bring your binoculars for wildlife watching and prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty of the Smokies.
Ready to explore the best scenic drives near Gatlinburg? Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday offers the perfect base camp for your mountain adventures. Choose from RV Sites, comfortable cabins or tent camping options, all with modern amenities to make your stay enjoyable.
After a day of scenic driving, relax by the campfire, take a dip in our seasonal pool or simply unwind while surrounded by the beauty of the Smokies.
Reserve your stay today and start planning your scenic drive adventure!
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