If you’re looking for an experience that shows off some of the most gorgeous parts of the Smoky Mountains, you have to take a drive on Foothills Parkway! While not as popular as some of the other scenic drives in the area, this route surprises a lot of folks. It’s the type of place some visitors stumble upon but quickly ends up becoming a yearly vacation tradition. Whether you’re after mountain views, looking for spectacular overlooks, or just want somewhere calm for a drive, this road delivers. Here are 5 fun facts you may not know about Foothills Parkway:
1. It Took Decades to Build
All good things take time, and that’s certainly the case with Foothills Parkway. The project was first approved way back in the 1940s with the goal being to build a scenic highway along the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Then came all the speedbumps: money, tricky terrain, environmental debates that kept causing delays. In fact, some parts, specifically the 16-mile stretch from Walland to Wears Valley didn’t open until recently in 2018. It’s one of the longest-running highway projects in the United States.
2. It Offers Mountain Views Without the Crowds
Foothills Parkway is known for being peaceful and less congested than many other must-see spots in the Smokies. If you’re looking for stunning views without heavy traffic or crowded overlooks, it’s a must. Some of the top sights include views of large stretches of mountains, deep valleys, and endless ridges. On a clear day, guests can see out for several miles in the distance.
3. It Was Designed as a Scenic Drive, Not a Shortcut
Most highways are meant to get you from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible. Not Foothills Parkway. It was a carefully designed scenic experience meant to give visitors some of the most incredible views in the area. Curves, hills, and roadside pull-offs were all carefully planned with the intention of getting drivers to slow down and look at all the surrounding beauty. With that in mind, there’s no need to rush! Take your time and truly soak it up.
4. Foothills Parkway is Still Expanding
Believe it or not, Foothills Parkway is still not fully complete. Three middle sections, totalling about 33.5 miles, have not been built yet. This stretch would connect the eastern and western sections of the Foothills Parkway, spanning between Wears Valley and Interstate 40. These unbuilt sections are currently in the planning and design phases, but when they do finally open, guests will have even more views and overlooks to enjoy.
5. Sunrises & Sunsets Here Are Unbeatable
A sunrise or sunset on Foothills Parkway is an absolute must for your Smoky Mountain bucket list! The overlooks along this scenic drive offer wide-open views, so you can see everything from the sky to layers of mountain ridges, and of course the unmistakable glow of cascading sunlight. During sunrise, morning fog rolls across the valleys. At sunset, golden light casts a colorful show over the mountains. It’s an experience that you don’t want to miss on your next vacation!
Ready to Experience Foothills Parkway?
Foothills Parkway is one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences for people visiting the Smoky Mountains. If you want to enjoy the peace, quiet, and picturesque views of this scenic drive the next time you visit the area, make sure to check out everything you need to know about driving Foothills Parkway!
