The Smoky Mountains have so much natural beauty to offer visitors, from the amazing hiking trails in the area, to stunning overlooks, and more. If you are searching for a place to take in the sights of the area, then you may want to consider driving Newfound Gap Road! This scenic drive has lots of beautiful views and is a favorite among visitors. If you want to learn more about driving Newfound Gap Road in the Smoky Mountains, read on for the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions!
Where is Newfound Gap Road?
Newfound Gap Road is located between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC. When approaching from Gatlinburg, the road can be most easily accessed by following the signs for Cherokee while heading towards Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
How long is Newfound Gap Road?
Newfound Gap Road is 33 miles long. Driving from one end of the road to the other typically takes around an hour, but this can vary depending on weather and traffic.
What can you see along Newfound Gap Road?
There is lots to see when you drive along Newfound Gap Road! One of the main highlights of the drive is Newfound Gap itself, which is home to the spot where President Franklin D. Roosevelt first dedicated Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The dedication site is a great spot to visit for those who are interested in history, or those looking for an ideal photo-op. In addition, there are lots of chances to see wildlife while driving along Newfound Gap Road, as people have reported sightings of black bears, white-tailed deer, and more. Just remember to always watch for animals near the road and carefully follow speed limits! Finally, there are plenty of pull-off areas located along Newfound Gap Road, so you will have frequent opportunities to stop and observe your surroundings.
What makes Newfound Gap Road unique?
Of course, the road being home to the spot where the park was first dedicated makes it special! However, another of the most unique features of Newfound Gap Road is that it is the lowest drivable pass in all of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so it offers views that differ from many of the other roads in the area.
Does Newfound Gap Road close?
No, Newfound Gap Road does not close and you can access it anytime you like! The only exception to this policy is when weather conditions make the road unsafe to travel, in which case the National Park Service may close it temporarily.
We hope that this information about Newfound Gap Road has been helpful to you! When you come to visit the Smoky Mountains, there are so many opportunities to observe the natural beauty of the area, and we love helping visitors make the most out of their stay here in the area. If you are interested in finding out about even more places to admire the views, you can check out more of the top scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains right here!
