Newfound Gap
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Carving its way through the Great Smoky Mountains, the Newfound Gap might as well be the bold, black line marking the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. This low mountain pass has a 31-mile (50-kilometer) roadway, making it the highest driveable route through the Smokies. You’ll see the colors of the evergreen spruce trees as you drive through the center of the national park.
The basics
The Newfound Gap is one of the easiest and quickest ways to take in the scenery of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by car. You can explore it at your own pace with a self-guided driving tour or join a guided driving or hiking tour led by a local expert.
Scenic spots line the road, like the Web Overlook near Cherokee’s entrance and Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in Tennessee. Birders may prefer self–guided tours in hopes of spotting flickers, flycatchers, and hawks, while first-time visitors might appreciate the added insight guides share at sights such as Mingus Mill, a historic gristmill.
Things to know before you go
Pack a jacket; the elevation drops the mercury even in the summertime.
Fill up that tank—there are no gas stations on this roadway.
Commercial vehicles are turned away at the checkpoints.
How to get there
You can start your trip from either Gatlinburg, Tennessee, or Cherokee, North Carolina. From Gatlinburg, drive on the Parkway from downtown to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From Cherokee, follow Tsali Boulevard north to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The highway doesn’t connect to other roadways, so you’ll always travel between these two cities.
When to get there
The Newfound Gap is technically open 24/7, but be aware that the road does close from time to time for maintenance or weather-related reasons. Summer is the most popular time at one of the nation’s most-visited national parks. Late September and late April are two good times to visit for fewer crowds and the chance to see the mountains at their most colorful.
Where to find the best hiking on the Newfound Gap
This popular driving route encourages you to pull over and stretch your legs. Parking is available at most sites and trailheads. For a short, easy hike, the Kephart Prong Trail takes you to a former 1930s campsite in a 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch. A more challenging hike on the Chimney Tops Trail doubles the distance down a steeper route that offers dramatic views to those who complete it.
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