This 33-mile drive connects Gatlinburg

• Where to Start: Popular waterfalls include Laurel Falls (near Sugarlands Visitor Center) and Abrams Falls (in Cades Cove).
• Preparation & Tips: Trails can be slippery—bring hiking shoes and water. Abrams Falls is longer (5 miles round trip), Laurel Falls is shorter and paved.
• Who It’s Best For: Families (Laurel Falls), experienced hikers (Abrams Falls, Rainbow Falls).
• Time Required: 1–3 hours depending on the trail.
• Extra Idea: Try Grotto Falls, where you can walk behind the curtain of water—a rare and magical experience.

Drive the Newfound Gap Road

This 33-mile drive connects Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC, and takes you through multiple ecosystems in just over an hour. Pull-offs reveal overlooks where the mountains seem endless, their blue haze softening every horizon. In fall, it’s a kaleidoscope of fiery reds and golds.

• Where to Start: Begin in Gatlinburg, TN, or Cherokee, NC. The road runs 33 miles through the heart of the park.
• Preparation & Tips: Plan for frequent stops at overlooks. In winter, check for weather closures.
• Who It’s Best For: All visitors—this is one of the easiest ways to see the park’s diversity.
• Time Required: 2–3 hours with stops.
• Extra Idea: Stop at Newfound Gap itself, where President Roosevelt dedicated the park in 1940.