There was a moment when the road touched the sky. Driving across the snaking bridge on the Foothills Parkway is the closest I’ll ever get to feeling like I’m flying a car. I would drive across that bridge another dozen times while researching how to write the complete guide to the Foothills Parkway.
The view of the Great Smoky Mountains never got old.
The Foothills Parkway is my favorite part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s an out-of-the-way section of the national park in Tennessee that’s mostly been a local secret haven for years. But the scenic drive is growing in popularity, as it should.
It gained much attention when the new 10-mile parkway section opened in 2018. Throngs of visitors set their smartphone navigation for the entrance on Wears Valley Road. And the adventure began. However, information was scarce on the Foothills Parkway overlooks.
So, I created this complete guide to the Foothills Parkway with a list of the overlooks, an interactive map, and lots of tips on how to make the most of your adventure.
Table of Contents
- Foothills Parkway Map
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Brief History of the Foothills Parkway
- Sections of the Foothills Parkway
Foothills Parkway East
- Interstate 40
- English Mountain Overlook
- Stone Mountain Overlook
- Mount Cammerer Overlook
- Inadu Knob Overlook
- U.S Highway 321
Foothills Parkway West
- U.S. Highway 129
- Parson Bald Overlook – Sawmill Ridge
- Scott Mountain Overlook
- Happy Valley Gap Overlook
- Chilhowee Mountain Overlook
- Gregory Bald Overlook
- Look Rock
- Look Rock Picnic Area
- Look Rock Campground
- Cumberland Plateau Overlook
- Emerine Gap Overlook
- Butterfly Hollow Overlook
- Maryville Overlook
- Great Smoky Mountains Overlook
- U.S. Highway 321 – Lamar Alexander Parkway
- Little River Overlook
- Cades Cove Mountain Overlook
- Thunderhead Mountain
- High Top Overlook
- Caylor Gap Overlook
- Bridge View Pull-Off
- Cove Mountain Overlook
- Wears Valley Overlook
- U.S Highway 321 – Wears Valley Road
Foothills Parkway Map
Note: The map is centered on the Foothills Parkway West. Scroll/swipe to the upper-right to see the map for Foothills Parkway East.
How to use this map: Click the icon in the top-left corner to open the Map Legend, then click on any of the legend items to display more information. If you have a Google account, click the star beside the map’s name to save this map to your account, then access the map from your smartphone during your trip.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
In the 1930s, the United States Congress established two national parks in the southeast: Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The latter covers a vast 500,000 acres across the Great Smoky Mountains and draws the most visitors to any national park site in the country.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven for outdoor recreation, scenic auto touring routes, wildlife, and peaceful escapes into the mountains. Cades Cove, Clingman’s Dome, and Newfound Gap are just a few of the iconic destinations in the park.
But there are many lesser-known areas like Deep Creek, Cataloochee Valley, and the Foothills Parkway.
READ MORE: Travel Guide to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Brief History of the Foothills Parkway
During the planning phase of the Blue Ridge Parkway connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the initial route would have seen the Parkway pass through Tennessee, not North Carolina. When the final plan was approved, though, the route had been shifted east into the Western North Carolina mountains, excluding Tennessee entirely.
A local grassroots movement began lobbying the Congress for a National Park Service parkway through the Volunteer State. In 1944, Congress authorized a 72-mile long corridor between Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 129 for a new parkway. The task of purchasing the right of way fell to the state of Tennessee, who then transferred the deed to the NPS.
It took nearly twenty years for Section A, a 5.6-mile route between I-40 and Cosby, to open to the public. In 1966, Section H, a 16.9-mile route between U.S. Highway 129 and Walland, was completed. Construction began on Section G, a 17-mile route between Walland and Wears Valley, but funding ran out, the project was halted, and nearly sixty years later it had almost faded from local memory.
Over time, the incomplete section became known as “the missing link,” like the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
An increase in funding to the National Park Service in 2012 brought new life to the project. Construction resumed on a series of bridges between Carr Creek and Wears Valley. In 2018, Section G opened to the public. Today, the Foothills Parkway winds along 37.3 miles of roadway with another 33.4 miles to be completed at a future date.
Sections of the Foothills Parkway
The original designs for the Foothills Parkway divided the scenic highway into eight segments. Segment A was the first completed, followed by Segment H and then Segment G. Today, instead of segments, the Foothills Parkway is divided into two sections.
Foothills Parkway East is the original section completed in the 1960s. The 5.6-mile section connects Interstate 40 and Cosby.
Foothills Parkway West was initially completed in 1966 and extended in 2018. The 31.7-mile route connects U.S. Highway 129 to Wears Valley.
Foothills Parkway East
The 5.6-mile section between Interstate 40 and Cosby was the first to be completed. Opening in the 1960s, today it is called Foothills Parkway East.
Intersection
Interstate 40
Take Exit 443 from Interstate 40 onto the Foothills Parkway. Unfortunately, if the Parkway is closed, you will not know it until crossing the bridge over the interstate and coming to a gate (this has happened to me twice).
No. 1
English Mountain Overlook
Foothills Parkway East begins with a gentle climb to the first scenic overlook where the official entrance sign welcomes visitors. From the overlook, English Mountain rises to 3,628’, covering the horizon to the west.
This scenic overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs.
No. 2
Stone Mountain Overlook
At 3,605’, the sharp peak of Stone Mountain rises to the far right at this scenic overlook. The mountain is separated from the Great Smoky Mountains range by the Pigeon River. The panorama vista at the overlook offers a view north beyond Kelly Knob toward Newport.
This scenic overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs.
No. 3
Mount Cammerer Overlook
At 4,927’, Mount Cammerer is the northernmost significant peak of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Appalachian Trail crosses the south slope of the mountain, and a spur trail leads to a rebuilt fire tower offering a stunning panorama view.
The panorama vista offers a good look at the northern end of the Great Smoky Mountains range. The mountain range is about 50 miles long between the Pigeon River to the north and the Little Tennessee River to the south.
This scenic overlook has parking for maybe a dozen personal vehicles and one or two RVs at a time.
No. 4
Inadu Knob Overlook
Inadu Knob, rising to 5,925’, is the northernmost mile-high peak the Appalachian Trail traverses through the Great Smoky Mountains. The 10.6-mile Snake Den Ridge Trail begins in the Cosby Campground nearby and ascends nearly 3,500’ to Inadu Knob.
This scenic overlook has parking for about a dozen personal vehicles, but because the parking is in the curve of the Parkway, I would not recommend RVs stopping here.
READ MORE: Clingman’s Dome at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tallest Peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains
At 5,925’, Inadu Knob is the highest peak of the Great Smoky Mountains viewable from a scenic overlook on the Foothills Parkway. However, it’s not the tallest peak in the mountain range. 11 peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains are known as Southern Sixers, or mountains that rise above 6,000’.
Here are the 11 highest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains:
- Clingmans Dome 6,643’
- Mount Guyot 6,621’
- Mount LeConte 6,593’
- Mount Chapman 6,431’
- Old Black 6,360’
- Luftee Knob 6,215’
- Mount Kephart 6,218’
- Mount Collins 6,197’
- Marks Knob 6,162’
- Tricorner Knob 6,145’
- Mount Hardison 6,145’
Intersection
U.S Highway 321
Foothills Parkway East comes to an abrupt end at U.S. Highway 321 in the small community of Cosby. Eventually, the Parkway will continue across the road and trace a route along the crest of another mountain range to U.S. Highway 441. But for now, visitors will have to exit the Parkway to continue.
From this intersection, it is 12 miles / 15 minutes to Newport and Interstate 40, about 20 miles / 30 minutes to Gatlinburg, and 24 miles / 45 minutes to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Foothills Parkway West
This section of the Foothills Parkway is divided by U.S. Highway 321. The southern section was completed in 1966 and the northern section in 2018. Together, the route is called Foothills Parkway West.
Intersection
U.S. Highway 129
The southern end of the Foothills Parkway is located at an intersection with U.S. 129 at the Little Tennessee River in the community of Chilhowee.
From this intersection, it is 25 miles / 45 minutes to Fontana Dam. This drive includes an adventure on the Tail of the Dragon and a visit to the Fontana Dam Visitor Center.
It is 17 miles / 25 minutes to U.S. Highway 411 in Vonore. Just minutes from this intersection is Fort Loudon State Park, one of my favorite Tennessee state parks with a gorgeous view of the Great Smoky Mountains from a recreation of a British-era frontier fort.
Restrooms on the Foothills Parkway
Plan carefully before beginning an adventure on the Foothills Parkway. The only public restrooms available on the Parkway are at the Look Rock Picnic Area. You can find additional restrooms about 5-10 minutes from the Cosby Entrance, Wears Valley Entrance, and Walland Entrance. However, the nearest restrooms to the Chilhowee Entrance along U.S. Highway 129 is about 25 minutes away in Vonore.
No. 1
Parson Bald Overlook – Sawmill Ridge
Beginning at the Chilhowee Entrance at U.S. Highway 129, the Parson Bald Overlook is the first scenic overlook on the Foothills Parkway. The overlook offers a gorgeous view of Parson Bald at 4,732’ and Gregory Bald to the left.
The 7.2-mile Wolf Ridge Trail begins at Twenty Mile along U.S. Highway 129 and ascends nearly 4,000’ to Parson Bald and Gregory Bald.
This scenic overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs.
No. 2
Scott Mountain Overlook
The view at this scenic overlook is mostly overgrown and narrow, but it does offer a look at Scott Mountain. The mountain peak rises to 3,769’ and looms over the east end of Cades Cove, although you cannot see the popular destination from this scenic overlook.
The 8.3-mile Rich Mountain Loop Trail ascends almost 2,000’, crossing the peaks of Scott Mountain, Cerulean Knob, and Double Mountain. The trail begins at the kiosk parking at the entrance to Cades Cove.
This scenic overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs and includes a small grassy area to get outside.
No. 3
Happy Valley Gap Overlook
Happy Valley is a narrow valley at the base of Chilhowee Mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains range. The valley is far below this scenic overlook that offers another great view of Gregory Bald and Parson Bald.
This scenic overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs and includes a small grassy area to get outside.
No. 4
Chilhowee Mountain Overlook
The foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains consist of two non-contiguous mountains named Chilhowee Mountain. The northern half of the mountain stretches between U.S. Highway 321 in Pigeon Forge and U.S. Highway 129 in Chilhowee. From Wears Valley, the Foothills Parkway traces a route along Chilhowee Mountain.
The small overlook offers a narrow view of Gregory Bald and Parson Bald. There is parking for about half a dozen personal vehicles but no RVs.
No. 5
Gregory Bald Overlook
At 4,949’, the grassy bald summit of Gregory Bald is one of the most stunning hiking destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 5.5-mile Gregory Ridge Trail is a popular day hike beginning in Cades Cove. The trail ascends nearly 3,000’ to the bald summit, where hikers enjoy stunning views throughout the year.
This scenic overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs.
No. 6
Look Rock
At 2,640’, Look Rock is the highest point on the Foothills Parkway. It’s one of the most popular day trip destinations on the Parkway and offers a few activities for visitors. The parking area at Look Rock is the second largest on the Parkway with plenty of room for all sorts of vehicles and RVs.
The Murray Gap Overlook is located down a set of concrete steps from the southwest end of the parking lot. The overlook offers a view of Happy Valley and the southern Great Smoky Mountains. Unfortunately, this overlook is not handicap accessible because of the stairs leading to the overlook.
The 2-mile out-and-back Look Rock Trail is a paved path leading to the Look Rock Observation Tower. The trail only ascends about 200’, though it is steep at times. The pleasant walk through the forest culminates with a winding climb up the ramp at the observation tower. The view from the top of the tower is breathtaking, with the Great Smoky Mountains trailing off into the distance and Cumberland Plateau on the horizon in the opposite direction.
Look Rock Picnic Area
The Look Rock Picnic Area is located just north of the Look Rock parking lot. Exit the parkway and follow the signs to the picnic area. The only restrooms on the Foothill Parkway are located in the picnic area and were recently renovated.
Look Rock Campground
The Look Rock Campground reopened in 2021 after a three-year renovation. The campground has 68 campsites, but only 3 of those are rated for an RV. Ten of the campsites include water and electric hookups, but none of the sites have a sewer connection.
Typical of all the campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are no showers. Restrooms include flush toilets and running water in the sinks. Drinking water is available throughout the campground.
No. 7
Cumberland Plateau Overlook
On a clear day, it’s easy to see the Cumberland Plateau on the horizon from this overlook. The plateau stretches from Lexington, Kentucky across Tennessee into Alabama and stands about 400’ above the surrounding landscape.
This scenic overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs.
No. 8
Emerine Gap Overlook
The Emerine Gap Overlook is the only scenic overlook on the Foothills Parkway with a view on both sides of the road. To the west, the overlook offers a view of the Cumberland Plateau and nearby Maryville. To the east, a narrow view of the Great Smoky Mountains dominates the horizon.
Between the two parking areas at this overlook, there is plenty of room for personal vehicles and RVs.
No. 9
Butterfly Hollow Overlook
This used to be my favorite scenic overlook on the Foothills Parkway, but since my first visit nearly three years ago, the trees have nearly overgrown the view. It was always a narrow view looking across a nearby lower mountain range with Maryville in the distance.
The overlook has a tiny parking area with room for only a few personal vehicles, but no RVs.
No. 10
Maryville Overlook
From this narrow overlook, visitors are treated to a view of an urban landscape toward Maryville. The seat of Blount County has a population of almost 30,000, soaring in recent years as an alternative to living in Knoxville. On clear days the Cumberland Plateau can be seen beyond the city, and at night a dome of orangish light pollution penetrates the black sky.
This scenic overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles, but only enough room for one RV at a time.
READ MORE: Cades Cove Loop Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Travel Guide, Map, and Photos
No. 11
Great Smoky Mountains Overlook
When the grassroots movement began with the purpose of getting a National Park Service parkway in Tennessee, the decision was made that the parkway should have a view of the Great Smoky Mountains. It was seen as an additional way of drawing more tourists while also providing quick access to different sections of the park.
This is the longest scenic overlook on the Foothills Parkway, stretching about 2/10 of a mile across two parking lots. The eastern end of the parking lot offers a stunning panorama vista of the Great Smoky Mountains.
This is the largest parking lot on the Foothills Parkway with plenty of room for just about everyone.
Intersection
U.S. Highway 321 – Lamar Alexander Parkway
This four-lane divided highway connects the nearby towns of Maryville and Townsend. There are two entrance/exit ramps connecting the Foothills Parkway to Highway 321.
From this intersection, it is 11 miles / 15 minutes into Maryville and 6 miles / 8 minutes into Townsend.
The Prettiest Drive in America
United States Senator Lamar Alexander grew up near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He has been a champion of the most-visited national park in the country and was instrumental in getting the new section of the Foothills Parkway completed.
During a press conference in 2018, Alexander called the Foothills Parkway, “the prettiest drive in America.” Even after driving the Foothills Parkway, the Blue Ridge Parkway remains my favorite road trip route in the country. However, I will admit the section between the Caylor Gap Overlook and Cove Mountain Overlook probably is the prettiest drive I’ve ever seen.
No. 12
Little River Overlook
U.S. Highway 321 is located just below this overlook, and although you can’t see it, you can undoubtedly hear the traffic. The overlook offers a view to the west and south with a narrow peak at the Little River far below.
This overlook has room for about a dozen personal vehicles, but no RVs.
No. 13
Cades Cove Mountain Overlook
At 3,375’, the sharp peak of Cades Cove Mountain stands over the iconic Cades Cove, one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors to this scenic overlook can’t see the cove surrounded by mountains, but if you can see the sharp peak of the mountain you can imagine it’s just on the other side.
This scenic overlook is the most secluded on the Foothills Parkway with a row of trees between the long parking lot and the road. There is plenty of room for personal vehicles and RVs.
READ MORE: 50+ Favorite Travel Photos From Years of Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
No. 14
Thunderhead Mountain
At 5,528’, Thunderhead Mountain is one of the mile-high peaks traversed by the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains. The mountain peak is between Gregory Bald and Clingmans Dome along a ridge through the central Smokies.
This scenic overlook is very long with plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs and is one of the easier overlooks for getting on and off the road.
No. 15
High Top Overlook
At this scenic overlook, Thunderhead Mountain still dominates the horizon, but High Top stands nearby at just 1,814’. A large grassy area beside the overlook and shady trees make this one of the best places to stop with a family on the Foothills Parkway.
The overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles, but it would be difficult to get even one RV into this overlook at a time.
No. 16
Caylor Gap Overlook
The Caylor Gap Overlook offers the most breathtaking view of any scenic overlook on the Foothills Parkway. A large parking area on one side of the road has plenty of room for personal vehicles, and a pull-off on the opposite side has room for a few RVs. A stone wall provides a protective barrier as well as the perfect place to sit while watching a sunset develop across the sky.
For about a mile heading east along the Foothills Parkway from the Caylor Gap Overlook, the road seems to float in the sky. Hugging the side of the steep mountain range, the view toward the Great Smoky Mountains is uninterrupted and expansive.
READ MORE: Travel Guide to Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Favorite Scenic Overlooks on Foothills Parkway
The Foothills Parkway has over two dozen scenic overlooks, and about another two dozen places to enjoy a great view, but three scenic overlooks stand out more than any other. Here are my top three favorite scenic overlooks on the Foothills Parkway:
- Caylor Gap Overlook
- Great Smoky Mountains Overlook
- Mount Cammerer Overlook
No. 17
Bridge View Pull-Off
There are about a dozen bridges on the Foothills Parkway, most of them located between the Caylor Gap Overlook and Wears Valley. These bridges were the difficult component of “the missing link” between Walland and Wears Valley that delayed constructions for decades.
The most iconic bridge on the Foothills Parkway is an S-curved bridge like the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was the most difficult bridge to build and the final project to finish “the missing link.”
Driving across the bridge, for the briefest of moments, you see nothing but sky beyond the metal rail.
Heading east, there is a small pull-off just before the S-curved bridge. The pull-off has enough room for maybe three or four personal vehicles, but no RVs. Although walking across the bridges is not prohibited, I would strongly advise against it. Instead, cross the road at the pull-off, and you’re treated to a gorgeous view of the curving bridge with the mountains in the distance.
No. 18
Cove Mountain Overlook
At 4,078’, Cove Mountain looms over the small town of Wears Valley. The mountain provides a natural and cartographical boundary; the summit of the mountain is the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and on the other side from Wears Valley is the Little River and a popular area known as The Sinks.
The overlook has plenty of room for personal vehicles, but no RVs.
No. 19
Wears Valley Overlook
This pull-off overlook is still dominated by Cove Mountain but offers a better view of Wear Cove, the name of the valley that runs parallel to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The valley was settled in the late 1700s and has always been a tiny community of farmers. Wear Cove, and Wears Valley are named after Revolutionary War veteran Samuel Wear, a local who built a fort near present-day Pigeon Forge to fend off attacks from Native Americans.
The pull-off has plenty of room for personal vehicles, but not much room for RVs.
Intersection
U.S Highway 321 – Wears Valley Road
Foothills Parkway West comes to an end at U.S. Highway 321 in Wears Valley. Eventually, the route will continue along the west side of the mountain range to a crossing at U.S Highway 441. But for now, all visitors must exit at this intersection.
From this intersection, it is 10 miles / 20 minutes to Pigeon Forge and 7 miles / 15 minutes to Townsend.
Where to Stay Near the Foothills Parkway
I am a big fan of staying in Townsend when I want to visit the Foothills Parkway or explore Cades Cove. The “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” has a few great local restaurants, a fantastic coffee shop, and lots of comfortable lodging.
My favorite place to stay in Townsend is the Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. It’s located literally at the edge of the national park, so it’s only about twenty minutes from Cades Cove. With a nice campground, glamping tents, tiny homes, and cabins, there is definitely something you’ll want.
The Best Western is the budget-friendly go-to in Townsend. The hotel has King Rooms and Queen Rooms with two queen beds. With an outdoor swimming pool and moderately excellent free breakfast, it’s a great place if all you’re looking for is a bed and shower.
The premiere overnight destination in Townsend is the Dancing Bear Lodge. The lodge features rustic mountain decor, rooms with wood burning fireplaces and full kitchens, and outdoor recreation in the 36-acre property. The lodge features rooms in the villa and cabins with one or two bedrooms, and some of them are pet friendly!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Foothills Parkway is a 37.3-mile scenic highway, divided into two disconnected sections, that runs along a ridge opposite of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Foothills Parkway is in Tennessee surrounding the towns of Cosby, Gatlinburg, Wears Valley, and Townsend.
The idea for the Foothills Parkway began in 1944. Construction on Segment A between I-40 and Cosby was completed in 1944. Then, in 1966 Segment H between U.S. Highway 129 and Walland was completed. Finally, Segment G between Walland and Wears Valley was finished in 2018.
No, the Foothills Parkway is not complete. When the original plans were drawn in 1944, the parkway was intended to be a 72-mile route connecting I-40 to U.S. Highway 129. Today, only 37.3 miles have been completed.
When Segment H of the Foothills Parkway was completed in 2018, connecting Walland and Wears Valley, no immediate plans were announced for completing the remaining 33.4 miles. The parkway will likely take another 20-30 years to finish.
Yes, you can drive the Foothills Parkway with personal cars, motorcycles, or RVs.
No, the Foothills Parkway is not one-way. It is a two-lane highway.
The completed sections of the Foothills Parkway are 37.3 miles long. Foothills Parkway East is 5.6 miles long and Foothills Parkway West is 31.7 miles long.
It only takes about 20 minutes to drive the 5.6-mile Foothills Parkway West between I-40 and Cosby. However, it takes about 45 minutes to drive the 31.7-mile Foothills Parkway West.
The Foothills Parkway starts at Interstate 40 near Cosby, Tennessee. Then, the Foothills Parkway starts again in Wears Valley and ends at U.S. Highway 129.
You can get to Foothills Parkway East by taking Exit 443 on Interstate 40. To get to Foothills Parkway West, turn onto Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge and continue through the small town to the parkway’s entrance. To get to the southern entrance of the Foothills Parkway, take U.S. Highway 129 from Maryville.
No, the Foothills Parkway does not close at night. However, the restrooms, hiking trails, and Look Rock Observation Tower are only open during daylight hours. The only activities you can enjoy on the Foothills Parkway at night are driving and stargazing at the scenic overlooks.
Yes, the Foothills Parkway is managed by Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Yes, there are restrooms on the Foothills Parkway at the Look Rock Picnic Area.
No, there is not a visitor center on the Foothills Parkway. The nearest national park visitor center to the parkway is the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg.
The Foothills Parkway and Blue Ridge Parkway are similar in many ways. Both are two-lane, two-way scenic highways. Both feature scenic overlooks, access to hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. And both are managed by the National Park Service.
31 Responses
Thanks so much for this informative article about the FHP. We always stay in Townsend when visiting and love taking an early morning or late afternoon drive. The one question we haven’t been able to answer for ourselves is where to watch a sunrise and sunset from the FHP in the fall (late October). I think we tried Caylor’s Gap in the springtime, but the sun went behind the mountains well before it set so no really pretty colors. (Same thing happens at Morton’s Overlook depending on when you go). We found a sunrise spot in Spring 2023, but unfortunately, I didn’t make note of what stop it was. We’ve asked numerous people in Townsend, but it seems no one watches sunrises/sunsets there and don’t know….or maybe they just don’t want to tell their secrets. 🙂
Thanks for any suggestions.
Laurie, I would run into this problem all the time on the Blue Ridge Parkway. So, I finally wrote an article about it. However, I haven’t written one about the Foothills Parkway yet. The best I can tell you right now is the best place to see sunrise this time of year is south on the Foothills Parkway from US Highway 321. There are several overlooks on the southside of the parkway with great views of sunrise. For sunset, Caylor Gap should still be a good place. But do keep in mind you’ll never see the horizon from the mountains, so you’ll always lose the light about 15 minutes early. Keep an eye out for partly cloudy days – those are the best for catching pretty colors after the sun disappears behind a mountain.
Excellent info!! This is hands down the most informative page ever on Foothills Parkway! Thank you so much for describing everything so clearly and many thanks for the map! Just pointing out a small typo, the number 11 is repeated twice on the map and so the rest of the numbers do not match the descriptions.
Great info. We are staying on a Hatcher Mountain and was wondering what the Foothills Parkway was. Sounds like a fun drive. We are heading that way now! Thanks for putting this out there.
You’re welcome, Bill! I hope you enjoyed the drive. It’s one of my favorite places in the country to go for a drive.
Curious if you know anything about parkway road closures for summer of 2022.
I have a few questions, is there a cost to enter the foothills? can any type of vehicle (we’re driving a van) drive the hills or is it more for ORV. Is this easy to navigate through (like a one way) or can you get easily lost 🙂 thanks
Hi Brittney. There is no admission fee to drive the Foothills Parkway or enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Parkway is a paved, two-lane road suitable for any type of personal vehicle – including vans. You could certainly get lost if you wanted to! But, no, it’s an easy road to drive in either direction with no side roads to get lost on.
Great read. More people should spread the word about Foothills Parkway. Locals like myself would greatly benefit from its completion. Tourists would benefit as well driving on such a beautiful road that can accommodate campers.
That’s one of the most bittersweet aspects of my job. I would LOVE to see more people discover the Foothills Parkway, but at the same time I have thoroughly enjoyed the peacefulness of a visit. But I’m doing my best to promote the scenic drive!
Thank you so much for this article. There is indeed relatively little useful information about the Foothills Parkway on the internet. Thanks to your article, my wife and I plan to visit as soon as may be practical. Thanks again, and best wishes.
Edward, this just made my day! I have been thrilled to become the foremost expert on this little corner of the GSMNP. I hope you two enjoy it up there!
Is there any tunnels on the foothill parkway?
Hi Nice article about the Foothills PKWY. Is Drones allowed in this area of the park?
Tom, the Foothills Parkway is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so drones are not allowed.
Thanks so much for this!! Is the section between Walland entrance and Wears entrance very “treacherous” so to speak? I think it sounds like a breathtaking scenic drive but I am used to flatland and don’t want to be out there and feel uneasy and therefore not enjoy it. We’ll be coming up from GA and headed to Pigeon Forge. But I think we will only do this section……Thanks!
No sections of the Foothills Parkway are “treacherous.” Of course, there are curves and hills and you have to keep your eyes on the road and not the scenery! But it’s a very safe and comfortable drive.
My daughter is wanting to get married somewhere in foothills parkway. We have never been there and the pictures are beautiful. Can you tell me where the best location/locations would be. Thank you,
Leslee, there are a few things to keep in mind here. The first is that the Foothills Parkway is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you will need approval from the National Park Service. I know they do allow weddings on NPS properties, but I’ve never actually seen one in the GSMNP! As for best locations, that depends on the size of the wedding party. If it’s a small group, I recommend the Look Rock parking area. There is a small stone overlook that would be a gorgeous backdrop and room for about 20-30 people, and plenty of parking. The Emerine Gap Overlook has a stunning view and a large parking area that would make it easy. My top two recommendations would be the High Top Overlook and Caylor Gap Overlook. These provide the most stunning views, especially in the late afternoon, and have plenty of parking.
Thank you so much for this information and the great pictures ❤️
You’re very welcome! I hope you enjoy your time on the Foothills Parkway – I have not had a bad experience up there yet.
I can’t find any information on how long it takes. I understand it depends on how many times you stop, etc. If I were to drive from the I-40 entrance all the way to the end with a couple stops, how much time should I set aside?
One thing to keep in mind is that the Foothills Parkway is not yet connected. From the I-40 entrance nearby Cosby, there are only a few miles to drive that will take 10-15 minutes. After that, you will need to travel through Gatlinburg to Wears Valley to get on the southern section. That drive will take 30-45 minutes on average. From Wears Valley to Chilhowee on the Foothills Parkway will take about an hour to drive straight through. I hope this helps!
Thank you so much for your information on all overlooks. Look Rock overlook is the site of our grandson’s wedding. Looking forward to it and now I know a little about it. Also enjoyed the beautiful pictures. They were breath taking. Nothing like the mountains. Keep up the good work!!!
Thank you so much! A wedding at Look Rock? That’s the first one I’ve heard of up there! I hope it will be a wonderful day for all of you!
How steep are the grades going up and down the west part of the foothills parkway. Thinking of taking a 34’ motor home and toad up it.
Bob, no section of the Foothills Parkway is particularly steep. I have seen fifth wheels and travel trailers up there plenty. The thing to keep in mind is that not all the scenic overlooks are large enough to accommodate a 34′ motor home.
I love it. I will be in the area next spring. How can I get a book of maps & things to do & see. I will also do the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Well, by next spring I will have published my travel guides to the Foothills Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Blue Ridge Parkway! My guides will have maps, details on activities and things to do & see, and loaded with information. It’s something I’m still working on, but right now I am aiming for a Black Friday/Small Business Saturday debut.
Thank you for the info. I will be headed that way in the next 3 weeks, so I will be exploring.
You are very welcome! I hope you enjoy the trip!