Have you ever driven to Clingmans Dome? It's the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, and it's known for its stunning views and expansive natural beauty. If you choose to take a trek down one of the most beautiful and well-maintained roads in the park, then you may just be treated to a snowy, wintertime view unlike any other in Tennessee. Don't believe us? Take a look below!
The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range that lines the Tennessee-North Carolina border on the eastern side of the state. They're considered to be between 200 and 300 million years old.
During the wintertime, it's the Great Smokies that get the most snow in Tennessee. Folks from all around come to visit during the chilly season, whether they're headed to experience the Ober Gatlinburg theme park or rent their own cabin and make their own fun.
If you're looking to enjoy the snow without having to get out in it, we'd recommend driving to Clingmans Dome. The road is 14 miles round trip, and it takes you to the highest point in the national park.
Clingmans Dome Road is also the highest road in the Smokies and remains one of the most impressive. You'll see everything from spruce-fir forests to gushing creeks and waterways.
Keep in mind that the drive tends to be closed from December 1st to March 31st due to winter weather conditions, but you can view plenty of chilly beauty in November and April.
Have you ever driven to Clingman's Dome? Would you do it yourself? You can also reach the Appalachian Trail from the roadway, which only adds to the legendary quality of the experience.
There is nothing quite like walking through charming small towns in Tennessee. Dripping with nostalgia, your mood changes as you take in the sights and sounds. I find the pride of the locals and the historical nature of these places to be such a breath of fresh air from busy cities. Where you walk are the very streets that many have gone before, and the lure of these places is found in unexpected exploration. Finding a unique shop, eating at a locally loved restaurant, or learning about the past are all draws that make our small towns irresistible.
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With this road trip, you could do it all in one day but I would suggest taking a couple of days to really get the most out of each location. The trip will take you less than two and a half hours of driving time in total, with very little time between each town. We made a customizable map to help you along on your journey and feel free to adapt it in any way you need.
Bell Buckle is always near the top of my list when it comes to charming towns. This tiny place packs so much life within its borders, no matter what you may be looking for. There are many festivals throughout the year, including the highly anticipated RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival. The culture of Bell Buckle is loaded with artistic expression, from murals to crafters just about everywhere you look. Enjoy the quaint downtown filled with interesting shops, and don’t forget to stop at the Bell Buckle Cafe for a good homecooked meal. You can easily spend a good amount of time exploring, but be forewarned, if you visit, you might be tempted to make this charming small town your new home.
Wartrace is a peaceful little town just south of Bell Buckle and is the perfect location for animal lovers and history buffs. Wartrace is home to the Tennessee Walking Horse, which locals bred for smooth riding during the 1920s. You can witness these lovable horses but you can also learn all about this world-famous creature by visiting the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum. Even if you aren’t interested in agriculture history or this town's claim to fame, at least stop by Granny Fishes House for some fried seafood.
Lynchburg is a classic example of a small Tennessee town that is world-famous but remains humble. This is home to the Jack Daniels Distillery, where you can tour and learn all about the famous whisky that put this town on the map. Funny enough, this quaint little town is located in a dry county. If you are splitting up your trip, then this could be a good stopping point for the night. For a place to sleep for the night, book a stay in a converted farm silo. There are two unique stays on the same property, the more masculine style is called The Duke and Dolly is fitting for a southern bell. Before you are lulled to sleep in this countryside getaway, make sure to feast on some smoked meats at Barrel House BBQ.
Sewanee is a small college town that is surrounded by glorious wilderness. You can tell that the town takes pride in its university, and for good reason, the property is gorgeous! The University of the South looks like a castle with some of the most fascinating architecture I have ever seen. Take your time to stroll around the campus and take in the stunning sights. To enjoy Sewanee is to get out into the forest for a little exploration. The Sewanee Natural Bridge is my number one recommendation, it is a towering rocky wonder and it is located just a staircase away from the trailhead.
Beersheba Springs is our last stop on this list, and although it is a rural area, I had to include it for its abundance of outdoor activities. I love a good hike, and there are plenty of great ones hidden in the wilderness of Beersheba Springs. Savage Gulf State Park is filled with hidden gems that are just waiting to be explored. My two favorites are Stone Door and Greeter Falls. This park offers sprawling mountainous views, unique rock formations, and wonderful waterfalls. Take the afternoon or spend a full day adventuring in this state park.
Who is ready to hit the road now? Don’t forget to bring some good road trip snacks and plan ahead to make the most of this glorious small-town road trip. If you love history, animals, charming downtowns, shopping, amazing food, unique stays, hikes, and castles this is one packed tour that will make you fall in love with our rural Tennessee landscape.
We are absolutely blessed to have some of the best scenic drives in Tennessee, from one side of the state to the other. The question is, of course, how do you find one that's underappreciated?! We do a pretty good job of loving on the entirety of our state, no matter if you're in the mountains to the east or the fields to the west, so finding a spot locals don't think of much is pretty hard. If we had to choose just one road, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains is a pretty good place to start. Have you been?
Roaring Fork Motor Trail runs a little over five miles in the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a one-way road, and it begins right at the end of Cherokee Orchard Road. You can access it by light #8 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This is one of the best scenic drives near me and have gone many times.
The road is still fairly popular, don't get us wrong, but it's mostly traversed by locals. Finding a spare tourist is easier during the summer months, but we're happy to drive it any time of year. However, they do close the road down in the winter.
A low-elevation road, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail will take you on a scenic drive that boasts everything from stunning waterfalls to gurgling mountain creeks to the beauty of the old-growth forest.
You can also access the Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls trailheads if you're looking to traverse the area by foot. Both hiking trails also lead to Mt. LeConte.
You should note, however, that the road closes during the winter season. Autumn is the best time to enjoy a winding drive through the countryside though, so you have time to enjoy it!
One of the most interesting spots along the route is "the place of 1,000 drips," a roadside waterfall that's unique and strange. Although we don't have a photograph of it, you'll know this odd little waterfall when you see it.
Have you ever driven the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail? Would you visit, if you were in town? Leave your favorite memories and thoughts on the drive in the comments below! We always love to hear from you.
If you haven't been to this Tennessee scenic byway make sure to put it on your list for your next Smoky Mountain adventure. I would consider this to be one of the best scenic drives in Tennessee especially if you plan on getting out of the car for a hike. You can explore the area yourself but have you ever heard of the Pink Jeep Tours? This is an iconic way to see some of the best places in the Smokies by an expert guide. Learn more about the Smokies by checking out this OnlyInYourState video:
