There is no shortage of scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, but some of the routes still stand out above others for their spectacular vistas and opportunities to camp or hike.
It would be easy to spend several days exploring the hiking trails and swimming holes along the drive or camp for the night in one of the mountainside campgrounds.
Halfway through the drive, there’s a small visitor center with information on the area and a gift shop selling trinkets and local artisan crafts.
There are several rivers and mountain lakes found along the drive, which are popular places for families to stop to go fishing, swimming, or try water sports like stand-up paddleboarding.
Since the road isn’t as heavily traveled as other scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll have a much greater chance to spot wildlife along the way.
Get out to stretch your legs at the Laurel Falls trailhead and hike the easy 2.5-mile paved trail to reach the stunning waterfall.
What makes this road unique is that there aren’t any intersecting roads or driveways along the route, which makes it easier to enjoy the exhilarating experience of the twists and turns through the mountains.