A curated selection of the most breathtaking drives through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, specifically tailored for recreational vehicle travelers. These routes prioritize stunning vistas, manageable curves for larger vehicles, and access to essential amenities.
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The only road in the park open to recreational vehicles, running from Cherokee to Townsend. This paved, two-lane route offers gentle curves and easy access to historic homesteads and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, making it ideal for full-size RVs.
A popular 11-mile loop featuring historic cabins, churches, and abundant wildlife. While it accommodates RVs, the narrow lanes and frequent stops require caution. Early morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds and maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
Connecting Townsend to Wears Valley, this road passes through lush forests and offers quieter scenery than the main park corridors. It is suitable for most RVs and provides access to several campgrounds and hiking trails without the heavy traffic of Clingmans Dome.
A primary east-west artery crossing the park, offering panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains. While long stretches are RV-friendly, steep grades and sharp turns near the summit require experienced drivers. It connects major trailheads and scenic pullouts.
A scenic detour near Cherokee offering elevated views of the mountains and historic orchards. This paved road is well-suited for RVs and provides a peaceful alternative to busier park roads, with several pull-offs for photography and relaxation.
Accessing the popular Rough Ridge overlook, this road offers spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The final section is narrow and winding, requiring moderate driving skill for RVs, but the payoff includes one of the best vantage points in the region.
While the trail itself is for hikers, the surrounding roads in the Sugarlands area provide stunning mountain vistas. RV travelers can park at designated lots near trailheads and enjoy short walks that lead to incredible overlooks, though steep gradients require care.
Running along the Little River from the park boundary to the Oconaluftee area, this route features dense forests and river views. It is generally wide and paved, making it comfortable for RVs, with several scenic turnouts and access to historic sites.
Located near Cherokee, this short spur road leads to a high-elevation overlook with 360-degree views. The road is paved and maintained for vehicles, offering a quick and scenic stop for RV travelers looking to capture sunrise or sunset photos.
A lesser-known route near Townsend that connects to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. This quiet road offers glimpses of local wildlife and rural charm, providing a serene driving experience away from the main tourist hubs of the park.
Located just outside the park in Georgia, this lake-side drive offers beautiful water views and mountain backdrops. RV parks and campgrounds line the shores, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking a break from dense forest driving.
The Cherohala Skyway, straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee border, offers one of the highest paved roads in the east. While access to the summit of Mount Guyot is restricted, the drive itself provides breathtaking alpine scenery suitable for RVs.
A scenic drive on the North Carolina side of the park, connecting Robbinsville to the park boundary. This route features lush greenery and historic homesteads, offering a quieter alternative to the congested Newfound Gap corridor for RV travelers.
Located in the remote Cataloochee area, this valley is accessible via a dirt road that requires a high-clearance vehicle. While not suitable for standard RVs, it is included for those with off-road capable motorhomes seeking wildlife sightings and solitude.
The parking area for Grotto Falls is accessible via a paved road from Little River Road. RVs can park at the designated lot, allowing for an easy hike to a beautiful waterfall, making it a convenient and scenic stop for road-trippers.
Located on the Oklahoma side of the Ozark and Ouachita ranges, this byway offers views reminiscent of the Smokies. It serves as an excellent alternative route for RV travelers exploring the broader Appalachian and Ozark mountain systems.
Encircling one of the largest reservoirs in the East, this drive offers expansive water views and mountain vistas. Several campgrounds and RV parks line the route, providing easy access to boating, fishing, and hiking from a scenic base.
Connecting Townsend to the park's eastern boundary, this road follows the Little River and offers peaceful forest views. It is ideal for RVs seeking a quiet drive with minimal traffic, providing access to several historic sites and trailheads.
A historic road near Cherokee that offers access to the Mingo Streamside Garden and other cultural sites. This paved route is suitable for RVs and provides a gentle introduction to the cultural history of the region with scenic mountain backdrops.
Located on the Greenbrier Road, this overlook provides panoramic views of the Wears Valley and surrounding mountains. It is a popular stop for RV travelers to stretch their legs and capture photos of the valley floor from an elevated position.