Smoky Mountain Loop

The missing link 16 mile section of the Foothills Parkway is now open. This slightly changes our Smoky Mountain Loop Map, but it is for the good.

CLICK HERE for printable map

From Little River Road (TN 73) take Wear Gap Road north to Wear Valley, jog right on US321 for 1 mile and jump on the new section of the Foothills Parkway. This connnects to the older 17 mile section of the Foothills at Walland. Continue on the FHP to US129 and turn left for the Dragon. Be advised that there are no facilities (food, fuel, restrooms) on this 33 mile jaunt and the only access other than each end is midway at Walland.

The entire Smoky Mountain Loop is 143 miles and will take the entire day. Some of the highlights include the Tail of the Dragon, part of the Moonshiner 28, Fontana Dam, historic Bryson City, Cherokee, GSM elk herd and The Great Smoky Mountains with Newfound Gap, Clingman's Dome, and Gatlinburg.

There is too much to see and do in the area, we recommend extending your stay to 3 or 4 days.

Where to stay: Townsend TN, quiet and tourist oriented; Gatlinburg TN, family oriented fun, night life; Cherokee NC, native crafts and culture, casino; Bryson City NC, quaint tourist small town; Robbinsville /Fontana area, get plenty of rest for the next day. For more information on accommodations in this area visit: