If you’ve ever driven the Blue Ridge Parkway and thought, “Wow, this is gorgeous, but why is it so crowded?” you’re not alone.
Now imagine a drive that’s perhaps just as beautiful, but calm and peaceful, with no traffic jams and no tour buses.
This hidden gem in Tennessee feels like your own personal mountain highway, winding through misty ridges and leading straight into your road trip dreams.
Ready to trade the crowds for something quieter, prettier, and just as jaw-dropping
Grab your keys and keep reading for one of the best scenic drives in Tennessee that most people have never heard of.
Where Is It?
The Foothills Parkway is located in East Tennessee, running along the northern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
It’s about 40 minutes from Knoxville, 3 hours from Nashville, and a little over 6 hours from Memphis, making it an easy road trip or weekend escape.
What To Expect
The Foothills Parkway is one of those drives that’ll have you pulling over every five minutes just to soak it all in.
It’s a 72-mile (eventually) scenic route with nonstop views of rolling mountains, wide valleys, and layers of hazy blue ridgelines that go on forever.
Think of it as the Blue Ridge Parkway’s laid-back cousin, offering way fewer crowds and far less traffic.
There are also no gas stations, diners, or tourist traps—only a smooth, winding road that’s as fun for cyclists and motorcyclists as it is for drivers.
This parkway is a fall favorite for leaf peepers, but it’s just as beautiful in spring with wildflowers on the hillsides or in winter with snow on the peaks.
That’s also why the route is lined with overlooks and pull-offs where you’ll want a camera ready.
For scenery that really delivers, check out the iconic “Missing Link” bridge or hike the 0.8-mile Look Rock Tower Trail up to its panoramic observation deck.
So whether you’re in a minivan with the family or cruising solo with the windows down and music up, the Foothills Parkway is all about breezy mountain magic.
Current Status
Here’s the deal: the Foothills Parkway was meant to be a 72-mile scenic road, but only 22.5 miles are actually completed and open right now.
Sure, only three segments are drivable at the moment, but each one is totally worth the trip.
The real standout is the 16-mile stretch between Walland and Wears Valley, the parkway’s most famous and jaw-dropping section.
It’s where you’ll find the “Missing Link,” a long-awaited part that finally opened in 2018 after decades of delays.
There’s also a shorter 5.6-mile stretch between I-40 and Cosby that’s quieter, with fewer pull-offs, but still feels every bit like the Smokies.
Eventually, all these pieces will connect to form a continuous 72-mile drive starting from US 129 near Chilhowee Lake.
There’s no official timeline yet, but the dream is still alive, so plan your visit around the sections that are finished for now.
Tips For Visiting
Let’s get into the game plan, because a little prep goes a long way when you’re heading into the mountains.
Best time to visit:
Fall is the MVP here, hitting peak color in mid to late October with scenery that’s off the charts.
Spring is another solid option, especially in late April to early May when the weather is warm enough to roll your windows down.
You can also count on summer for lush green scenery and longer days, though it can get hazy.
Winter brings its own charm with peaceful roads and snowy mountains, but it’s important to check for closures before heading out.
Getting there:
If you’re coming from Knoxville, hop on US-321 (E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy) to reach the Walland entrance.
Staying near Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
You’re already close to the Wears Valley end of the main segment.
For the western section at Chilhowee Lake, you’ll want to take US-129 through ‘The Dragon’ (yes, the one with 318 curves in just 11 miles).
Helpful tips:
As noted earlier, the parkway doesn’t have gas stations or rest stops, so be sure to top off the tank, bring snacks, and carry water if you’re hiking.
Facilities are limited to Look Rock Picnic Area, where you’ll find restrooms, grills, and trash cans (open seasonally from late April to October).
If you’re into photography, sunrise and sunset are golden, with overlooks facing both east and west to give you options for glowing mornings or fiery evenings.
After dark, the high elevations and clear horizons make it an excellent spot for stargazing.
Nearby things to do:
You’re right by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you can be at Cades Cove in about an hour for a scenic loop drive full of wildlife.
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are also nearby, perfect if you want to pair mountain views with mini golf, pancakes, and plenty of touristy fun.
And if you’re looking for a peaceful stay, Townsend is your best bet, offering cabins, cozy B&Bs, and easy parkway access without the traffic.
Simply put, the Foothills Parkway is an under-the-radar gem with stunning payoffs.
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