America’s National Parks: 6 Most Beautiful Scenic Drives

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Zigzagging through the lush forests of our country’s most-visited national park, this scenic 11-mile loop on the Tennessee side of the Smokies might seem short. But you’ll need about four hours to take it all in.

Travel is slow along the one-lane road, and the many historic Southern Appalachian buildings alongside barns, log homes, churches, and a working water-powered mill invite exploration.

Take a breather by biking or walking the loop, especially on summer Wednesdays from mid-June to late September, when the road is closed to car traffic. You’ll enjoy spotting white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, raccoons, and lots of other wildlife.

Best Time To Go: The loop is packed on weekends during summer and fall. We suggest you visit on a weekday to avoid traffic and be able to experience peak foliage.

Don’t Miss: For an uninterrupted scenic drive between two national parks, head northeast along the Blue Ridge Parkway, linking the Smokies with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, which is about 470 miles away.