One of the most spectacular times
of the year in the Smoky Mountains is the fall season. Taking a drive is one of
the best ways to take in the beauty of the Smokies as the leaves begin to
change and autumn colors paint the mountains.
Balsam Mountain Road is a
stunning high elevation escape that offers breathtaking views of fall colors.
One of the most popular routes in the Smoky Mountains is Newfound Gap Road. Clingmans Dome is another suggestion as it is the
highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which offers magnificent
views from above the treetops. A few of the less crowded roads traveled are Heintooga-Round Bottom Road and Cataloochee.
Heintooga-Round Bottom Road is a 15-mile, one-way, gravel road leading from
Balsam Mountain Road to Big Cove Road. It is about an hour long drive and can
only be accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cataloochee
offers a less crowded way to take in the fall colors because it is set off from
the park’s most popular routes.
Foothills Parkway
is a perfect scenic drive if you are seeking to drive lower elevations. The
Foothills Parkway has two routes in which to take a scenic drive including the
west route which is a 17-mile drive and the east route is only 5.5 miles long. These
routes offer a chance to see the fall colors from lower elevations looking down
upon the valley below. Cades Cove is one of the most popular drives in the
Smoky Mountains. The 11-mile one-way loop road around Cades Cove is the perfect
way to see the Great Smoky Mountains by car. There are designated landmarks on
the loop road as well as many scenic pulloffs. Rich Mountain Road in Cades Cove
is also recommended as a site to see. These scenic drives are a relaxing way to
take in the beauty that fills the Smoky Mountains during the fall season.
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