Construction of Foothills Parkway began in the 1960s. The longest completed segment is a 17-mile stretch that winds its way from US Highway 129 in Chilhowee to US 321 in Walland. This route is open to the public and makes for an idyllic Sunday drive surrounded by beautiful foliage and impressive mountain landscapes.

At the point where the first completed section of Foothills Parkway meets US 321, there lies a stretch of road that has been dubbed the “missing link.” Here, construction began but was never completed due to steep and unstable terrain. Several miles of this incomplete road are open to pedestrian traffic making for a lovely wooded path along which to hike, bike, or horseback ride. Plans exist to complete of the missing link, however, it is an expensive proposition which faces political opposition from both fiscal conservatives and environmentalists alike. Still, work progresses–if at a snails pace.

Also completed is a 6-mile section of the Parkway that lies in Cosby, Tennessee. It connects to Interstate 40 and was to be Foothills’ northeastern terminus. Construction began here at the same time as at the southeastern end, with the goal having been for the two sections to meet in the middle, somewhere along what is now the missing link.

Lastly, there is a four lane scenic highway referred to as the “Spur” which is technically part of Foothills Parkway. It encompasses a stretch of US 321/441 and serves as the only direct route between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The Spur runs along the West Fork Pigeon River and ties into the Gatlinburg Bypass, making it as practical as it is beautiful.

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Welcome to Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest elevation this side of the Mississippi. It reaches 6,643 feet and is capped off with an additional 54-foot observation tower. Here, on a clear day visitors can gaze in awe at one hundred miles of mountainous countryside, a view that extends into 7 separate states. Even on days when the peaks are shrouded in their trademark mists, this panorama is a sight to behold! The observation deck (which is shaped like a flying saucer) allows for optimal viewing, particularly of sunrise and sunset.

Clingman’s Dome marks the highest point on the Appalachian Trail as well–a journey which spans 2,144 miles from Georgia to Maine. At this elevation, only evergreen trees grow, which, in this moist atmosphere, constitute a coniferous rainforest. It’s a harsh environment where temperatures average 10-20 degrees cooler than those found in Gatlinburg. Snow, too, can fall anytime between September and May; conditions which cause Clingman’s Dome Road to be closed to vehicular travel from December until April–although, the truly tenacious can still reach the summit by foot or by ski.

So if you’re looking for an invigorating hike, a perfect photo opportunity, a romantic sunset, or just a place to marvel at nature’s beauty, take some time out of your Gatlinburg vacation to visit Clingman’s Dome. And don’t worry, if you’re not up to the trek to the observation deck, the view from the parking lot itself is pretty amazing!

Photo: Blinutne

Let’s take a look at some of the history around the park…and what makes it so special!

The mountains are thousands of years old, and their history stretches from the Paleo Indians all the way to the Civilian Conservation Corps that helped to further develop the park in 1934.  The park, which is in the midst of celebrating its 75^th anniversary, is the United States’ most visited national park.

There’s a reason for this.  Whether you visit in the winter, spring, summer, or fall, you will be simply amazed by the breathtaking beauty that surrounds you and everything the park offers to do and see for each visitor.

For example—did you know that there are over 800 miles of hiking area in the park, which covers parts of Tennessee and North Carolina?  In addition, there are some incredible fishing sites to be had, and the park is ideal for a family picnic.
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Quick Sidenote…Speaking of hiking, here’s a great resource for those planning on going Ultralight:

Ultimate-Ultralight-Backpacking.com – This site teaches new or would-be hikers the Ultralight way. If you are tired of an aching back and knees when you reach your destination at the end of the day, try Ultralight. The site provides expert advice on gear, food, clothing and more.
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Another attraction of the park is those that inhabit it—the wildlife.  There are countless deer and elk to be found, but when most people come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they are looking for bear…and the park will not let you down in that respect.

Over 1,500 bears call the park home.  Of course, you’re best served to look at them from afar if you see one, as you wouldn’t want to get too close, would you?

There are more than animals that are worth looking at.  History runs rampant at the park, with over seventy-five historic structures on site, ranging from grist mills, churches, schools, and barns.  Besides that, in keeping with the goal of preserving Appalachia, you can also find some of the homes of the early settlers of the area.  The trip back in time will enchant you!

There are several different ways to become acquainted with the park.  You are welcome to explore the grounds yourself, as a lot of people do, but there are also Park Ranger guided tours available during the autumn.  It’s a great way to learn about the area from those who know it best!

However you choose to experience the natural beauty of this God-made wonder, you definitely need to set aside some time to do so.  Yes, the food you’ll find in the area is great, and so is the shopping, and the amusement parks…but in Sevier County, it all centers around the Smokies.  So why not take them in on your next trip?

The Free Official Smokies Trip Planner From The National Park Service

You’ll find many different guides, brochures, and other sources of information out there regarding the Smoky Mountain National Park, but if you’re looking for the best overview of what the park actually has to offer, it’s highly recommended that you take a look at this official Smokies Trip Planner.  Because it’s a free yearly guide that comes right from the National Park Service itself, the information couldn’t be any more accurate!

What better way to bring back childhood memories and create some new ones than a hayride? Grab your kids, dress comfortable and enjoy the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains!

Downtown Gatlinburg offers hayrides from September 1st through December 31st. Climb in the back of a hay filled wagon reminiscent of the old tractor pulled hayrides of the past. Not only can you enjoy the beauty scenery of Gatlinburg and the changing foliage, but beginning November 1st, Gatlinburg will be decorated with its Winter Magic lighting display adding to the spectacular beauty. The hayrides run Sunday-Thursday from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. from Traffic Mall at Light #6, every 45 minutes. Admission is $4.00 and benefits the United Way. If you have any questions, you can call (865)436-0535.

Just a short drive away in Walland, TN, Apple Valley Riding Stables offers tractor-drawn hayrides along its scenic 1200 acres, beside the Foothills Parkway. Jump on the back of an old, wooden hay wagon and enjoy the relaxing ride along the property and through the creek. The ride will take you to a small meadow and back. Special requests are always welcome and the friendly staff can  build a bonfire  for you. Apple Valley Riding Stables is open 7 days a week from 9-5 weather permitting.

Echobrooks Farm, also located near Walland, TN, offers a collection of carriages and horses for hayrides and carriage rides. They have horse drawn vehicles to accommodate families and groups from 6-30 in size. Sturdy Belgian and Percheron horses will pull the carriages down shady lanes, or through  the beautiful countryside filled with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and streams. An authentic horse drawn hayride is a great way to enjoy a group outing, a family picnic or to celebrate a special event. Along the way, the drive will share stories and information about the history of the area. Special group rates are available.

Cades Coves Riding Stables in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers hayrides from Mid-March to October 31st. Visitors can enjoy 1.5 to 2 hour hayride around Cades Cove in a hay filled trailer pulled by a truck. Regular un-narrated hayrides are available during the day. The cost is $6.00 per person and reservations are generally required.  Park Rangers provide narrated nightly hayrides that last approximately two hours and are conducted in all weather unless it is deemed too unsafe.  Space is limited on the wagons and advanced reservations are required. The cost is $8.50 per person two years and older. Visitors should dress comfortably for the weather and bring a  flashlight for the parking and bathroom area. To get more information or to make reservations, call the Cades Cove Stables at (865) 448-9009

One: An ideal family friendly hike with a gorgeous view is the Andrew’s Bald trail. Offering panoramic views, this 3.5 mile round-trip hike is located in the Clingman’s Dome area, and is filled with creek beds, rain run-offs, rocks and small boulders. Kids will love exploring the natural surroundings.

Two: For a slightly more strenuous hike just outside light 8 in Gatlinburg, Rainbow Falls provides 5.4 miles of creeks, footbridges and an 80-foot high waterfall 2.7 miles from the trailhead. The highest single-drop waterfall in the Smokies, Rainbow Falls features great picnic spots along the way and continues on to Mt. LeConte for the more ambitious hikers.

Three: Families with younger kids or older family members might want to try Tom’s Branch Falls. This easy hike is under a mile and accessible from the Deep Creek Trail. Offering beautiful waterfalls in an easy-to-do hike, Tom’s Branch Falls includes benches to sit and admire the falls and continues onto Indian Creek Falls, for another easy 1.9-mile hike.

Four: Adventurous hikers will appreciate the Park’s wide availability of harder and more rewarding excursions. Rich Mountain Loop offers a challenging 7.7-mile hike with long steady climbs. The payoff is rewarding however, as the Rich Mountain Loop features gorgeous meadows of diverse, beautiful wildflowers, views of Tuckaleechee Cove and Townsend, and a walk by one of the oldest structures in the park, John Oliver’s cabin.

Five: A family favorite, the Clingman’s Dome Tower hike is perfect for families with strollers or wheelchairs, as it is a wide, paved course. This one-mile hike to the observation deck is steep, but reaches the second highest peak east of the mighty Mississippi river and includes rest rooms and benches along the way.

Six:  Alum Cave Creek is one of the more popular trails and includes two parking lots to access the 4.4-mile hike on Newfound Gap Road. While hiking to the cave you’ll pass Inspiration Point, providing expansive views of Myrtle Point on Mount LeConte and Little Duck Hawk Ridge. After hiking 2.2 miles, the “cave” appears, which is actually a concave bluff approximately 80-feet high with stunning views.

Seven:  Porters Creek Trail is also ideal for families seeking a moderate hike filled with history, waterfalls, streams and wildflowers. This four-mile hike begins down a gravel road off of the Greenbrier entrance to the Smoky Mountain National Park. Two-thirds of a mile into the hike are several old stone walls that are remnants of an old mountain community, and just pass the walls is an early 20th century cemetery. Further into the trail is the 19th century John Messer farm site and a cabin built by the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club over seventy years ago. Waterfalls and a myriad of wildflowers continue to accent the path as the trail continues.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park includes short hikes for young ones, longer more challenging treks for experienced hikers and nice day trips for the entire family. Nature enthusiasts will not be disappointed as the Park’s trails include everything from historical landmarks to stunning waterfalls. Come see for yourself all the natural beauty in these mountains and discover a new favorite trail.

One on the closest and most popular scenic routs is Loop Road at Cades Cove. An 11 mile one way road, Loop circles the Cove’s lush valley providing marvelous views of the mountains beyond. Deer are abundant here and acclimated to the traffic so tourists can admire does with young fawns and bucks with magnificent antlers. Other wildlife that may be spotted include wild turkey, foxes and the occasional bear. If you feel like getting out of the car, check out the park’s the historic buildings, hiking trails, and riding stable.

Significantly further away, and yet well worth the trip is the 36 mile long byway spanning the distance from Tellico Plains, Tennessee to Robbinsville North Carolina. The Cherohala Skyway ascends to elevations of 5,400 feet offering breathtaking views of the valleys below. Fill up the gas tank and plan to spend an entire day exploring picture-perfect overlooks, invigorating hiking trails, quiet fishing holes, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. Just be sure to come prepared, for once you enter the Skyway restrooms are the only facilities available—no restaurants, no gas stations.

For the motorcycle or sports car enthusiast the drive of choice is The Tail of the Dragon. Offering both scenery and excitement, this stretch of US Highway 129 serpentines through 318 hairpin turns in just 11 wooded miles. Located at the southern end of the Smoky Mountain National Park, The Tail of the Dragon can be a treacherous yet exhilarating ride for the adrenalin junky and those who don’t easily become car sick.

Beyond these there are scads of well maintained rural roads throughout the region. Sometimes the best adventures can be had by engaging your GPS (or pulling out a map, for the old school crowd) and driving the back roads of Sevier County. Likely, you will happen upon an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, or corn maze to explore. One thing is for sure, though, no matter which way you turn you will not escape the beauty and natural wonder that is autumn in East Tennessee.

Photo: emzee