There are exactly two ways to get from Gatlinburg to Asheville: the boring route and the scenic route. One involves travel on an interstate highway while the other involves the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Can you guess which route I’m about to layout for you in this road trip itinerary?
The fastest route from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Asheville, North Carolina is to take Interstate 40 through a gap in the mountains. That drive takes a little under two hours and is so boring I’m starting to yawn just typing this. Honestly, though, I find the route a little bit exciting because the narrow 16-mile gorge through the mountains that includes a tunnel and site of a significant rockslide.
But if you want the most exciting option, I suggest a road trip along the scenic route from Gatlinburg, through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, and on to Asheville. I dare you to convince me that’s not the most scenic route.
Road Trip Map
How to use this map: Click the icon in the top-left corner to open the Map Legend, then click on any of the legend items to display more information. If you have a Google account, click the star beside the map’s name to save this map to your account, then access the map from your smartphone during your trip.
Gatlinburg
In recent years Gatlinburg has been busting at the seams with tourists. However, it’s still entirely possible to find a quiet corner for an exciting evening in the mountains. Take a ride on the chair lift to visit the highest mountain peak with Anakeesta, go for a walk on the bridges suspended between trees on the Treetop Skywalk, and have dinner at Clifftop Bar & Grill with the best view in town.
READ MORE: The 27 Best Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure
Down on the ground, wade through the pedestrians along Parkway to Sugarlands Distillery for one of the most entertaining moonshine experiences in the state. If you want to find some of the most exciting shopping head over to the Village Shops, located beside the best place in town to get breakfast at Pancake Pantry. Take a walk through Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for a spectacular display of ocean life in the heart of the mountains.
I like to end many days in Gatlinburg at a restaurant with a dual nature. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que have one thing in common: the lobby. Walk inside the front door and choose left for a savory barbeque with house-made sauces or right for wood fired pizza and mouthwatering garlic bites.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
Remember the old game of pin the tail on the donkey? Stop anywhere on Parkway. Close your eyes. Spin around three times real fast and point your finger. I guarantee when you open your eyes, you’ll be looking at a hotel or resort.
Budget
Baymont Gatlinburg on the River is a fantastic hotel on the quiet end of downtown Gatlinburg. The hotel has riverfront rooms with balconies, a rooftop terrace with a narrow view of Mount LeConte, and an indoor swimming pool.
Another budget-friendly option, and one of my personal favorites, is Sidney James Mountain Lodge. Granted, the furnishings in the rooms could use an update. But the bed was comfortable, location fantastic, and the two-story indoor pool is unmatched in Gatlinburg.
A favorite of mine that I’ve stayed at many times, and through many brand changes, is SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western. It’s located on the opposite side of the creek from the Bearskin Lodge, so it’s still an excellent location for anything you want to do in town. The Creekside rooms are large, and all have a private balcony for enjoying the peacefulness away from the hustle and bustle of Parkway.
Moderate
Hampton Inn has one of the best free hot breakfast spreads of any hotel chain I’ve visited. The comfortable and modern rooms are just the start of a great stay here; the indoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, and secluded patio finish it off.
Bearskin Lodge on the River is located along River Road, my favorite place in Gatlinburg for finding lodging. On this end of town, it’s easy to get in and out via the Gatlinburg Bypass, the national park is just minutes away even on the worst of days for traffic, and it’s easy to get anywhere in town along River Road. The hotel has large, beautifully furnished rooms and suites that are perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families alike.
No. 01
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Mere minutes after leaving Gatlinburg behind the lush trees of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park envelope you like walking into a cave of greenery. The hordes of pedestrians, trudging traffic, and blinking signals are left behind as the adventure on this road trip begins.
The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the primary source for information about the national park in Gatlinburg. There is plenty of room for parking personal vehicles and RVs, and in 2018 the park added a few EV charging stations. Inside the visitor center, you’ll find brochures and maps, park rangers to answer questions, a small museum, and a beautiful gift shop where I’ve bought many books.
Cataract Falls
One of the best-kept secret waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The 0.75-mile Cataract Falls Trail begins near the restrooms and winds along Fighting Creek. At the end of the trail is the 25’ tall cascading waterfall.
READ MORE: Where to Find the Visitor Centers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
No. 02
Carlos Campbell Overlook
This scenic overlook provides a stunning view of Mount Le Conte, frequently shrouded in a cloud at the very top. At 6,594’, the mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains range.
The overlook is named after Carlos Campbell, who served as director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce in the 1930s. Campbell was one of the dozens of people who were influential in getting Congress to establish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
READ MORE: 101 Things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
No. 03
Chimney Tops Overlook
At 4,800’, Chimney Tops is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 4.5-mile out and back Chimney Tops Trail ascends about 1,400’ to the exposed rocky tops of the mountain. The trail crosses several creeks along rustic footbridges in a dense forest.
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The scenic overlook is located at the base of Chimney Tops and provides a stunning view of the towering mountain. The overlook includes a series of four pull-off parking areas.
Note: The end of the Chimney Tops Trail has been closed indefinitely because of damage caused to the mountain peak during the 2016 wildfires.
No. 04
Newfound Gap Overlook
The midpoint of US Highway 441, locally called Newfound Gap Road, through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the Newfound Gap Overlook. The Appalachian Trail crosses the road here along with the North Carolina and Tennessee state line.
The overlook offers a mesmerizing view into the North Carolina side of the park, where you can see the winding road along the ridgeline far below. It’s often quite a bit cooler up there at nearly 2,000’ higher in elevation than surrounding towns.
Restrooms are located below the Appalachian Trail at one end of the parking lot.
READ MORE: 50 Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure + Downloadable Social Media Images
No. 05
Clingman’s Dome
At 6,643’ Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Tennessee. At that elevation, the weather is often unpredictable and chaotic. It took me three times visiting the summit before I ever saw more than a bank of clouds obscuring the landscape.
Clingman’s Dome Road is a 7-mile scenic route that starts near Newfound Gap Overlook and ends at a large parking area just below the summit of the mountain. The 1.2-mile Clingman’s Dome Trail begins at the edge of the parking lot and ascends 300’ in about half a mile to the observation tower on the summit.
Privy restrooms are located in the parking lot, and a visitor center on the trail has maps, brochures, and a small gift shop.
READ MORE: Clingman’s Dome at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Short Story
Mitchell vs. Clingman
In 1835 Elisha Mitchell, a geologist and professor at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, measured the height of a mountain called Black Dome. He determined it was the highest point east of the Mississippi River, estimating it to within 12’ of the official height determined years later by the U.S. Geological Survey.
However, that claim was disputed by a former student, Thomas Clingman. The former United States senator had made a career of measuring mountain peaks and believed the highest point in the east was actually a mountain called Smoky Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains.
In 1857 Mitchell returned to Black Dome to verify his measurements after the challenge made by Clingman. But during that journey, Mitchell fell off a waterfall and drowned in the water at the bottom.
In 1859 Smoky Dome was renamed Clingman’s Dome by Arnold Guyot, a good friend of Thomas Clingman, still claiming it was the tallest peak in the east. But in 1882, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed Black Dome was the highest peak east of the Mississippi and renamed it Mount Mitchell.
Mount Mitchell is 41’ taller than Clingman’s Dome. Today Elisha Mitchell is buried on the summit of the mountain bearing his name.
No. 06
Deep Creek Valley Overlook
The North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is often overlooked, but don’t make that mistake. The Deep Creek Valley Overlook is one of the most stunning in the entire park. The overlook has a commanding view of the valley on the south edge of the park leading to the Deep Creek area in Bryson City.
No. 07
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is one of my favorite places to visit in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located near Cherokee, North Carolina, it is also an unofficial visitor for the Blue Ridge Parkway with maps, brochures, and information. The gift shop is top-notch and an excellent source for souvenirs and books.
Mountain Farm Museum
Behind the visitor center, the Mountain Farm Museum is a fantastic recreation of an early frontier farm typical of the area long before the national park was created. It’s a short walk along a flat path to explore the exhibits, including a massive barn, frontier home, and gardens.
Viewing the Elk
One of my favorite things to do at this visitor center is to watch the elk cross the large grassy field. It’s not a guaranteed event, but it is frequent enough to have gained the attention of travelers passing through.
About an hour or two before sunset, the elk herd will begin crossing the large field as they casually graze. They will frequently cross the field and then meander across the road to disappear into the woods on the other side.
READ MORE: 50+ Favorite Travel Photos From Years of Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cherokee
Nestled against the eastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is a wonderful small town to explore during any road trip through the area. The Cherokee Indian Reservation is home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, descendants of the few Cherokee who did not walk the Trail of Tears.
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian was one of the most educational museums I have ever visited. The museum is a chronological walk through the history of Native Americans in the Southeastern United States. It includes some of their fascinating origin stories for myths and legends. Across the street, the Qualla Arts and Crafts is a local artisans guild that sells the work of Cherokee living on the reservation.
Unto These Hills is a fantastic outdoor drama telling the story of the Cherokee from the first contact with Europeans to the Trail of Tears. Located at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, the official outdoor drama of North Carolina is something to see if you decide to spend a night in Cherokee.
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Where to Stay in Cherokee
The biggest draw to Cherokee is Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, and that’s just a shame. The casino resort has a very lovely hotel, on-site restaurants, and even a little bit of shopping. But I recommend a few other places to stay while visiting Cherokee.
Budget
Baymont Inn in Cherokee is a great budget-friendly hotel. The hotel includes King Rooms and Queen Rooms with either one or two queen beds. You’ll also find an outdoor swimming pool and free breakfast.
Super 8 in Cherokee doesn’t resemble any other Super 8 I’ve ever seen. It looks more like a condo rental, and the rooms feel like it, too. The budget-friendly hotel includes King Rooms and Queen Rooms with two queen beds. Although the free breakfast leaves a lot to be desired, the seating area in a giant sunroom is just awesome.
Moderate
Holiday Inn Express is located across the street from the casino and is a guarantee for a good night. The hotel includes King Rooms, Queen Rooms with two queen beds, and an Executive King Suite with a sleeper sofa. You’re also treated to a free breakfast each morning.
Campground
Cherokee/Great Smokies KOA is a fantastic riverfront campground just ten minutes from town. The campground includes several variations of cabins, RV sites with full hookups, and tent sites.
Smokemont Campground is located just inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about five minutes from the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The campground features 142 sites for RVs and tents but includes no hookups of any kind. There are plenty of bathroom facilities but no showers.
Blue Ridge Parkway Entrance
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway follows the ridge of the mountain chain across Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. It was initially conceived as a national scenic byway connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s one of my favorite driving routes in the country and is always the route I drive from Cherokee to Asheville.
READ MORE: Road Trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Pro Travel Tip
There are no easily accessible gas stations between Cherokee and U.S. Highway 74 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and none at all between U.S. Highway 74 and Asheville.
No. 08
Waterrock Knob at Milepost 451.2
Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite places to visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parking lot on top of a flat hilltop offers a commanding view of mountains in all directions. The cool breeze and sudden silence invite visitors to one of the concrete picnic tables to enjoy a break from the road.
Privy restrooms and a visitor center with a small gift shop are available at Waterrock Knob. The steep 1.2-mile Waterrock Knob Trail climbs almost 500’ to the summit of Waterrock Knob at 6,292’, or you could hike just a few hundred feet to a nice scenic overlook just above the parking lot.
READ MORE: Where to Find the Visitor Centers on the Blue Ridge Parkway
No. 09
Richland Balsam Overlook at Milepost 431.4
At 6,053’ the Richland Balsam Overlook is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A ginormous sign on the side of the parking lot is a great place to snap a selfie or portrait to commemorate your high flyin’ adventure.
If you’re really up for an adventure, the 1.5-mile Richland Balsam Trail begins at the next scenic overlook on the Parkway and climbs about 400’ to the summit of Richland Balsam at 6,410’. It’s a strenuous trail, but the reward is a stunning view at the end.
Although the highest point is located at the Richland Balsam Overlook, it doesn’t have a magnificent view. Less than a mile further along the Parkway is the Cowee Mountain Overlook at Milepost 430.7. This is my favorite scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway because it has an uninterrupted panorama view from the parking lot.
READ MORE: Road Trip to the Southern Sixers
No. 10
Devil’s Courthouse Overlook at Milepost 422.4
The parking area at Devil’s Courthouse Overlook provides an impressive view of Devil’s Courthouse from the comfort of your car. But if you’re up for a hike, the 1-mile Devil’s Courthouse Trail includes a 300’ climb to the top of the rocky outcropping seen from the parking lot. The rocky trail is strenuous, but the reward is worth every step.
READ MORE: The 27 Best Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure
The final steps of the trail lead to the exposed top of the overlook. A rock wall, built by the CCC decades ago, invites hikers to stay on the inside to enjoy the view. The uninterrupted panorama sweeps across the Parkway, parking lot, and mountains far beyond. It’s one of those places I had a hard time leaving.
No. 11
Black Balsam Overlook at Milepost 421.2
Located on a short spur road off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Black Balsam Overlook provides a stunning view and access to two of the Southern Sixers. Black Balsam Knob at 6,214’ and Sam Knob at 6,050’ are each within hiking distance for a day trip.
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A 1.5-mile hike on the Art Loeb Trail ascends about 350’ to the summit of Black Balsam Knob. The 2.5-mile Sam Knob Trail traverses a grassy ridge with a final ascent of 500’ to the summit of Sam Knob.
No. 12
Graveyard Fields at Milepost 418.8
Pull into the parking lot at Graveyard Fields, and you’ll see something quite rare on the Blue Ridge Parkway: a vast meadow without any trees. The peculiar destination wasn’t always like this.
In 1925, a fire swept across this area, leaving only charred remains of trees in its wake. To top it off, a savage storm moves through the area years later, toppling all the remaining trees and leaving only the tree stumps as a reminder of the forest that once thrived. The stumps resembled tombstones, leading to the name Graveyard Fields.
The 1.3-mile Graveyard Fields Loop Trail is one of the easiest hiking trails on the Parkway. The hike begins through a rhododendron tunnel to a short spur trail leading to Second Falls. The base of the 55’ cascading waterfall is a popular place for people to get their feet wet and lounge on the boulders. Portions of the loop trail are a wooden boardwalk, crossing the Yellowstone Prong from time to time, as it twists through the landscape and back to the parking lot.
The 40’ tall Upper Falls is located at the end of a 1.6-mile out and back hike on the Upper Falls Trail. Beginning along the Graveyard Fields Loop, this trail ascends about 200’ in elevation to the base of the waterfall at the far end of the meadows.
READ MORE: 15 Places You must Visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway
No. 13
Cradle of Forestry Overlook at Milepost 411
A dead tree has long stood as a centurion in the corner of this gorgeous scenic overlook with a panorama vista. Far below, tucked away in the woods, is the Cradle of Forestry in America. It was the site of the first forestry school in America, started by George Vanderbilt of the Biltmore.
The scenic overlook provides a breathtaking view of the area called Cradle of Forestry in America, once completely owned by Vanderbilt but today part of Pisgah National Forest.
READ MORE: 50 Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure + Downloadable Social Media Images
No. 14
Mount Pisgah at Milepost 408.6
Built in 1964, the Pisgah Inn is the most breathtaking place to stay on the Blue Ridge Parkway. All of the rooms in the two-story building have a commanding view of the mountain landscape below, but I recommend a second-floor room for the best view.
The inn includes a dining room that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week during the open season. Open to guests and visitors alike, the dining room offers a stunning view to go along with a great meal.
At the end of the parking lot from the inn is a small gift shop and a camp store with souvenirs, clothing, and some staple food items. There are restrooms located on the outside of the building.
Just down the Parkway from Pisgah Inn is a spur road leading to the Buck Spring Gap Overlook, featuring a short trail to the remains of Vanderbilt’s hunting cabin, and the Mount Pisgah Overlook, where you’ll find the trailhead for the 3.2-mile Mount Pisgah Trail. The trail is a strenuous hike with a 700’ ascent to the summit of Mount Pisgah, where you can enjoy a gorgeous panorama view from a small wooden observation deck.
READ MORE: Favorite Travel Photos to Inspire You to Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
No. 15
The North Carolina Arboretum
There is always something beautiful to see The North Carolina Arboretum. Technically admission is free, but you’ll have to pay for parking as you enter the main gate just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Begin the adventure at the Education Center, where you’ll find restrooms, a small gift shop, ana rotating exhibit space. Head outside to the Bonzai Exhibition Garden, then start the long walk on the Grand Garden Promenade past several formal gardens to the Baker Exhibit Center. Eleven hiking trails wind across the 65-acre property, with about half of them open to foot traffic and mountain biking.
No. 16
Western North Carolina Farmer’s Market
The Western North Carolina Farmer’s Market is the only non-sightseeing stop on this road trip itinerary. After a long drive, arriving in Asheville, it’s always great to pick up a few supplies. The farmer’s market is spread throughout two enclosed buildings with dozens of local vendors.
Coates Produce has long been my favorite to visit for their fresh fruit of the season and fantastic apple cider. Jarvis Produce has always been a great place to find McCutcheon’s brand of fruit butters, jams, and jellies. Between the two locally owned farms, I usually walk away with a bag full of goodies to keep me going on the road.
No. 17
Biltmore
Located just outside of downtown Asheville the Biltmore is the largest mansions, and one of the most popular attractions, in the country. The 250-room French Renaissance mansion was built from 1889-1895 for George Vanderbilt. For the admission price, visitors get access to the grounds to explore the formal gardens and a guided tour of the mansion. Additional tours such as the Rooftop Tour can be purchased on arrival.
Begin a visit to the Biltmore with a tour of the mansion. Small groups of people at a time are taken on a 30-minute guided tour where you’ll learn about the building of the mansion and family history of the Vanderbilts. After touring the house, take a leisurely walk through the gardens where something is blooming most of the year.
Visit Antler Hill Village to enjoy shopping, dining, and live entertainment. You can drive yourself and hop on one of the free shuttle buses to experience this side of the Biltmore. While there, be sure to visit the winery to sample wine made from grapes grown on the property!
Asheville
Asheville is the largest city in the western part of the state, and while it has a certain big city flair, make no mistake about it: Asheville is a friendly southern city in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Over the last decade, Asheville has grown a reputation as a craft beer city, touting the fact there are more craft breweries per capita than any other city in the country. That is still true today, but that’s not the only thing the city is known for. In recent years Asheville has grown in leaps and bounds as a food destination with world-class restaurants and mom and pop joints opening throughout the city, all serving some of the best food in the southeast.
Start a day exploring Asheville at the Grove Arcade, an enclosed shopping destination built in 1929 and featuring some of the most gorgeous architecture in the city. AtBattery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar, you can order a glass of wine, grab a used book off a shelf, and sit in a comfortable leather armchair while savoring both. Located behind the Grove Arcade, Asheville Pinball Museum is a quirky place where a single admission price gets you in the door to play antique pinball machines for as long as you like!
Take a walk along Biltmore Avenue, the main street through downtown Asheville, for all the museums, shopping, and dining you could enjoy. Mast General Store is an excellent place for outdoor gear and clothing, and right next door, Cúrate is one of the top-rated restaurants in the city.
Explore Asheville 36 Montford Avenue, Asheville, NC | 828-258-6129 | www.exploreasheville.com
Where to Stay in Asheville
There are a lot of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds around the Asheville area. Where you stay is entirely dependent on what you want to do. I have listed here four areas I think would be best for an overnight stay while road tripping on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Moderate
Hampton Inn in the Biltmore Village area is another excellent place to stay close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This hotel includes free on-site parking, an indoor swimming pool, free breakfast, and an on-site bar. The hotel features King Rooms, Queen Rooms with two queen beds, and a King Room with a sleeper sofa.
The Holiday Inn & Suites is a great alternative in the Biltmore Village area. You’ll find an indoor swimming pool, free on-site parking, and an on-site bar. The hotel features Standard Rooms with a full bed, King Rooms, Queen Rooms with two queen beds, and an Executive Suite with a queen bed and sleeper sofa.
Premium
The Grand Bohemian Hotel is the height of luxury during your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip. The hotel features King Rooms and Queen Rooms with two queen beds. You’ll also find free on-site parking, an on-site bar, and a spa.
My top recommendation for lodging in Asheville during this road trip is the Village Hotel at Biltmore Estate. With free on-site parking, an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site bar serving local wines and spirits, and a spa, this would be the perfect place to take a day off from driving to enjoy some pampering.
A more secluded alternative would be The Inn at Biltmore Estate. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and free on-site parking, but the biggest draw is the Dining Room with regional cuisine for guests only and the Library Lounge with casual fine dining. The hotel features King Rooms with a mountain view and Double Rooms with two double beds.
My top recommendation for lodging in downtown Asheville is the Cambria Hotel. Located across the street from the Grove Arcade, it’s within walking distance of just about everything downtown. The hotel features King Rooms, Queen Rooms with two queen beds, and a luxurious Corner King Suite with sleeper sofa and private deck.
33 Responses
We are flying into Greenville Spartanburg and plan to drive to Asheville and then to Cades Cove and then to Pacoco Lodge and back to Greenville over the course of several days. I just found your itinerary from Gatlinburg to Asheville which I am considering doing in reserve (but skipping Gatlinburg itself). Would it be worth our while to detour to Blowing Rock, and then backtrack using your itinerary from Asheville on, or just save that part of the parkway for another trip. We are not hikers, just plan a few short walks, picnics and enjoying the scenery. We will fly in to Greenville on June 27 and fly back out either July 5 or 6. Any opinions or suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi Angie! This sounds like an epic adventure. I definitely recommend a trip to Blowing Rock – it’s one of my favorite North Carolina destinations. You can take US Highway 221 from Spartanburg directly to Blowing Rock. If you’re just out for a scenic drive and short walks, it would take about 6 hours to drive from Blowing Rock to Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you look under Road Trips on my website, you’ll find the itinerary I wrote for the Parkway to help plan that detour. I have driven all those roads you’ll be on for your adventure, so feel free to ask additional questions about anything along the way!
Thanks for the fast informative reply Jason. We are using your itinerary (in reverse) for Gatlinburg to Pisgah Inn. We have reservations at the Pisgah Inn (since you raved about the view!) We were planning on driving there from Greenville Spartan Airport to Pisgah Inn and then spending two nights there. We could conceivably drive from the Inn to Blowing Rock and back in the same day right? After that we are using your itinerary until about Carlos Campbell overlook and then heading to Cades Cove and spending three nights there. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks so much!
This is becoming complicated haha! Could you drop me an email at jason@roadtripsandcoffee.com? I would love to continue figuring this out for you!
Hello,
If we’d want to spend more time in the mountains is it recommended to rent a cabin somewhere in the mountains or is staying overnight in Gatlinburg/Cherokee and then returning to the mountains doable considering the short distance?
Hi Clavian! There are cabins to rent “in the mountains,” however it is much easier to stay in Gatlinburg, Cherokee, or Brevard while exploring this route. Cherokee would be the most central point to stay for a few days – you’d be one hour to Gatlinburg and 90 minutes to Asheville.
Is this route doable for a day trip from Gatlinburg to Asheville if we would not your the Biltmore on the same day??
Sara, yes it would be easily doable in a day! It takes about 4-5 hours to just drive straight through.
Great post and thank you, Jason! We are doing a round trip, Asheville-Gatlinburg- Asheville, any suggestions for a different route on return?
This sounds like a great alternative to the main highway! Thank you for this info and all the scenic tips. Will be taking this trip in early October. We live in a beautiful country and miss SO much speeding through the major highways.
Haha yeah I’m not a fan of “speeding through the major highways.” I love the backroads and scenic highways so much more!
Hello Jason,
We are 4 dynamic ladies with just one driver and average age -75 years.
Our main concern is that my friend is good to drive 2-3 hours a day. Please respond about the mountain roads- are they very steep ? We are planning to take a scenic route training North Carolina and also make sure we don’t book some ABNB/VIRBO chalet on a steep roadway. Thank you for your article.
Munira, I wouldn’t call this route “steep” because it’s a public highway. It’s very easy to drive and I think you’ll be fine!
Jason,
Thanks for the response. Some more questions.
1). What is the total distance if we were driving all the way and not doing any hiking at all.
2). With a couple of stops for gas/ /coffee/restroom breaks, how long would the drive take? Realistically, we would like to get to the hotel n Asheville before sunset.
Thank you in advance.
Munira Merchant.
Munira, if you were just to drive from Gatlinburg to Asheville without making stops it is 119 miles. Making a few stops for breaks, it would take about 4-5 hours to drive straight through.
I’ve always wanted to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, and will do so in September. I will start at the South entrance in NC and travel to the Virginia border double back to Cherokee and drive the GSMNP. I really enjoyed reading your post and i’m looking forward to a wonderful scenic drive.
This is so helpful, I will be driving through that way in mid August to a family event but a bit nervous about mountain roads as I’ll be going solo…how twisty, turny, busy, scary should I prepare for because I sure wish to enjoy the beauty and not be white knuckling it the whole time!
Kathie, oh, this road is not bad at all! There are quite a few turns – and inside the GSMNP there are a few hairpins – however, this entire route is well maintained and safe to drive solo. You’ll need to keep your speed down, eyes on the road, and hands on the wheel, and you’ll be fine!
P.S. If you REALLY want a curvy road, look at the Tail of the Dragon near the southern end of the national park. Curviest road I have ever driven – and I’ll never drive it again haha.
We ended up on Tail of the dragon twice by accident, I swore after the first time never again but it happened anyway. Hair raising ride.
Son, I wish you a long Happy Life! Your sight is great and the description of the sights are fantastic. You write with
your eyes, that is what makes your articles so great. I’m a 74 year old biker and like you, I’ve written articles of my
trips across this great Nation. I call them, “Stories of the Open Road”.
I’m retired now, living just Southeast of Knoxville and have been to a lot of the places you describe. Now I have to
go back and see all I missed. Keep them coming Son!
Droz
Thank you so much for the wonderful comment! It’s interesting you called your writing “Stories of the Open Road” – I am about to start a new email newsletter series called “Notes From the Road” about my road trip adventures. I hope you have a great week and thank you so much!
Jason,
Can you please respond.
Jason,
Thanks but can you elaborate a bit if we are following only 441 all the way as your map on top only indicates 441. How do we get from point 2 to 3 e.g or 10 to 11 and be sure we are on the right track. Thanks to clarify
Zahid, I had to go look at my own map to see what you were asking about haha! From Stop 1 to Stop 7, you are on US Highway 441. From Stop 7 to Stop 15 you are on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Does this help you visualize the route?
Jason,
Thanks indeed. Truely appreciated. I will take your word and use your map plus work on off line maps. Apparently will have to stay in Asheville as the trip ends in Asheville and will have to return the next day or do the trip in two days. Do half one day and return and do the other half next day and return back to gatlinburg. that will cover the mistakes on road or overstay at one place or unwarranted delays.
Thanks indeed.
I am 73 with a title weak left knee and a little over weight. Though I can easily walk 2 to 3 miles in a day in two stretches. My wife is pretty healthy but two of us on the same day even starting at 630 or 7 am our day cannot do all in 12 hours . Your comment.
Plus would GPS help or we have to make notes. We are staying in Gatlinburg for 6 days. May be we should spread this trip in parts. Like cataract fall combine with skyline . Your wise suggestion. First timer to smoky middle of june
This route does have hiking trails, but it’s mostly just a beautiful scenic route to drive. Driving it straight through would probably take about 6-7 hours, so I would say you could easily do all this in less than 12 hours.
I always travel with GPS, but it’s not required. This route is pretty simple and straight forward. But if you do GPS on a mobile device, be sure to download offline maps. You won’t get much cellular signal throughout the GSMNP.
Hi. Your info is excellent. We are not hikers so I am wondering if your suggested route is going to be interesting enough if we do not do any hiking? Thanks so much!
This route is more about a scenic drive than hiking. So, yes, it would be great if you did no hiking at all!
We want to take a day driving from Asheville to Gatlinburg on our way north mid April 2021. Is it as simple as reading the itinerary from the bottom up, or are there other considerations reversing the route?
The only difference would be to do the Biltmore on a different day – you’ll want to spend at least six hours there. Otherwise, the trip works just as well either way you drive it. Have fun!
Your descriptions and pictures of the road trip from Gatlinburg to Asheville is delightful and beautiful, we have already visited some of the places and you are spot on.
Thank you so much, Gwen! I’ve driven that route several times and love it every single time. I’m glad you found this delightful!