Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Where Appalachian heritage meets timeless mountain beauty
Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a landscape of rolling ridges, ancient forests, and ever-shifting mist. Visitors come for panoramic overlooks, winding drives, waterfalls, and a glimpse of mountain life preserved in time. Wildlife thrives here—from black bears to salamanders—while traces of Cherokee and pioneer history echo through valleys and cabins. Whether you hike, drive, or explore with a self-guided audio tour, the Smokies reward curiosity with natural wonder at every turn.
Self-Guided Tours in the Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Drive & Audio Tour
Experience the Smokies on your own schedule with a self-guided audio drive through the park’s most scenic landscapes. Follow Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee as GPS narration reveals the stories behind its overlooks, trails, and mountain communities. Includes optional side trips to Kuwohi, Cades Cove, or Roaring Fork for even more sweeping vistas, wildlife encounters, and glimpses into the region’s rich Cherokee and settler heritage.
Top Sights & Attractions
Unlocking the Great Smoky Mountains: The Ultimate Guide to the Park’s Top Sights
Exploring the Smokies is about the freedom of the open road. It’s about pulling over when you spot a black bear cub in a meadow, spending an extra twenty minutes admiring a cascading waterfall, and diving deep into the history of the land on your own schedule. Whether you are planning your first trip or your fifth, here are the top five must-see attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains—and how to experience them on your own terms.
Favorite Food & Restaurants
Where to Eat in the Smoky Mountains: A Guide to Authentic Local Dining
At Drives & Detours, we believe that discovering a destination’s culinary soul is just as important as learning its history. That is why we have put together this local guide to the best places to eat and drink in the Smoky Mountains. These are the standout spots—distinctive, highly rated, and full of character—that will make your mountain getaway truly unforgettable.
Tips & Travel Information
The First-Timer’s Guide to the Smoky Mountains: Dodging Tourist Traps & Finding the Magic
Drives & Detours is here to help you navigate the Smokies like a seasoned pro. Whether you are a solo traveler looking for solitude, a couple seeking a romantic misty overlook, or a family trying to keep the kids entertained without losing your mind, this guide is for you. Here is how to bypass the tourist traps, embrace the wild beauty of Tennessee, and explore the Great Smoky Mountains on your own terms.