Fodor's Expert Review Foothills Parkway

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Scenic Drive
Free

A 72-mile scenic roadway, Foothills Parkway has long been planned to parallel the northern, western, and southwestern edges of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing dramatic views of the Smokies. Construction began in the 1960s, but due to funding problems it still hasn't been completed. About 17 miles from Chilhowee Lake to Walland were completed in 1966. In late 2018, another 16-mile section of the parkway was opened, connecting with this original section and running to Wears Valley. A 5.6-mile section runs from Interstate 40 south to U.S. Route 321. In between these sections are more than 33 miles where construction has not even begun; rights-of-way have been purchased, but there is no state or federal money to build it.  Known as the "Tail of the Dragon," a serpentine section of U.S. Route 129 is popular with motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts; it connects with the end of the Foothills Parkway at Chilhowee.

Scenic Drive Free Family

Quick Facts

Gatlinburg, Tennessee  37882, USA

865-436–1200

www.nps.gov/places/foothills-parkway.htm

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