Fodor's Expert Review Newfound Gap Road
In a little more than 14 miles, Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) climbs more than 3,500 feet, from Gatlinburg to the gap through the crest of the Smokies at 5,046 feet. It takes you through Southern cove hardwood, pine oak, and Northern hardwood forests to the spruce fir forest at Newfound Gap. This is the primary route through the park. There are mile markers starting at the park entrance near Gatlinburg. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is at mile marker 1.7. At Newfound Gap (mile marker 14.7), you can straddle the Tennessee–North Carolina state line and also hike some of the Appalachian Trail.