foothills parkway

My husband and I drove the Foothills Parkway on the first Saturday in March. It was beautiful, great views of the mountains. There were plenty of pull offs to stop and enjoy the scenery. We went to the observatory at Look Rock, you couldn't climb to the top because it was closed but still a beautiful view.

Take the short walk to the look rock tower its an easy paved walk up the mountain.Well worth is the views are awesome

What happened to the big rock that people sign when u get to the first overlook ?? Just came off the mt and it wasn't there .. Why would u move such a big rock ?? Just wondering ??

Very nice access to take sunrise AND moonrise pictures. Several areas where you can pull off and after a rain you really see the "smoky" efffect!!

Love the scenic views... Was closed when we were leaving due to snow, so we took another route... Hope they're never closed again when we are up

Loved this drive during the fall, beautiful colors. This is great with small kids cause they can hang out in the car or get out. The only thing which isn't a big deal, wish there was a sign letting drivers know, if you don't want to get on the highway, turn around now.

This is a great place either for sunrise or sunset views as there are overlooks on both sides of the parkway

Right off Hwy 321 you will find the Foothills Parkway. There are many strategically placed lookouts to stop, stretch and enjoy the wonderful views. We take picnics at times and just wait for the amazing sun setting behind the mountains. And if you are an early bird, catch the sunrise.

Foot Hills Parkway is another 'secret' in the Smokey Mountain National Park. From either Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge drive to Townsend and then from Townsend drive west to Walland. In the vicinity of Walland you'll find the entrance to the Foot Hills Parkway. The Foot Hills Parkway is a beautiful drive (reminiscent of the Blue Ridge Parkway) with spectacular views of the Smokey Mountains to the east and views of Maryville and Knoxville to the west. The Parkway ends at Chilhowee Lake. From there you can return to Walland or turn right and travel west to Maryville or turn left and travel toward Fontana and Robinsville. Recommended for serious Smokey Mountain tourist and explorers.

In order to enhance your experience of the Smoky Mountains area, do take the time to casually tour your way along the Foothills Parkway. The views and beauty of the Fall foliage will be coming into glory in the next week or two, mid-to-late October. A popular "round trip" motor tour is to drive into Cades Cove. Half way thru the loop you come to the Cades Cove Visitors' Center, which is also a rest stop and Cable Mill. From here you can take the Parson Branch Road south to exit the Park. (NOTE and recommend: this is a one way, dirt road, that requires vehicles with high ground clearance or four wheel drive, NOT for small or luxury cars!) Parson Branch by itself is an adventure and ends at US-129, make a right hand turn and head west on 129. Another NOTE: this section of 129 is called "The Tail of The Dragon" because of its turns and curves; you will encounter many motorcycles "Running the Dragon". A couple of miles on 129 you come to the southwestern entrance to the Foothills Parkway. Make a right hand turn onto the Foothills Parkway. The drive is pleasant and is a visual exploration. Stop and check out the observation tower as well as the multiple viewing pull-offs. It's Maryville in the distance as you look west. The Parkway ends a couple of miles west of Townsend. Fill your fuel tank before you start this trip. Expect to spend 3+/- hours for this motor tour. Enjoy!

A road you must travel since you're so close visiting Cades Cove. Beautiful lookouts! Also, traveled this on a week day. Would probably be packed on a weekend.

This is one beautiful drive you don't want to miss. My boyfriend and I love to drive up here. It's so beautiful. At one site you can even look down on Maryville. We love it.

Discovered by accident while rambling thru the Smokies on our Goldwing. What a trip! There are many scenic turnouts - take something to eat & drink...take time to sit & enjoy the scenery.

My husband and I have been thru this scenic route many times, taken a picnic lunch and brought a couple chairs and parked on one of the pull offs and just sat and looked at the scenic views. Very peaceful and tranquil. We love it and will do it again!!!

This road is wonderful. There are beautiful views of the mountians on either side of the road. This is a really easy drive in an area where you may have some white knuckle experiences. This is especially nice and easy going after coming off the Tail of the Dragon.