Wild Laurel and Laurel Valley Golf and Country Club near the Laurel Lake Nature Preserve and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend. THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Foothills Parkway, Great Smoky - Tripadvisor There are a few galleries in town for browsing the work of local artists and maybe even making a purchase of a one-of-a-kind piece. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven for outdoor recreation, scenic auto touring routes, wildlife, and peaceful escapes into the mountains. Parking Pets Allowed Restrooms Wifi Wheelchair Accessible Credit Cards Accepted See More Details (1) Nearby Hotels Townsend, Tennessee Live music lovers should head to Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop located in town. Along the route you will find some great shops, restaurants and hotels. 77. Construction began during the 60s and though progress seemed to be clipping along, construction stalled during the 70s and this project has been underfunded since that point. The overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles, but it would be difficult to get even one RV into this overlook at a time. Construction finally began in 1960.[12]. Cades Cove Loop The Cades Cove Loop is probably the most popular route for cycling in the Smoky Mountains. Between the two parking areas at this overlook, there is plenty of room for personal vehicles and RVs. Sounds like a fun drive. READ MORE: Travel Guide to Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In case you didnt know, the Foothills Parkway Project has been ongoing since 1944 when the construction project was approved by congress. 140. . I am a big fan of staying in Townsend when I want to visit the Foothills Parkway or explore Cades Cove. English Mountain, the highest of the Foothills at 3,629 feet (1,112m), stretches for nearly 15 miles (24km) between the East Fork of the Little Pigeon and Newport, paralleling the shores of Douglas Lake. No, there is not a visitor center on the Foothills Parkway. You will discover a climbing tower which provides a marvelous aerial view of the Smoky Mountains and of nearby Maryville, TN. Our Staff; Blount Industry; Blount Chamber; Blount Partnership; Blount Area Jobs; Download the Cades Cove App; Download . Most of this section was opened (but a dead end) for several years, but was then closed pending completion of Section 8E. It is amazing that such a great highway for tourism has not yet been completed. The overlook has a tiny parking area with room for only a few personal vehicles, but no RVs. Scroll/swipe to the upper-right to see the map for Foothills Parkway East. My greatest passion will always be photography, but my first was writing. Construction resumed on a series of bridges between Carr Creek and Wears Valley. There was a moment where the road touched the sky. This scenic overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs and includes a small grassy area to get outside. This comfortable, relaxing tour winds along paved roads with stunning views and offers a stress-free, mild outing. Planning a visit to The Smokies? Some argue that the parkway will add to the congestion, while others say it will help relieve congestion by drawing off some of the park's traffic. Foothills Parkway West comes to an end at U.S. Highway 321 in Wears Valley. Connecting with Hwy 129 here takes you to the world-famous portion known as Tail of the Dragon, flanked by Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an 11-mile stretch of road with hundreds of curves, a prime target for motorcycles and sports cars but not so much for the casual driver. Large sections cross a series of high ridges running roughly parallel to the Tennessee boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and offer unobstructed views of the Great Smokies to the south and the Tennessee Valley to the north. A large parking area on one side of the road has plenty of room for personal vehicles, and a pull-off on the opposite side has room for a few RVs. Exit the parkway and follow the signs to the picnic area. 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. Finally, Segment G between Walland and Wears Valley was finished in 2018. Outdoor Sports . Being less then half way completed, some in the area wonder if they will ever get to see the Foothills Parkway completed. There is actually another portion of the Parkway that is completed, a 6-mile stretch from Cosby heading east to connect with Interstate 40. Thanks again, and best wishes. He has been a champion of the most-visited national park in the country and was instrumental in getting the new section of the Foothills Parkway completed. Little River cuts a large gap in the middle of the mountain (near Walland), dividing it into eastern and western sections. From the northeast section, English Mountain presents as a large ridge to the northwest, and Hall Top rises in peak-like fashion to the east. If you didnt bring one, visitors can rent one at Cades Cove Trading Co. Wildlife, wildflowers, and wildly diverse hiking trails (for all ages and levels) are abundant here. In other words you can now go from Chilhowee Lake to the Walland area in Blount County. As with other NPS roads, construction (including repaving) is handled by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP) partnership.. READ MORE: 50+ Favorite Travel Photos From Years of Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If its a small group, I recommend the Look Rock parking area. I hope it will be a wonderful day for all of you! This is the longest scenic overlook on the Foothills Parkway, stretching about 2/10 of a mile across two parking lots. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. The finished Parkway will run 72 miles along the western and northern edges of the park, from Interstate 40 east of Cosby, TN, to Chilhowee, TN. 5.6 miles (9.0km). 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, TN 37882. An unfinished 1.6-mile (2.6km) stretch of this section, known as "The Missing Link", came to symbolize the parkway's financial and engineering struggles. Portions pass through parts of Blount, Sevier, and Cocke counties. [12], While the early bureaucratic hurdles had been cleared, the Tennessee Highway Department moved slowly in purchasing the road's rights-of-way. Section 8A connecting U.S. 321 (now part of I-40) and Cosby via the crest of Green Mountain. A stone wall provides a protective barrier as well as the perfect place to sit while watching a sunset develop across the sky. There are four overlooks on its north side (looking into the Tennessee Valley), and eight overlooks on its south side (looking into the Smokies). The thing to keep in mind is that not all the scenic overlooks are large enough to accommodate a 34 motor home. The nearest national park visitor center to the parkway is the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg. Thinking of taking a 34 motor home and toad up it. In the late 40s and early 50s - the Department of the Interior and the Tennessee Highway Department begin purchasing the rights to build the parkway. The 7.2-mile Wolf Ridge Trail begins at Twenty Mile along U.S. Highway 129 and ascends nearly 4,000 to Parson Bald and Gregory Bald. Wild Laurel Golf Course, 702 Country Club Road, (865) 738-3134. The parkway will likely take another 20-30 years to finish. The panorama vista at the overlook offers a view north beyond Kelly Knob toward Newport. Townsend, Tennessee USA Hours not available Problem with this listing? Its one of the most popular day trip destinations on the Parkway and offers a few activities for visitors. From 421 in Gatlinburg take Wears Valley Road 14 miles to highway 321in Townsend, TN. Stay in the know of all Smokies news and events with our newsletter. I began a career as a travel photographer in 2009 and began writing a travel blog in 2015. Thank you so much! But, no, its an easy road to drive in either direction with no side roads to get lost on. #s, When there's so much to love, it's hard to pick a, Have you scheduled your Smoky Mountain Vacation ye, You're gonna love this featured Pigeon Forge Cabin, The Little River Railroad and Lumber Museum, cabin for you in nearby and beautiful Wears Valley, Explore the Cool Caves of the Great Smoky Mountains. From this intersection, it is 10 miles / 20 minutes to Pigeon Forge and 7 miles / 15 minutes to Townsend. Smoky Mountain eBike Adventures . Resort hotels quickly sprang up throughout the foothills, becoming popular summertime destinations for Knoxville's upper class. Completed November 2018. Thus, the rocks of the foothills are much younger than the billion-year old Precambrian Ocoee Supergroup rocks that form the crest and higher ridges of the Great Smokies range.[8]. This pull-off overlook is still dominated by Cove Mountain but offers a better view of Wear Cove, the name of the valley that runs parallel to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This scenic overlook is the most secluded on the Foothills Parkway with a row of trees between the long parking lot and the road. Thats when I decided to spend three days exploring the road end-to-end and crafting a complete travel guide to the Foothills Parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Things To Do in the Smokies, Townsend & Blount County - Blount Tourism However, its not the tallest peak in the mountain range. Hi Brittney. Some say this is the best part of Foothills Parkway, and we have no argument with that. Map by: https://MySmokyMountainGuide.com Sign in Open full screen to view more This map. Scenic Drive along the Foothills Parkway - Gatlinburg, TN The first English settlers arrived here in the 1700s. From arts to gastronomy to the celebration of the largest spectacle of synchronous fireflies in the Western hemisphere, Townsend is home to an impressive number of festivals and events for numerous occasions. The lodge features rooms in the villa and cabins with one or two bedrooms, and some of them are pet friendly! Your email address will not be published. Sections 8E & 8F (including the "Missing Link") of the parkway was announced completed on November 8, 2018 and opened to the public on Saturday, November 10, 2018, adding 16.1 finished miles. The only restrooms on the Foothill Parkway are located in the picnic area and were recently renovated. Thanks so much for this!! The tower is a short, half-mile hike from the parking area. Previously, the longest open section (8H and 8G) consisted of a 16.9-mile (27.2km) leg traversing the western flank of Chilhowee Mountain in Blount county, connecting U.S. 129 along the Chilhowee Lake impoundment of the Little Tennessee River with U.S. 321 in the town of Walland. Funding issues, challenges protecting wildlife, and inhospitable terrain have made the construction of the Foothills Parkway difficult. 354844N 831205W / 35.8123N 83.2014W / 35.8123; -83.2014. Section 8B connecting Cosby to Pittman Center via the crest of Webb Mountain. The parkway will not cross any part of English Mountain or Hall Top, however. By 1978, less than one-third of the proposed parkway had been completed. Right-of-way has been purchased by the National Park Service, but funding is not in place. Hwy 129 is the Tennessee entrance to the notorious The Tale of the Dragon. The Gatlinburg Bypass, which traverses the eastern flank of Cove Mountain between the north end of Gatlinburg and the national park, connecting to the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway at each end, is also considered part of the parkway. Although Bates lacks the dramatic "backbone" formation of Chilhowee, a rocky gorge on its south flank cut by Carr Creek has presented numerous construction challenges for the parkway project. I now focus on writing road trip itineraries, destination guides, and where to find the best local coffee. The mountain's elevation reaches 4,077 feet (1,243m) at its summit. Here are the 11 highest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains: Foothills Parkway East comes to an abrupt end at U.S. Highway 321 in the small community of Cosby. Is Drones allowed in this area of the park? Although no funding has been set aside for the remaining sections of the parkway between Wears Valley and Cosby, the NPS still owns the rights-of-way, and their completion has not been ruled out. Among the centers permanent exhibits are Native Americans of East TN Collection and the East TN Mountain Culture exhibits. The Foothills Parkway is an out-of-the-way section of the national park that has become mostly forgotten, except for the locals who want to keep it a secret. [12], In 1944, after extensive lobbying by Congressman B. Carroll Reece, Congress authorized construction of a 71-mile (114km) road connecting US-129 at Chilhowee Lake and I-40 along the Pigeon River. From the I-40 entrance nearby Cosby, there are only a few miles to drive that will take 10-15 minutes. The parking area for Look Rock is just off the parkway, with a half-mile trail leading to the tower. The 5.5-mile Gregory Ridge Trail is a popular day hike beginning in Cades Cove. More people should spread the word about Foothills Parkway. Travelers can see unobstructed views of the Smokies to the south and the Tennessee Valley to the north. Well, by next spring I will have published my travel guides to the Foothills Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Blue Ridge Parkway! The foothills of the Great Smokies consist of a series of low mountains and hills lying roughly between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south and the flatlands of the Tennessee River and French Broad River valleys to the north. Is the section between Walland entrance and Wears entrance very treacherous so to speak? Yes! I think it sounds like a breathtaking scenic drive but I am used to flatland and dont want to be out there and feel uneasy and therefore not enjoy it. Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, and Newfound Gap are just a few of the iconic destinations in the park. Do you have a question about travel or road trips? For about a mile heading east along the Foothills Parkway from the Caylor Gap Overlook, the road seems to float in the sky. No matter where you drive, we have cabins all over the area, so pick your vacation headquarters from our Wears Valley cabins, our Pigeon Forge rental cabins and our Gatlinburg cabins and if youre bringing a pet, review our lists of pet friendly cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. READ MORE: Clingmans Dome at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Appalachian Trail crosses the south slope of the mountain, and a spur trail leads to a rebuilt fire tower offering a stunning panorama view. If you have driven into Townsend from Maryville you have passed signs for the Foothills Parkway. Great Smoky Mountains Foothills Parkway Tour 601. More restaurants include The Riverstone Restaurant, featuring down-home American grub in a rustic, wood-paneled dining room with a fireplace and Old West vibe; Trailhead Steak & Trout House; Little River Pub & Deli, known for its beer garden and great food; Smokin Joes its the south, there must be barbecue! This is where the parkway curves south and continues on its original stretch down to Chilhowee, ending at a beautiful lake and picnic tables worth making a stop for. Land Activities; Water Activities; . If I were to drive from the I-40 entrance all the way to the end with a couple stops, how much time should I set aside? In 2018, Section G opened to the public. Portions pass through parts of Blount, Sevier, and Cocke counties. The mountain peak is between Gregory Bald and Clingmans Dome along a ridge through the central Smokies. There is plenty of room for personal vehicles and RVs. Cycology Bicycles Website (865) 681-4183. With an outdoor swimming pool and moderately excellent free breakfast, its a great place if all youre looking for is a bed and shower. The Foothills Parkway (as of December 2018) consists of a 33 miles connecting US 129 and US 321 in Tennessee. Kicking off the new year, the Winter Heritage Festival is held in late January. Is there any tunnels on the foothill parkway? My guides will have maps, details on activities and things to do & see, and loaded with information. Instead of taking 411 all the way into Maryville before turning on the Lamar Alexander Pkwy towards Townsend, I found a bit of a shortcut bypassing Maryville. This has discouraged the Parkway construction by some and encouraged it by others. Visitors can try their hand at being creative themselves. There is very little information about the Parkway, even on the national parks official website, and even the locals know little more than where to drive to see it. From the foothills to the Smokies, you'll find fun and relaxation in hiking, biking, tubing, golfing, shopping and more. Sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking along this route. The southern section of the Parkway offers some spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains on one side and the Tennessee Valley on the other. Note: The map is centered on the Foothills Parkway West. Foothills Parkway Fort Loudoun Lake Townsend Maryville PLAN YOUR TRIP . FoothillsParkway.com is a member of the Tail of the Dragon family of websites which promote tourism in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, north Georgia. The charming and scenic views of gorgeous natural artistry change beautifully with the seasons.. Visitors often use Townsend as a home base for hiking expeditions, making the town a popular spot for adventure seekers and lovers of the outdoors. Its located literally at the edge of the national park, so its only about twenty minutes from Cades Cove. With the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which opened in 1934, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which got approved in the 1930s, the Smoky Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley area were joined. Ten of the campsites include water and electric hookups, but none of the sites have a sewer connection. View our vacation guide. There also is a fitness center and swimming pool at the clubhouse accenting the entire area. Visitors often seen a bear or two or some white-tailed deer while out and about on these courses. 354322N 834506W / 35.7227N 83.75161W / 35.7227; -83.75161, Cove Mountain a large ridge situated between Wears Valley to the west, Gatlinburg to the east, and Pigeon Forge to the north. This scenic overlook is very long with plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs and is one of the easier overlooks for getting on and off the road. The idea for the Foothills Parkway began in 1944. The Sinks (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) - Tripadvisor Geologically, the foothills largely consist of Cambrian Class III rocks of the Paleozoic period, a type known specifically as the Chilhowee Group. Foothills Parkway is a national parkway that flanks Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers superb panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. To the north is the Tennessee Valley and to the south, the Smokies. From this intersection, it is 25 miles / 45 minutes to Fontana Dam. Of course, my car was still firmly affixed to the pavement, but it was still exhilarating all the same. The foothills Parkway is a great way to see the grand scale of the Great Smoky Mountains and is well worth traveling off the beaten path to get there. The southern most 17 miles running from US 129 at the Chilhowee Lake to US 321 at Walland was completed in 1966 and is quite spectacular. At 4,927, Mount Cammerer is the northernmost significant peak of the Great Smoky Mountains. Theres also a full-service tavern with an ever-changing seasonal menu and catering available for any celebration. Shortly thereafter, Governor Frank G. Clement authorized the THD to begin buying rights-of-way. In early 2007, the National Park Service began conducting an environmental impact assessment and collecting public input regarding section 8B (Pittman Center to Cosby), .[14]. Foothills Parkway HallTop(Stone Mountain) rises prominently opposite Green Mountain above the Pigeon River valley. Learn More > July 24, 2023 6.4 miles (10.3km). Section 8D connecting US-441 to Wears Valley via the northern flank of Cove Mountain. The pull-off has enough room for maybe three or four personal vehicles, but no RVs. Just minutes from this intersection is Fort Loudon State Park, one of my favorite Tennessee state parks with a gorgeous view of the Great Smoky Mountains from a recreation of a British-era frontier fort. During the planning phase of the Blue Ridge Parkway connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the initial route would have seen the Parkway pass through Tennessee, not North Carolina. The Chilhowee Mountain section of the parkway has been open since 1966. The Caylor Gap Overlook offers the most breathtaking view of any scenic overlook on the Foothills Parkway. As of 2018, the scenic Foothills Parkway comprised 33 miles connecting U.S. 129 and U.S. 321. Written May 15, 2021. There is indeed relatively little useful information about the Foothills Parkway on the internet. 1996-2023 by Image Builders | Privacy Policy. In the late 40s and early 50s the Department of the Interior and the Tennessee Highway Department begin purchasing the rights to build the parkway. Your email address will not be published. The entire route is in Sevier County. The small overlook offers a narrow view of Gregory Bald and Parson Bald. Foothills Parkway; Fort Loudoun Lake; Townsend; Maryville; Alcoa; Rockford; Friendsville; Walland; Louisville; Townsend Passport; Request A Vacation Guide. There are two entrance/exit ramps connecting the Foothills Parkway to Highway 321. Edward, this just made my day! This four-lane divided highway connects the nearby towns of Maryville and Townsend. With minimal traffic compared to other Smoky Mountain highways, the parkway offers an easy, scenic connection for tourists between theTail of the Dragonand Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. When completed, theParkwaywill be a 72-mile-long road traversing the western and northern perimeters of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and will extend from Interstate 40 east of Cosby, TN to its western terminus in Chilhowee, TN. When a new 10-mile section of the Foothills Parkway opened in 2018, it gained a lot of attention. It is the center part of the Parkway that remains incomplete. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here. [10], The original plan for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park included much of the foothills within the proposed park boundaries, although by the time the park opened in 1934, the boundary had been moved south of Townsend and Wears Valley. Thanks to your article, my wife and I plan to visit as soon as may be practical. It may not be directly in the main section of the park but you will be glad you took the time to drive this scenic route. The road is pristine, with little traffic, a slow speed limit, no billboards and no buildings or development anywhere, and no heavy trucks allowed. The mountain provides a natural and cartographical boundary; the summit of the mountain is the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and on the other side from Wears Valley is the Little River and a popular area known as The Sinks. . Is this easy to navigate through (like a one way) or can you get easily lost thanks. Thank you for the info. The foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains consist of two non-contiguous mountains named Chilhowee Mountain. The premiere overnight destination in Townsend is the Dancing Bear Lodge. This scenic overlook has plenty of parking for personal vehicles and RVs. 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, TN 37882. Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains | Elk Springs Resort This section from Wears Valley, TN to Walland, TN now connects to the existing 5.6-mile Foothills Parkway East and 17-mile Foothills Parkway West. Foothills Parkway, which is part of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is listed here under Townsend, but the Look Rock Tower, which is on the Parkway, is listed under the park. Check out the Apple Valley Country Store for a wide range of charming knick-knacks that are made locally, along with mountain clothing, famous fudge a coffee house and a caf offering pancakes, burgers and sandwiches. Dont forget the fried apple pie; its a must! Its one of my favorite places in the country to go for a drive. I love exploring maps. The club is working toward its Audubon Certification to ensure the conservation of the wildlifes habitat. Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend, TN, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center events. It closes with the excitement of a rough terrain ride on private land in our beautiful . 9.8 miles (15.8km). The highest point on eastern section is 2,843 feet (866m) and the highest point on the western section is 2,650 feet (807m) at a knob known as Look Rock. Over time, the incomplete section became known as the missing link, like the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The overlook offers a gorgeous view of Parson Bald at 4,732 and Gregory Bald to the left. Although walking across the bridges is not prohibited, I would strongly advise against it. Foothills Parkway East begins with a gentle climb to the first scenic overlook where the official entrance sign welcomes visitors. With a full program of music and activities, this event will leave you with a greater appreciation of the areas culturally and historically rich heritage. And there are no restrooms, so plan ahead. History Unlike other national parkways, they are not a separate unit of the national park system. U.S. Highway 321 Lamar Alexander Parkway, Travel Guide to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove Loop Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide, Map, and Photos, 50+ Favorite Travel Photos From Years of Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Travel Guide to Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many people visiting the area come in from the north, and Walland is the most used access point. One day Foothills Parkway as it was originally planned will be finished, and will join up with the Spur that connects Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge (the Spur is actually part of the entire planned roadway) and on that day traffic will undoubtedly increase, but for now the road exists as a scenic drive rather more than a way to get anywhere. U.S. Highway 321 is located just below this overlook, and although you cant see it, you can undoubtedly hear the traffic. Construction on Segment A between I-40 and Cosby was completed in 1944. To get to Foothills Parkway West, turn onto Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge and continue through the small town to the parkways entrance. This scenic drive through US Forest Service lands offers a number of fabulous views of east Tennessee all the way to the Cumberland Mountains some 50 miles to the west and the Great Smoky Mountains just a stones throw to the east. This is a whole different world that those who enjoy camping may wish to explore. ; and the Burger Master Drive-In, where visitors can get cold treats and hot treats.. A large grassy area beside the overlook and shady trees make this one of the best places to stop with a family on the Foothills Parkway. The northwestern half of the range gives way to a series of elongate ridges known as the Foothills that includes a not-quite finished scenic and lightly traveled road called Foothills Parkway. When the final plan was approved, though, the route had been shifted east into the Western North Carolina mountains, excluding Tennessee entirely. Cades Cove Nature Trail - Blount Tourism Hugging the side of the steep mountain range, the view toward the Great Smoky Mountains is uninterrupted and expansive. Foothills Parkway | Adventures in Wears Valley, TN From the southwest section, Mount Cammerer and the Eastern Smokies dominate the view. You'll depart from our convenient Pigeon Forge, TN location. The Chilhowee Mountain area would be a major influence on the setting for his first novel, Tiger Lilies. . Check out our blog post on Cades Cove. Foothills Parkway East is the original section completed in the 1960s. The Foothills Parkway is a national parkway which traverses the foothills of the northern Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, located in the southeastern United States.