Foothills Parkway - One of the Most Scenic Drives in the Smokies!
Foothills Parkway offers a peaceful, less-crowded alternative to the busier routes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With sweeping mountain vistas, multiple overlooks, and minimal traffic, it's perfect for a relaxing drive during your stay at Blue Mountain Cabins.
Important Current Road Status (as of February 2026)
Foothills Parkway (both West and East sections) is open year-round, weather permitting. However, higher elevations often close temporarily due to ice, snow, or winter conditions. Recent winter storms have caused short-term closures (e.g., icy conditions reported in February 2026). No permanent closures from Hurricane Helene remain on the completed parkway sections.
Always check real-time updates before heading out:
A Brief History
Authorized by Congress in 1944 as part of a planned 72-mile scenic route, Foothills Parkway is the only unfinished Congressionally mandated parkway in the U.S. Completed sections include:
- West: Chilhowee Lake to Walland (including the innovative "missing link" completed in 2018 with a floating bridge).
- East: Cosby to I-40 (shorter segment).
No current plans exist to close the remaining gap (Wears Valley to Cosby).
Source: Official NPS Foothills Parkway Page
Foothills Parkway West (Chilhowee to Walland)
This ~33-mile ridge-top section (with the popular Chilhowee to Walland drive at 16.6 miles one-way) offers stunning panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, Chilhowee Mountain, Cades Cove area, and more.
Top Overlooks and Highlights
- Look Rock: Picnic area, restrooms, and a short 0.8-mile paved trail to Look Rock Tower for 360-degree views – ideal for sunrise/sunset or a quick hike.
- Multiple southeast-facing overlooks (miles 3 - 6) with mountain vistas.
- Northwest-facing overlooks (miles 10 - 16) toward farms in Millers Cove and the Cumberland Plateau on clear days.
- Other pullouts: Capshaw Branch, Emerine Gap, Tallassee Scenic Overlook, and more for photos and picnics.
Parking requires a tag for stays over 15 minutes in some areas. Pack out trash—no cans at most pullouts. Pets allowed on leashes.
Details: NPS Drive Guide – Chilhowee to Walland
Foothills Parkway East (Cosby to I-40)
A shorter ~5.6-mile climb with views of Cherokee National Forest, Cosby Valley, and peaks like Mount Cammerer.
Key overlooks include Mount Cammerer, Stone Mountain, and English Mountain. Nearby Cosby Picnic Area is great for breaks.
How to Get There from Blue Mountain Cabins
Convenient access makes this an easy day trip!
- From Ridge View Lodge: ~15.5 miles via US-321 N. Book Now
- From Appalachian Escape: ~19 miles via US-321 N. Book Now
General directions from Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: South on US-441 (~8.5 miles), left onto Wears Valley Rd (~8.3 miles), right onto Foothills Parkway for the western section.
Tips for Your Scenic Drive
- No entrance fee for the parkway (park parking tags may apply in some spots).
- Best in clear weather—views can be misty.
- Drive slowly, watch for wildlife, use pull-outs for photos (no roadside stopping).
- Combine with Townsend, Cades Cove, or Maryville for a full day.
- Fall foliage and spring wildflowers are peak times!
Ready to experience this scenic gem? Book your stay at Blue Mountain Cabins and add Foothills Parkway to your Smokies adventure!