A Drive Through the Smoky Mountains From Townsend Entrance

When driving to Knoxville from Chattanooga, we decided to drive through the Smoky Mountains National Park. 

We knew one day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was insufficient, but why not go while we were there? 

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Summertime (June, July, and August) is one of the best times to drive through the Smoky Mountains because wildlife is active, waterfalls are flowing, and trails are open. Another is in the autumn (October), during the peak color season. It means a lot of visitors during these months, which is when we got to drive through the Smoky Mountains.

We discovered Townsend Entrance to be the closest to Chattanooga after studying the map. Townsend Entrance is one of Smoky Mountain’s six entrances and is known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.”

Cades Cove, one of the park’s most popular attractions, is located near the Townsend Entrance. So it appears to be ideal for our trip through the Smoky Mountains.

Here are the other five Smoky Mountain entrances:

– Sugarlands Entrance (major entrance, most visitors enter through this entrance by driving through Gatlinburg, TN.)

– Oconaluftee Entrance (major entrance from Cherokee, North Carolina.) 

– Cataloochee Entrance

– Cosby Entrance

– Wears Valley Entrance

We chose to leave the park at Sugarlands Entrance, which is only an hour southeast of Knoxville.

Let’s take a drive through Smoky Mountain National Park together.

From Chattanooga to Smoky Mountain National Park through Townsend Entrance

When we googled the route from Chattanooga to Townsend, we got three options. The quickest (133 miles) was not the shortest, but you will be driving more on the highway. The shortest (125 miles) gets you to small towns faster, but not at highway speeds. And the other (134 miles) is only a mile longer than the fastest, but it takes 20-25 minutes longer to drive.

We chose the shortest distance, but it took us about 10 minutes longer than the fastest route because we enjoy driving through small towns. That’s not bad at all.

We took I-75 N from Chattanooga to TN-322 E/Oakland Rd in Monroe County. We drove for about an hour and 69.3 miles before taking exit 62 to the east.

Then we took TN-322 E, US-411 N, and US-321 N/W Lamar Alexander Pkwy to Townsend’s Myers Rd.

After Exit 62, the first town we passed through was Sweetwater. When we turned onto US-411 N, we passed Fort Loudon State Historic Park in Vonore. I wish we had more time to visit the fort.

When we arrived in Maryville, we took US-321 N/W Lamar Alexander Pkwy. We continued on the road until we reached the Townsend Visitors Center on the right.

We learned about the park at the Townsend Visitors Center. It’s also a good place to buy souvenirs and take a bathroom break.

The total driving time from Chattanooga to Townsend Visitors Center was approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Scenic Drive Through Smoky Mountains From Townsend

We began to notice smoke floating above the Smoky Mountains National Park a few miles before arriving at the Townsend Visitors Center. What an amazing view!

The smoke is actually a fog rising from the mountain’s vegetation.

When you enter the park, E Lamar Alexander Pkwy becomes Townsend Entrance Rd. On the right, where visitors usually take their first picture in the park, there will be a welcome sign to the park.

Little River runs parallel to the road, and we saw people tubing or simply jumping into the water. There are campgrounds and RV campgrounds here, including KOA. During our visit, the majority of them were completely booked.

If you plan to stay in Townsend, go check Tremont Lodge & Resort, Highland Manor Inn, or Townsend River Breeze Inn which got good reviews from customers. You can find the first two before the Visitor Center and the third one is closer to the entrance.

When we arrived at the intersection, we turned right onto Laurel Creek Rd, which led to the Cades Cove loop road.

There are several pullout parking lots along the way for visitors to enjoy the creek. We were tempted to pull over when we saw an empty parking spot, but we decided to continue on to Cades Cove.

Cades Cove is a popular tourist destination in the Smoky Mountains. We tried to beat the crowds, despite arriving late. Most people visit the park between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and we arrive at 11.30 a.m.

If you’re doing the Cades Cove drive-through, I recommend going straight to Cades Cove. Unless something unexpected happens along the way. Such as this one.

A line of cars had formed about a mile ahead of us as we approached the Cades Cove loop starting point. We couldn’t pass because it was a two-way street. So I got out of the car to figure out what was wrong. 

A mama bear and her two cubs are apparently walking on the right side! Everyone stopped to see them. It’s similar to seeing bison in Yellowstone National Park or visiting Custer State Park in South Dakota. So I went back to get my camera and joined the crowds to observe the bear family from a safe distance. They were adorable! 

Cars began to move after they vanished into the woods. Fortunately, Park Rangers were on hand to direct traffic.

It takes about 15 minutes to drive from the Townsend entrance to the Cades Cove entrance if there is no traffic. It took us 30 minutes because there was a bear sighting.

Cades Cove Drive Through

Cades Cove Loop is an 11-mile scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains. It is usually open to drivers from sun up to sun down. Cades Cove will take you at least two to four hours to tour, not including any hikes.

Between 1818 and 1821, the first Europeans arrived in the cove. When compared to other National Parks, this area has the most diverse collection of historic structures. Along the loop, you’ll see old churches, a working grist mill, barns, log houses, and more.

The Oliver Cabin was our first stop on the loop. The cabin’s original owners, John and Lurena Oliver, were also the first white settlers in Cades Cove in the 1820s. Gravity and notched corners keep the cabin together. It didn’t require any pegs or nails to keep it together.

Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church was the next stop. This old church can be found by turning left off Cades Cove Loop Road on the next road after Oliver Cabin. It’s a small road that’s easy to overlook if no cars are turning left or coming out ahead of you.

Cades Cove’s Primitive Baptist Church was the first of three churches to be established. The structure you will see is not the original structure. However, it was handcrafted, as evidenced by the handprints on the sap.

When you arrive, make your way to the cemetery at the back of the church. Look for the tombstone of John and Lurena Oliver.

Parking is not in abundance. Hopefully, you’ll get a spot as soon as we did.

Back on the loop road, Cades Cove Methodist Church is on the right. It was built in 1902 for $115 in 115 days by John D. Campbell, a carpenter who was also the church’s pastor.

Over 100 graves are located behind the church, which is the second oldest church in the Cove.

At this church, there are two front doors. The Methodists believed that men and women needed to meet separately at the time.

From this point on, traffic began to slow. The cars had stopped moving by the time we arrived at Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church. But we couldn’t go to the church because there was a wedding photo shoot by the door that day.

After a few minutes of sitting in the car, I decided to go outside and investigate the problem. I asked several people in front of us, but they had no idea why we were stuck. Then I went back to my car and told my husband I was going to walk to the end of the line. I’d go there and wait for them.

It appears to be another bear sighting. People were still waiting for the bears to return after they had vanished into the woods. That is the reason.

My husband and son arrived at the Wet Bottom Trailhead, which is only 1.4 miles from the church, forty minutes later. Alternatively, if there is no traffic, it takes 6 minutes to drive. Lol.

The Wet Bottom Trailhead leads to the Elijah Oliver Cabin, but we chose not to hike it. I just finished my 1.4-mile hike. Hehe.

Abrams Falls Trailhead is not far away. We were unable to complete the hike because it takes 3-4 hours to complete. There isn’t time for it.

The Cades Cove Visitor Center was on the right. We didn’t come to a halt because of the timing. We continued on the loop and stopped at Tipton Place.

Tipton Place was established in the 1820s. The two-story cabin was built in the 1870s. There is a replica of the original cantilever barn, which was built in 1968.

We returned to Townsend for late lunch from Tipton Place Homestead. But first, another bear was spotted near the end of Cades Cove Loop. We could have arrived in Townsend in 30 minutes, but instead, it took us 1 hour and 30 minutes.

So we spent about 4 hours driving the Cades Cove Loop Road. Exactly as stated in the brochure. However, we did not stop at every point of interest. Because of bear sightings, more time is spent on the road.

Overall, it’s a lovely drive. Cades Cove Loop, as stated on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service website, is one of the best drives through the Smokies. We spent most of our time driving under tree canopies. And seeing bears in the woods or crossing the road was an unforgettable experience.

The next time we go, we must arrive early so that we can visit every point of interest and hike to Abram Falls. Definitely go during the low season, or during the first week of October.

We stopped for lunch at Burger Master Drive-In, Blount County’s best burgers. We had burgers, fries, and ice cream, and Snoopy joined us at their outdoor picnic tables.

Driving From Townsend Entrance to Sugarlands Entrance

After lunch, we continued our journey through the Smoky Mountains, taking the scenic Little River Road to Gatlinburg. It’s 18.9 miles and takes 35 minutes to drive without traffic.

When we returned to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the time was 4 p.m. We turned left at the intersection towards Gatlinburg.

After about a 15-minute drive, we arrived at Meigs Falls. We arrived at The Sinks three minutes later. There is a trail that leads to Meigs Creek Cascade, but we did not take it. During the summer, a popular swimming hole in the park is just a few yards from the cascade.

According to what I’ve read, the Sinks area of the Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most scenic spots along the Little River scenic road. If you have time, you might want to spend it exploring this area. Swimming is entirely at your own risk.

Cane Creek Twin Falls is located before Meigs Falls. We couldn’t stop because there was no available parking.

Here is one of the issues that visitors to The Smokies face. You never know when a parking spot will become available. Plans have been made, but everything is subject to change based on the location. You must be prepared.

We made a quick stop about 10 minutes from The Sinks, just before the Mannis Branch Falls.

Then, around 5 p.m., we arrived in Gatlinburg. Tourists were out and about eating and shopping. We didn’t stop because we couldn’t find a parking spot. Gatlinburg reminded me of mountain towns in Colorado. 

Pigeon Forge comes after Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forks appears to be smaller than Gatlinburg on our drive through the two cities. There aren’t as many tourists as there are in Gatlinburg. Then we saw a sign for Dollywood, a theme park owned by country singer Dolly Parton.

About an hour later, we arrived in Oak Ridge, west of Knoxville. We stayed here one night so that we could visit the Manhattan Project the next day.

Thoughts On Drive Through Smoky Mountains

If you only have one day in the Smokies, the drive through the mountains is a must. It makes no difference whether you enter from Sugarlands in Gatlinburg or Oconaluftee in North Carolina. To determine the best scenic drive and stops from both entrances.

I’ve got you covered if you enter through the Townsend Entrance. You can tailor our park experiences and times to fit your schedule.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful park with a good chance of seeing bears in the wild. The park is home to approximately 1,500 black bears. It means you should plan for traffic jams in the park.

We didn’t get to go on any hikes, but I recommend doing 1-2 hikes if you start early in the morning.

Pack a picnic lunch because you’ll most likely be stuck on the scenic drive during lunch.

If you travel with your dog, keep them on a leash at all times, and don’t leave them in the car unattended. Dogs are only permitted on two short trails: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. They are also permitted in campgrounds, picnic areas, and on public roads.

No barking dogs, such as our dog Snoopy, is a plus. I’m not sure what will happen if a bear becomes irritated by the barking dog. During one bear sighting, one dog kept barking. Fortunately, the mama bear was unconcerned.

Also, keep your safety in mind when encountering a bear. There was a mother who was trying to photograph her children. She kept telling them to move backward to get closer to the bears! Unbelievable!

Fun Facts About The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

– It’s the most visited National Park in the country 

– No entrance fee 

– Straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina

– Cell phone services is unavailable in many park locations, including Cades Cove and Cataloochee

– Favorite destinations in the park: Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Clingmans Dome, Roaring Fork

– There are 384 miles of road in the Smokies, and most are paved and even the gravel roads are maintained, suitable for standard passenger cars.

– Roads in the park are narrow and winding with blind curves and low shoulders.

– Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters. You need a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina.  

– Cades Cove Loop vehicle-free day is each Wednesday from May 3 – September 27, 2023, to provide for pedestrian and bicycle use.

Physical Address: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

I hope our experience driving through the Smoky Mountains helps you plan your trip to the Smokies.

If you want to learn more about Cades Cove, here are a few recommended books from Amazon: