Great Smoky Mountains Panoramic Road

The Great Smoky Mountains Panoramic Road is a captivating journey of ca. 56km through the stunning Smoky Mountains in the state of Tennessee. The best time of the year to drive this route is during the spring and summer months, when the lush green of the mountain forests and the bright colors of the wildflowers are at their most vibrant. Along the way, you will be able to take in the views of the mountain peaks, rivers and valleys, as well as the many wildlife that inhabit this area. The road conditions are generally excellent, making this a suitable road trip for drivers of all levels of experience. With a moderate budget, this road trip can be completed in one day, and the memories and experiences you will take away will be worth every penny.

Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, in the United States. It is a perfect starting point for the “Great Smoky Mountains Panoramic Road” road trip, offering a great variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can take a stroll down the main street, experiencing the unique architecture and attractions of this mountain town, such as the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Gatlinburg Space Needle which offer breathtaking views of the mountains and the city. Other attractions include the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, and the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located about 40 minutes away from Gatlinburg. Car rental services are available at the airport for those who wish to explore the area on their own. Gatlinburg is a great place to start your “Great Smoky Mountains Panoramic Road” road trip, offering a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. From stunning views of the Smoky Mountains to exciting activities, Gatlinburg has something for everyone.

Are you ready to explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains? Your road trip starts in Gatlinburg, United States and will take you to Cherokee. The journey is only 35mi and it will take you fewer than 1 hour to get there. As you drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will be able to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. Here, you can explore the diverse wildlife, enjoy the fresh air and take in the beauty of the ancient mountains. You can also visit the Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the park and observe the stunning views from its observation tower. Once you arrive in Cherokee, you can visit the Cherokee Indian Reservation, where you can learn about the culture and history of the Cherokee Nation. Here, you can also visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a living history museum that allows you to experience the daily life of the Cherokee people. This is just a short stage of your larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains!

The Great Smoky Mountains Panoramic Road trip ends in Cherokee, North Carolina, and it is a great destination to explore. Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is a small town with a big history. It is home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians and a visit to the town is a must for anyone interested in Native American history. A great place to start your Cherokee experience is the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Here you can learn all about the culture, history, and artifacts of the Cherokee people. The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual is also worth a visit. Here you can find authentic Native American crafts, jewelry, and art pieces made by the local Cherokee people. Cherokee is also a great place to explore the outdoors. With numerous trails, rivers, and streams, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hiking. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the Oconaluftee Island Park is a great spot for picnics, bird watching, and wildlife exploration. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Cherokee. No matter how you get there, Cherokee is a great destination to explore the Great Smoky Mountains and the history and culture of the Cherokee people.

Hopefully, our road trip idea has become a perfect inspiration for your future travels.
It is a ready-made opportunity that can be conveniently turned into a longer itinerary – there are no limits.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a bunch of elements to keep in mind to make your adventure safe. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who are interested in vehicle rental or hiring a camper.
Holidaymakers who choose Tennessee as their holiday destination should definitely follow the local traffic regulations. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any expense when Tennessee is your holiday destination. Holidayers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol you can consume is very low and equals only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 40km/h, in urban areas may result in a speeding fine. If you are aiming for non-build-up areas, you cannot exceed the maximum allowed speed of 72km/h. While on highways, you can drive at the permissible speed of 129km/h. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit heavily increase the safety of your passengers.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. Depending on the budget option of your choice, the total expenses during the whole road trip can vary. Take a look at the available budget options.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 56km while travelling around Tennessee may amount to 13 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost you more or less 77 EUR. When it comes to the travel expenses connected with restaurants and food in this option, the average expenses are 72 EUR. Travellers will have to pay around 45 EUR if they opt for the budget car hire offer as well. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to roughly 162 EUR without car rental and 207 EUR with car rental.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 13 EUR to cover the planned mileage of the adventure. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses can amount up to approximately 121 EUR. Food and restaurants from the standard range will cost more or less 108 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental vehicle can expect a cost of about 54 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay about 296 EUR for the whole trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend more or less 242 EUR.
The available premium offer has been prepared for the most demanding tourists. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay about 445 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in car rental will spend more or less 355 EUR. Travellers who would like to cover the trip in a premium rental car can expect a cost of roughly 90 EUR. In the top standard version of the itinerary, you should expect the average cost of about 13 EUR when it comes to fuel. You should expect to pay around 144 EUR for food and restaurants and approximately 198 EUR for hotels if you are interested in the top standard of services during your itinerary.
Our trip is also an exciting opportunity for all camper enthusiasts. Holidaymakers have to pay approximately 225 EUR for the service of camper rental. Gasoline to tank a camper for the whole itinerary will cost about 13 EUR. Travellers who will go for camper rental should expect to pay more or less 55 EUR for accommodation and approximately 72 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the mentioned details in a straightforward manner.
There are multiple thrilling scenic drives and road trips that are available on our website if you like Great Smoky Mountains Panoramic Road. We hope that the wide spectrum of ideas will surely live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists.