The Newfound Gap Road is one of the main roads into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSNMP).

Newfound Gap Road is accessed by driving through downtown Gatlinburg or by taking the Gatlinburg bypass. It is also known as US Route 441 and heads through the protected mountains down through Cherokee, NC.

This scenic drive offers fantastic views of the mountains. There are several pull-off spots along the road to get out and take pictures and take in the beauty of the area.

Newfound Gap Road also has a few larger parking areas where visitors will explore some of the many trails that lead to waterfalls and natural areas the park has to offer.

One of the places we always stop is at the Newfound Gap Road Parking Area. It straddles the Tennessee and North Carolina borders and offers restrooms and more scenic views of the mountains. The parking area is about 28 miles away, or approximately an hour drive with normal traffic conditions.

Just south of the Newfound Gap Road Parking Area is the road that will lead to the Kuwohi Observation Tower and visitors center (closed seasonally).

This is not a road meant to be traveled at top speed – but a road meant to take in the wonders and majestic views.

Address: Newfound Gap Parking Area, Bryson City, NC 28713
Website: https://www.nps.gov/places/newfound-gap-overlook.htm