Smoky Mountain Driving Tour:   Newfound Gap Road

Distance: 29.2 miles one way

Newfound Gap Road, Highway 441 starts at Sugarlands Valley and climbs almost 3,000 ft. It crosses Newfound Gap, 5,045 feet then descends to the lowlands of Oconaluftee, North Carolina.

Along the way you'll see several picnic areas, nature trails, quiet walkways and overlooks.

After 3.6 miles, you'll come to the Chimney Tops Picnic Area. It's tucked away deep within a hardwood forest. The west fork of the Little Pigeon River is nearby and its banks are a relaxing place for your picnic.

Continuing on the road, at 7.3 miles you'll drive through The Loop. Here the highway passes through a tunnel then crosses over itself -- a unique way to build a road on a steep slope.

Next, you'll come to the parking area for Alum Cave Bluffs, one of the park's most popular hikes.

For the next mile and a half, there are several turnouts for acceess to the west fork of the Little Pigeon River.

At 12.2 miles, you'll drive through a spruce fir forest, and the upper elevation of the Smokies.   The weather up here is distinctly cooler -- on average 10 - 15 degrees cooler than the lowlands. The annual rainfall regularly exceeds 80 inches and at times, the wind can be fierce.

At Newfound Gap, you'll cross into North Carolina. Also, the Appalachian Trail crosses the road.

In the 1800's, the road passing over the crest was 1.5 miles west at Indian Gap. In 1850, the easier passage was discovered and immediately called, Newfound Gap.

At the state line, you'll see a monument, marking the spot where President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally dedicated the park in 1940.

Further on, you'll come to the turnoff for Clingmans Dome Road. And shortly afterwards, you'll see a large parking area for the Oconaluftee Valley Overlook.

Between miles 14.6 and 21.8, are five quiet walkways. These are short paths, scattered throughout the park.   They're an relaxing way to escape the Smoky Mountain crowds.

Continuing on, you'll come to Mingus Mill. They still grind corn into meal, just as it's been done for more than a century.   Mingus Mill is open from early spring through fall, and visitors are welcome anytime.

Finally, our driving tour ends at mile 29.2, The Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum.

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