Little River Road Scenic Drive - Image 1
1 / 10

Little River Road Scenic Drive

4.9
·38 reviews·Gatlinburg, United States

An 18-mile scenic drive in the Smokies, featuring waterfalls, river access, and lush forest views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Little River Road Scenic Drive - Image 1

Little River Road Scenic Drive

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An 18-mile scenic drive in the Smokies, featuring waterfalls, river access, and lush forest views. TikTokInstagram

4.9
(38 reviews)

"Absolutely AMAZING! We had such a great day hanging out and playing in the river! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for safely enjoying the river and exploring cascades.

🚗 Parking Alternative

A good spot to wait for Cades Cove parking or if it's full.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sinks

The Sinks

12 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center

A picturesque spot along the drive, perfect for waterfall views and a refreshing stop.

Instagram
Little River Gorge Road

Little River Gorge Road

Follows the Little River

An 18-mile scenic route with numerous cascades, waterfalls, and natural attractions.

Instagram
River Access Points

River Access Points

Various pull-offs along the road

Enjoy peaceful moments by the river, skipping rocks, or dipping your feet.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the River's Edge

Little River Road offers stunning natural beauty with plenty of pull-offs for relaxation and exploration. Pack water shoes for river access and be prepared for potential crowds, especially near popular spots like The Sinks. TikTok

Scenic Drive Essentials

This 18-mile drive is perfect for a leisurely pace, showcasing waterfalls and forest scenery. Consider it a great alternative if Cades Cove parking is full. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage, pleasant temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tucked away in northeast Alabama, Little River Canyon is a hidden gem with seriously underrated views. Towering cliffs, clear flowing water, epic overlooks—this spot proves you don’t have to leave the South for jaw-dropping scenery. If you love waterfalls, scenic drives, or just want to feel small in the best way… add this to your list! #L#LittleRiverCanyonA#AlabamaViewsH#HiddenGemsUSAS#SouthernAd...
@capture_this_moment__
110.4K likes • 1.1M views

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for safely enjoying the river and exploring cascades. Reddit

🚗 Parking Alternative

A good spot to wait for Cades Cove parking or if it's full. Reddit

Explore Little River Road, an 18-mile scenic drive winding alongside the water to Cades Cove. #smokymountains #littleriverroad #cadescove
thesmokymountains
21 likes • 417 views
Waterfall Wednesday The Sinks area of the Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most picturesque spots along the Little River Road scenic drive. This area is located 12 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. #waterfallwednesday #thesmokymountains #smokymountainsnationalpark #travel #traveltips #bucketlistadventures #all50statesorbust
all_50_states_and_beyond
1.4K likes • 39.4K views

🏞️ Plenty of Pull-Offs

Stop to observe multiple areas and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the car next to the river. Reddit

Let’s take a ride along the Little River Gorge Road. This scenic 18 mile drive follows The Little River where there’s plenty of forest and mountain scenery as well as many cascades, waterfalls and other unique natural attractions. There’s plenty of trails, picnic areas and turn offs along the road to explore many wonderful cascades and waterfalls! One of the popular trails is laurel Falls but it’s...
nicolas.crump1999
64 likes • 360 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for safely enjoying the river and exploring cascades. Reddit

🚗 Parking Alternative

A good spot to wait for Cades Cove parking or if it's full. Reddit

🏞️ Plenty of Pull-Offs

Stop to observe multiple areas and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the car next to the river. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(38 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the peaceful river access and stunning natural scenery along Little River Road, calling it a hidden gem. Many appreciate the numerous pull-offs for easy exploration and relaxation. Some note that while beautiful, it can get crowded, and planning for food and amenities is essential.

"Absolutely- AMAZING"

Jennifer Konikoff

"We had such a great day hanging out and playing in the river! Skipping rocks, dipping our feet, checking under rocks - it was very peaceful."

Jessica Rowe

"The parking here is better than up the road at Laurel falls and can be a good place to spend some time while waiting for a parking spot to open up.

Bring water shoes"

Dan Sullivan

What People Like

Peaceful river access
Stunning natural scenery
Abundant pull-offs

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Little River Road is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's an 18-mile drive that connects the Sugarlands Visitor Center area to Cades Cove. Instagram+1

Yes, Little River Road is a paved scenic drive, making it accessible for most vehicles and suitable for strollers. Reddit

While paved, Little River Road is a winding mountain road. Large RVs and trailers may find it challenging. Check park advisories for any restrictions. Instagram

The road is generally open year-round during daylight hours, but always check the National Park Service website for current closures or seasonal restrictions. Instagram

Cell service can be spotty to non-existent along much of Little River Road. Download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, a parking tag is required to park anywhere within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including along Little River Road. Purchase these online or at visitor centers. Reddit

There is no separate entrance fee for Little River Road itself, but you will need a valid Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking tag to park your vehicle. Reddit

Little River Road is typically open from sunrise to sunset. However, it can be closed due to weather conditions, especially in winter. Instagram

No, Little River Road is a public scenic drive and does not require timed entry tickets. Parking tags are the only requirement for parking. Reddit

Accessing the natural attractions like The Sinks or river areas along Little River Road is free with your park entry/parking tag. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Key stops include The Sinks for waterfalls, various river access points for relaxation, and numerous pull-offs for enjoying the forest and mountain scenery. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, several trailheads are located along Little River Road, offering opportunities for various hiking levels. Instagram

You might spot white-tailed deer, black bears (from a safe distance!), various bird species, and other forest creatures. TikTok

Absolutely! The road offers stunning views of waterfalls, cascades, lush forests, and river scenes, making it a photographer's paradise. TikTokInstagram

Bring water shoes, comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, a camera, and insect repellent. Layers of clothing are also recommended. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or food services directly on Little River Road. It's best to pack a picnic or eat before/after your drive in Gatlinburg or Townsend. Reddit

Many pull-offs offer scenic river views perfect for a picnic. Some designated picnic areas might also be available. Reddit

Limited concessions might be available at visitor centers or Cades Cove, but options are scarce. Packing your own food is highly recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Sinks waterfall, the flowing Little River, forest canopy, and various cascades offer incredible photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. TikTok

For personal photography, no special permit is required. However, commercial photography or videography may require a permit. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture wildlife. A tripod can be useful for waterfall shots in lower light. TikTok

While there aren't designated sunrise/sunset spots, many overlooks offer beautiful views as the sun moves across the sky. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Little River Road is a fantastic option for families looking for an accessible way to experience the Smokies. The paved road is stroller-friendly, and the numerous river access points offer a fun way for kids to interact with nature. Reddit Pack water shoes so they can safely play in the shallow parts of the river. Reddit The Sinks is a great spot for a quick, impressive waterfall view that will capture their attention. Instagram Remember to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no food services along the route. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For those who love a good scenic drive, Little River Road is a must. Its 18 miles offer a continuous panorama of natural beauty, from cascading waterfalls to dense forests. Instagram It's a more laid-back alternative to Cades Cove, allowing for more spontaneous stops and a less rushed experience. Reddit The abundance of pull-offs means you can stop whenever a view catches your eye, making it a truly immersive road trip. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring The Sinks and River Access

The Sinks is a highlight along Little River Road, known for its picturesque waterfall and the way the river plunges into a deep pool. It's a fantastic spot for a quick stop to admire the natural beauty and capture some stunning photos. Instagram Many visitors enjoy simply relaxing by the riverbanks, skipping stones, or dipping their feet in the cool water. Reddit Remember to wear water shoes if you plan on getting close to the water's edge, as the rocks can be slippery. Reddit

Beyond The Sinks, Little River Road is dotted with numerous pull-off areas that provide direct access to the Little River. These spots are perfect for a spontaneous picnic lunch or just a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the sounds of flowing water and rustling leaves. Reddit The accessibility of these river spots makes the drive incredibly engaging, allowing you to connect with the natural environment at your own pace. TikTok

The Scenic Drive Experience

Little River Road itself is an 18-mile journey that winds alongside the Little River, offering a continuous display of forest and mountain scenery. Instagram It's a more relaxed alternative to the often crowded Cades Cove loop, providing a similar experience of natural beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities. Reddit The road is well-maintained and paved, making it suitable for all types of vehicles, though it can be winding. Instagram

Along the drive, you'll encounter many cascades and waterfalls, some easily visible from the road and others requiring a short walk. Instagram The numerous turn-offs are a key feature, inviting exploration of these natural attractions. These pull-offs are not just for viewing; they are opportunities to step out of the car, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. TikTokReddit

You may also like

1 of 2