Little River Road
A picturesque 18-mile scenic drive alongside the Little River, leading to the historic Cades Cove valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Little River Road
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque 18-mile scenic drive alongside the Little River, leading to the historic Cades Cove valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
"The drive along Little River Road is a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Smokies, especially in fall."
🚗 Pack a Picnic
Limited dining options along the road. Pack snacks and drinks to enjoy at scenic pull-offs.
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, especially bears. Never feed them.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cades Cove Loop Road
End of Little River Road
A historic valley offering stunning mountain vistas, wildlife viewing, and preserved buildings. A must-see for history and nature lovers.
The Chimney Tops Trail
Near the beginning of Little River Road
A challenging but rewarding hike to a unique rock formation with panoramic views of the Smokies.
Elkmont Historic District
Along Little River Road
Explore remnants of an old logging town and a former resort, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Colors
Embrace the Scenic Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Pack a Picnic
Limited dining options along the road. Pack snacks and drinks to enjoy at scenic pull-offs.
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, especially bears. Never feed them.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many pull-offs lead to short trails. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download park maps and trail information beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Pack a Picnic
Limited dining options along the road. Pack snacks and drinks to enjoy at scenic pull-offs.
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, especially bears. Never feed them.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many pull-offs lead to short trails. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download park maps and trail information beforehand.
📸 Capture the Views
Numerous scenic overlooks offer breathtaking photo opportunities. Allow extra time for stops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking natural beauty of Little River Road, especially during the fall foliage season. The scenic drive, access to Cades Cove, and opportunities for wildlife viewing are consistently praised. Some find parking challenging during peak times, and limited amenities can be a drawback for some.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little River Road is accessible from the main entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It's a scenic drive that winds alongside the Little River, leading towards Cades Cove. 
Little River Road is a two-way road for most of its length, but sections can be one-way, especially within Cades Cove. Always follow posted signage.
The best way to experience Little River Road is to take your time, stop at the numerous pull-offs, and enjoy the scenery. Consider driving it in the morning for fewer crowds and better light.
Yes, Townsend is a gateway town to the Smokies, and you can access Little River Road from there. It's about a 35-40 minute scenic drive from Townsend to Gatlinburg along this route.
Parking can be limited at popular trailheads and overlooks, especially during peak season. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
Little River Road is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions or maintenance. Check the park's official website for current alerts.
While there's no entrance fee for the park, you will need a parking tag if you plan to park for more than 15 minutes. These can be purchased online or at visitor centers.
Since there is no entrance fee, there are no refunds. However, if a road closure significantly impacts your plans, you can explore alternative routes within the park.
Parking tags can be purchased online through the park's official vendor or in person at various locations within the park, including visitor centers.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include Chimney Tops Trail for stunning views, Alum Cave Trail for a moderate hike with overlooks, and the relatively easy Laurel Falls Trail. +1
Yes, Little River Road and especially Cades Cove are known for wildlife viewing opportunities, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys. Remember to keep a safe distance.
The Elkmont Historic District offers a glimpse into the area's past, and Cades Cove features preserved historic buildings and structures.
Absolutely! The road offers many scenic pull-offs and short, family-friendly trails like Laurel Falls. Cades Cove is also great for families. +1
Numerous overlooks provide breathtaking views of the mountains and river. Don't miss the viewpoints leading to Cades Cove and the overlooks along Newfound Gap Road.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular.
A versatile zoom lens is great for capturing landscapes and potential wildlife. A wide-angle lens is perfect for sweeping vistas. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The overlooks along the road, the historic buildings in Cades Cove, and the waterfalls along the trails are all fantastic photo opportunities.
Fall offers vibrant colors, while spring brings lush greenery and wildflowers. Summer provides dramatic mountain backdrops, and winter can offer unique, frosted landscapes. +1
Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Check the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for current regulations regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited along the road.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
It's an ideal road trip for soaking in the natural beauty at your own pace, with numerous overlooks perfect for photo stops and short leg stretches. Combine this drive with a visit to Cades Cove for a comprehensive experience. The road is also a gateway to various hiking trails, allowing you to break up the drive with some exploration. Remember to check for any seasonal closures and consider visiting on a weekday to avoid heavier traffic.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the opportunities for wildlife photography, particularly in Cades Cove.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Scenic Driving on Little River Road
Many visitors find this drive to be a perfect introduction to the park's natural beauty, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season. Travelers often recommend taking this drive at a relaxed pace, allowing for spontaneous stops to explore short trails or simply enjoy the sounds of the river.
While it's a popular route, especially leading to Cades Cove, weekdays and early mornings tend to offer a more serene experience with fewer vehicles. Beyond its scenic beauty, Little River Road also provides access to several key attractions and trailheads. It's a gateway to the historic Elkmont district and offers access to popular hiking routes. The drive itself is an experience, with the ever-present sound of the river and the changing forest canopy creating a soothing atmosphere.
Hiking Adventures from Little River Road
For those seeking moderate challenges with rewarding overlooks, the Alum Cave Trail is a popular choice. This 4.5-mile roundtrip hike (or longer if continuing to Mount LeConte) features fascinating geological formations and stunning vistas along the way.
Beyond these well-known trails, numerous other smaller paths and access points branch off Little River Road, inviting exploration. Whether you're looking for a short waterfall walk or a strenuous climb to a mountain summit, the trails accessible from Little River Road offer diverse ways to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Smokies.
Wildlife Encounters and Safety
Park regulations strictly prohibit feeding wildlife. Feeding animals can lead to unnatural behaviors, dependency on humans, and can be harmful to their health. Visitors are advised to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 50 yards from other wildlife, including birds and raccoons.
Observing wildlife is a highlight for many visitors, but it's essential to do so responsibly. By respecting their space and adhering to park guidelines, you can ensure a memorable and safe experience for everyone, while also contributing to the preservation of these magnificent animals and their environment.
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