Newfound Gap Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Iconic overlook on US-441, marking the TN/NC state line with stunning mountain vistas and the Rockefeller Memorial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Newfound Gap Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic overlook on US-441, marking the TN/NC state line with stunning mountain vistas and the Rockefeller Memorial.
"Panoramic views so breathtaking they'll slap the Wi-Fi signal right out of your phone—and honestly, that's a gift."
Pack Layers! 🧥
Elevation means cooler temps. Bring a jacket, even in summer!
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
Trails are accessible, and you'll want to explore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tennessee/North Carolina State Line
Newfound Gap Overlook
Stand with one foot in Tennessee and the other in North Carolina for a unique photo op.
Rockefeller Memorial
Newfound Gap Overlook
See the monument dedicated to John D. Rockefeller Jr., a key funder of the park.
Appalachian Trail Access
Newfound Gap Overlook
Begin a section of the famous Appalachian Trail right from the overlook.
+1
Panoramic Mountain Views
Newfound Gap Overlook
Breathtaking vistas of the Smoky Mountains stretching across two states.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking Pass Required
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Layers! 🧥
Elevation means cooler temps. Bring a jacket, even in summer!
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
Trails are accessible, and you'll want to explore.
Picnic with a View 🧺
Enjoy lunch at 5040 feet! Great spot for a meal.
Photo Ops Galore! 📸
Plenty of spots for great shots; friendly folks will help.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Layers! 🧥
Elevation means cooler temps. Bring a jacket, even in summer!
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
Trails are accessible, and you'll want to explore.
Picnic with a View 🧺
Enjoy lunch at 5040 feet! Great spot for a meal.
Photo Ops Galore! 📸
Plenty of spots for great shots; friendly folks will help.
Check Road Status 🛣️
Newfound Gap Road can close due to landslides. Stay updated!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Newfound Gap for its spectacular, iconic mountain views and its unique position straddling the Tennessee and North Carolina state lines. The Rockefeller Memorial and access to the Appalachian Trail are also highlights. While it can get very busy, especially in summer, the breathtaking scenery makes it a worthwhile stop for most.
"The views here are spectacular. This is a very iconic location, and it can get very busy in the summertime. However, it is definitely worth stopping by. It offers some of the best views of the North Carolina and Tennessee sides of the Smoky Mountains."
Robert Wilson
"Gorgeous drive!!! Worth the time it takes and the main scenic viewing area doesn't disappoint.
Bring a picnic lunch and eat at 5040 feet!
Plenty of places to stop and take photos. Friendly other people around you will be happy to take your photo if you're tired of selfies.
There are trails you can walk if you want and a restroom, too. Wear sneakers and take your hiking poles- this is a beautiful place to stretch your legs."
C W
"Still open while 441 is under construction! Plenty of parking is available. Great views. Passes are available for sale via machines."
Emma Correia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Newfound Gap is located on U.S. Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road), which runs between Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. It's a main thoroughfare through the park and is well-signed.
No, Newfound Gap Road can experience closures due to landslides or weather. It's essential to check the park's official website or social media for current road conditions before your visit.
Yes, you can drive from Gatlinburg, TN, along Newfound Gap Road (US-441) directly to Newfound Gap. The drive itself offers many scenic overlooks.
There is no public transportation directly to Newfound Gap. You will need your own vehicle or to arrange a private tour.
If you have limited time, focus on the main Newfound Gap overlook area. You can see the Rockefeller Memorial, the state line, and access the Appalachian Trail for a short walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for longer than 15 minutes.
Parking tags vary in price depending on the duration: $5 for a daily tag, $15 for a weekly tag, and $40 for an annual tag.
Parking tags can be purchased online through recreation.gov or at various locations within the park, including visitor centers and some automated machines.
Newfound Gap is accessible 24/7 as it's part of the main park road. However, visitor services and restrooms may have specific hours.
Yes, vehicles parked for longer than 15 minutes without a valid parking tag can be ticketed and towed.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Newfound Gap, you can enjoy panoramic mountain views, stand on the TN/NC state line, visit the Rockefeller Memorial, and access the Appalachian Trail for short hikes.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Newfound Gap overlook area.
The main overlook area is paved and offers accessible viewpoints. Some trails may have varying degrees of accessibility.
While not guaranteed, you might spot birds, squirrels, and occasionally larger mammals like deer or bears in the surrounding forest. Always maintain a safe distance.
Absolutely! Newfound Gap offers stunning vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a prime location for landscape photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly at Newfound Gap. It's recommended to bring a picnic or dine in Gatlinburg or Cherokee.
Yes, Newfound Gap is an excellent spot for a picnic. There are designated areas and plenty of scenic spots to enjoy your meal.
Bring your own food, drinks, and any necessary utensils. Remember to pack out all trash to keep the park clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds, and late afternoon for golden hour and dramatic shadows. Fall colors are spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The main overlook provides the iconic panoramic shots. The Rockefeller Memorial and the Appalachian Trail trailhead also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Check the NPS website for current regulations regarding drone operation in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Have a friend stand on one side and you on the other, or use a timer/remote to capture yourself straddling the line.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to dress in layers, as the temperature can be significantly cooler at this elevation. Keep an eye out for wildlife from a safe distance, and use the restrooms available at the overlook. The Rockefeller Memorial also provides a brief historical talking point for curious young minds.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
If you're on a tight schedule, prioritize Newfound Gap for its accessibility and high reward for time invested. It's a great place to break up a long drive and capture memorable moments of the Smokies.
📸 Photographers
+1 The changing light dramatically alters the mood of the mountains, from soft morning hues to the dramatic shadows of late afternoon. The Rockefeller Memorial and the Appalachian Trail trailhead also provide unique foreground elements for landscape shots. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scenery and consider a tripod for sharper images in lower light conditions. Don't forget to capture the iconic state line photo!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Newfound Gap Road
+1Travelers should be aware that this road can be subject to closures, especially during winter months or after heavy rainfall due to landslides. Recent closures have highlighted the importance of checking park alerts before setting out.
Despite potential disruptions, the drive is renowned for its stunning mountain vistas, dense forests, and the opportunity to witness dramatic shifts in vegetation as you ascend. When driving, be mindful of other visitors, cyclists, and potential wildlife. Many TikTok and Instagram creators showcase the beauty of this drive, often highlighting the changing fall colors or the serene mountain mist.
+1 It's a road that invites slow travel, encouraging stops at various points to soak in the natural splendor. The Significance of the Rockefeller Memorial
The memorial itself is a simple, yet dignified, stone structure. It stands as a reminder that public lands are often the result of significant private philanthropy and public effort. Visitors often pause here to reflect on the park's origins and the foresight of those who championed its creation.
Many visitors find the memorial a poignant spot to learn about the park's history. It's a key landmark that adds a layer of historical context to the breathtaking natural beauty of Newfound Gap.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap
For day-trippers, the Newfound Gap overlook provides an excellent opportunity to experience a small portion of the AT. You can hike north towards Charlies Bunion or south towards Clingmans Dome, even if just for a mile or two. The trail is well-marked and offers immediate immersion into the park's wilderness.
Even a short walk can provide a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection with the surrounding nature. Experienced hikers might consider backpacking sections of the AT that pass through the park. Planning is essential for longer treks, including securing backcountry permits and understanding trail conditions.
Regardless of the length of your hike, the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of countless adventurers. 
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