If you love epic overlooks, leaf-peeping, and peaceful backroads, you’re in the right place. From
your treehouse at Sanctuary Treehouse Resort in Sevierville, you’re minutes from some of the
Smokies’ most iconic drives—without getting stuck in traffic. Use this guide to plan a half-
day cruise, then come “home” to your private perch among the trees.
1. Foothills Parkway East & West
Often called a “must-drive” for panoramic vistas, the Foothills Parkway delivers sweeping
scenes of the Great Smoky Mountains with fewer crowds. Pull off at overlooks for photos, picnic
vibes, and golden-hour magic.
Plan it: NPS: Foothills Parkway • Auto Touring overview National Park Service+1
From your treehouse: Start from Sanctuary’s map, then hop on Winfield Dunn Pkwy toward
the Parkway’s eastern or western segments.
2. Cades Cove Loop Road
This 11-mile, one-way loop pairs mountain scenery with historic churches, cabins, and meadows
—prime for deer and black bear sightings (view responsibly). Allow 2–4 hours, more if you add
short walks.
Plan it: NPS: Cades Cove • Tip: Vehicle-free Wednesdays run seasonally (all day, summer).
Details + dates. National Park Service+1
Sanctuary tip: Pack snacks from your stocked kitchenette and bring your camera—our resident
bald eagles back at the resort (Sir Hatcher II & Lady Independence) will make you want to keep
bird-spotting even after you return.
3. Newfound Gap Road (US-441): Tennessee ↔ North Carolina
Climb to nearly a mile high for big-sky views and quick access to trailheads and pull-outs. After
recent repairs, the corridor is open, restoring one of the park’s most scenic connectors.
Plan it: NPS news: US-441/Newfound Gap Road reopening • Conditions page for day-of
checks. National Park Service+1
Photo ops: The Newfound Gap overlook straddles the state line—easy “one foot in each state”
bragging rights.
4. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (One-Way Forest Immersion)
A narrow, one-way loop that trades speed for serenity—historic cabins, rushing streams, and
shady pull-offs. Don’t miss the roadside cascade Place of a Thousand Drips after heavy rain.
Plan it: NPS: Roaring Fork • NPS: Place of a Thousand Drips. National Park Service+1
Sanctuary tip: Return before sunset and race your crew down your 20-foot slide (many of our
TreeForts have them!). Then stargaze from the deck—clear nights are magic here.
5. Wears Valley → Townsend → Tremont (Local Favorite Loop)
Roll through pastoral Wears Valley into Townsend’s calmer gateway, then continue along the
Middle Prong toward Tremont for river pull-outs and picnic spots. It’s a perfect “low-stress” loop
when the main corridors feel busy.
Nearby add-ons:
• Golf with a view: our neighbors at Sevierville Golf Club encircle the resort.
• Dinner after your drive: pick a spot from our Foodie Guide.
Before You Go: Check Current Conditions
Mountain weather and maintenance can change plans quickly. Always confirm road & trail
status the morning of your drive:
• NPS current conditions: nps.gov/grsm → Conditions
• NPS closures & cautions: Temporary Closures page
• Live updates: @SmokiesRoadsNPS on X National Park Service+2National Park
Service+2