Newfound Gap Road

Just as unique as Roaring Fork and Cades Cove, the Newfound Gap Road is known as the lowest pass through the Great Smoky Mountains. The 31-mile road encompasses a variety of forest ecosystems ranging from cove hardwood, pine-oak, northern hardwood, and spruce fir. With an elevation of 5,046 feet, be sure to bring a jacket along as the weather usually takes a 10-degree drop in the area. Newfound Gap is also the only fully paved road in The Smokies that travels directly through the center of the park. At a faster pace than the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, Newfound Gap provides distinct mile-markers to easily identify sites like the Smokemont Campground and Nature Trail, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Mountain Farm Museum and Newfound Gap.