Adventures in
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Foothills Parkway was authorized by Congress as a scenic parkway on February 22, 1944. Of the seven Congressionally Mandated Parkways, the Foothills Parkway is the only remaining parkway yet to be completed. The challenging terrain and funding starts and stops are to blame for the lack of completion with an estimated 20 years to finish the remaining roads.
Section #1 is the northern 5.6 miles open from I-40 south to US 321 near Cosby. This short section was opened in 1968.
Section #2 is the in between section consisting of 33.5 miles where construction has not even begun. Right-of-way has been purchased by the National Park Service, but funding is not in place.
Section #3 is the southern most section and is the section that we cruised with the Yamaha V-Star 950. We started at Wears Valley (just a quick jaunt from our campground) and rode the 33 miles to Chilhowee Lake.
We did a quick side jaunt to 129 Hub for a delicious lunch and some shopping at their Tail of the Dragon* merchandize filled store.
As you can see, this southern section of the Parkway offers spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains on one side and the Tennessee Valley on the other. On clear days one can see all the way to the Cumberland Mountains 50 miles to the west.
The open sections of the Foothills Parkway provide breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The completed southern sections provide a great connecting route for tourists heading to the Tail of the Dragon from the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. It also is part of what we call the Great Smoky Mountain Loop, a 141/153 mile, all day tour that takes visitors to some of the best spots the mountains have to offer.
Dream Big, Travel Far, Live Well…
What’s Next?
More Great Smokey Mountain National Park adventures!
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