The drive from Atlanta to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes (187 miles) via I-75 N and US-411 N, ending near Cherokee, NC. Key stops include Murphy, NC, a gateway for outdoor activities like hiking and whitewater rafting, and Franklin, NC, known for gem mining and waterfalls. For 2025, consider extending your trip to visit The Hemlocks by NOC, a new luxury lodging experience near the Nantahala River.
Smoky Mountains Drive Through
The park’s Cades Cove Loop Road is a famous 11-mile scenic drive with historic structures and wildlife sightings like black bears. For thrill-seekers, the Tail of the Dragon (US-129) offers 11 miles of 318 curves, popular with motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. In 2025, explore new attractions like the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, blending mountain views with high-speed excitement.
DFW to Smoky Mountains Drive
From Dallas/Fort Worth, the drive spans ~14 hours (906 miles). Break up the trip with stops at Vicksburg National Military Park (MS), Huntsville’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center (AL), and Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain (TN). Arrive in the Smokies via Townsend Entrance and explore Cades Cove or new 2025 attractions like NERF Action Xperience in Pigeon Forge.
Charlotte to Great Smoky Mountains Drive
A 4-hour drive (191 miles) via I-40 W and US-74 W leads to the Smokies. Stop in Asheville, NC, for the Biltmore Estate, or Cherokee, NC, for cultural experiences like Unto These Hills, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025. Detour to Maggie Valley for scenic mountain views or Fontana Dam, the tallest dam east of the Rockies.
Milwaukee to Smoky Mountains Drive
This ~10-hour drive (650 miles) passes through Chicago, Indianapolis, and Louisville. Stop in Knoxville, TN, before entering the Smokies. Explore Gatlinburg’s Ober Aerial Tramway or the new Scooby-Doo Mystery Putt Putt in Pigeon Forge.
Memphis to Smoky Mountains Drive
A 7-hour drive (420 miles) via I-40 E includes stops in Nashville (country music landmarks) and Knoxville. Arrive at the park’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center or book a VIP package for Unto These Hills in Cherokee, NC.
Dallas to Smoky Mountains Drive
A 14-hour drive (906 miles) via I-30 E and I-40 E. Highlights include Hot Springs National Park (AR) and Chattanooga’s Walnut Street Bridge. In 2025, stay at The Hemlocks by NOC or try the Truth Traveler immersive experience in Pigeon Forge.
St Louis to Smoky Mountains Drive
This ~8-hour drive (480 miles) via I-64 E and I-75 S passes through Louisville, KY, and Knoxville, TN. Visit Pigeon Forge for Dollywood or the new Crayola Experience, opening in 2025.
Detroit to Smoky Mountains Drive
A 9-hour drive (550 miles) via I-75 S. Stop in Cincinnati or Lexington, KY, before exploring Gatlinburg or attending the Forge After Dark blacksmithing event in Brasstown, NC.
Chicago to Smoky Mountains Drive Time
A 10-hour drive (580 miles) via I-65 S and I-40 E. Detour to Nashville or Knoxville, then hike Clingmans Dome or drive the Tail of the Dragon.
New Orleans to Smoky Mountains Drive
A 9-hour drive (550 miles) via I-59 N. Stop in Birmingham, AL, or Chattanooga, TN, before arriving in the Smokies. Don’t miss the Fontana Lake pontoon tours.
580 Smoky Mountains Drive Gallatin TN
This address is near Nashville, a common stop for travelers en route to the Smokies. From Gallatin, the park is a 4-hour drive (200 miles) via I-40 E. Explore Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg upon arrival.
Pittsburgh to Smoky Mountains Drive
A 7-hour drive (420 miles) via I-79 S and I-40 W. Pass through Charleston, WV, and Knoxville, TN. In 2025, visit the NERF Action Xperience or Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster.
Miami to Smoky Mountains Drive
A 12-hour drive (800 miles) via I-95 N and I-26 W. Stop in Orlando or Atlanta, then explore Cherokee, NC, or the Blue Ridge Parkway.
For detailed itineraries and additional stops, refer to the cited sources.