This is an incredible drive. Factor in time for the moments you'll want to pull over for stellar photo ops of Mount LeConte, Sugarland Valley, Chimney Tops, etc.
The Gap refers to both the road and the point at was dedicated, where you can find the plaques and platforms, as well as an entrance to the Appalachian trail. At this point, the road switches from TN to NC and vice versa.
Some history that an awesome guide named Clayton imparted to me: Newfound Gap was used as a civil war trail and a substantial portion of the Trail of Tears. It was called "Indian Gap Flats" beforehand, and the Confederates actually ran it as a toll booth during the Civil War. They would actually charge the Union to cross and fight them (supposedly).
The vegetation changes dramatically as you climb. At one moment you'll feel like you're in TN, then New Hampshire, then the rain forest. Keep an eye out for black bears!
There is no reason not to stop--take a photo with a giant chicken, eat some fried frog legs (4 for $5.95), and fill up on gas!
This is classic 80s land art--if you don't know you're looking for it (or how to get there), you can easily miss it. It is a geometric cutout that almost looks like normal erosion from the plateau but is, at closer glance, a little too perfectly rectangular.
This site is slowly eroding--come see it while you can! We camped right up on the edge in the open air. Its pretty incredible to be able to make a campsite and wake up right in a piece of art, with no one else around. You look out over a glistening river valley thats the only spot of green you can see.
Homemade kombucha on tap and indulgent vegetarian sandwiches (try the grilled cheese)! Park + Vine is a my lunch time favorite. Great atmosphere--tucked away and sunny. Great goods and products as well. :)
Look through the swirling granite hole for an incredible view of the dripping steel mocking bird--it changes your perspective of the work, and of the park it reflects.
This is insane and a total dream to visit. Surrealist art come alive. You can stay until sunset, and they have a little restaurant in the grounds that is open Weds-Sunday.
Very good. I split the Berkeley with a couple friends and it was a perfect amount of food. The cornmeal deep dish crust is crispy and delicious. And they have Rhinegeist on tap. They just need to chill out a little bit with the overeager service. Nice people though!
Smoky Mountain Guide Clayton LaPrees is awesome--I was scribbling down everything he said on the tour. His commentary adds a whole new level to what could have been just a typical drive up Newfound Gap. Instead, I got to experience the stories of the "Mountains and Moonshine" auto tour and learn about how moonshining came to be such a livelihood in the Smokies. Not only that though...I learned about a vicious beetle eating so many of the trees up in the mountains...learned about abandoned towns hidden in the park...hikes that no one knows how to find...secret waterfalls...and Cherokee history and lore.
I absolutely recommend this. It transformed my experience in the Smokies. However, were I to go again (which I would love to do!), I would probably opt for a day hike or an overnight, because I got a bit stir crazy in the car. Clayton knows the hikes and less-travelled paths that get you away from all the crowds :)
call ahead! He'll chat and open it up to you free of admission, but let him know you're coming. Awesome place.
They've updated the drive-in experience but letting you control the volume through MP3 players that link to your car's FM radio and headphones!