If you get a chance, drive up to Clingmans Dome in the Smoky Mountains. It will be worth it, I promise.  Well I dont promise, because if it’s raining or cloudy (which is really possible since the name of the Smokies comes from them being so “smoky”) you wont have the awesome views.  But, arrive at the Dome when you do have the awesome view you wont be disappointed. Between that and the view from Newfound Gap the entire drive is worth making.  There are spots along the road where you can pull off and snap pictures because the National Park Service has correctly guessed that cars would be stopping regards of a small sign that says “no stopping.”

The drive on US 441 was carved out of the side of the mountain in different places. If you are taking your time and stopping at various places along the road, take some time to consider how early settlers managed to get through this area. No cars, no roads, and a dense forest to navigate. Since humans started settling the area we’ve managed to kill of plants and wildlife that were native to the area – including trees.  That’s right, we managed to kill an entire species of trees. Go us! (to be fair, it was an Asian spore that some trade ship most likely brought over)  The drive through the park takes about an hour without stops. However, I suggest giving yourself more time