Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of the northern section of The Great Smoky Mountains. My name is Dave, and it will be my pleasure serving as your co-pilot today. This driving tour begins at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee, where you can explore exhibits showcasing the rich cultural and natural history of the region. From there, we will head east into the heart of the Smokies, following scenic roads that wind through lush forests, misty valleys, and along clear mountain streams.
Along the way, you'll encounter breathtaking overlooks, historic sites, and diverse wildlife. Your journey concludes at The Place of a Thousand Drips, a beautiful roadside waterfall near Gatlinburg, where the gentle cascades of water trickle down moss-covered rocks, offering a peaceful and picturesque finale to your adventure.
Today’s driving tour runs approximately 30 miles, and we’ll take between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much you want to stop and explore. There are many places for pullout parking, and some of these stops have Restrooms available. We will begin on East Lamar Alexander Parkway. Follow your GPS navigation, and we will begin shortly. Enjoy!