Newfound Gap Road Adventure: Navigating the Great Smoky Mountains
Newfound Gap is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.541m (5,055ft) above the sea level, located along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, in USA.
Where is the Newfound Gap?
The pass is located on the border of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, in the southeastern part of the country, set high in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of the southern Appalachian Mountains. At 5,055ft above the sea level, it’s said to be the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Can you drive through Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains?
The scenic road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called Newfound Gap Road (US-441). Constructed in the 1930s, this route winds its way through cove hardwood, pine-oak, and northern hardwood forests. It's an architectural marvel with its tunnels, stone bridges, and serpentine twists and turns.
How long is the road to Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Stretching for 56.16km (34.9 miles), the road connects Gatlinburg, a quaint mountain town in eastern Tennessee, to Cherokee in western North Carolina.
Is Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains open?
Travelers should anticipate cooler temperatures at the pass, even during summer. Although Newfound Gap experiences significant winter snowfall, the pass remains accessible throughout the year, barring periods immediately following winter storms. On average, Newfound Gap sees snow on 19 days annually.
Is Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains worth it?
A trip to Newfound Gap is nothing short of spectacular. The summit houses the Rockefeller Memorial and provides ample parking. As you drive, you're treated to breathtaking views, with numerous pull-offs and scenic overlooks to enjoy. This route offers an unrivaled opportunity to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the USA.