Journey through the mountain pass that early settlers used to reach the Tennessee side of the mountains. Newfound Gap Road travels 30 miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Oconaluftee in North Carolina. The road climbs some 3,000 feet, traveling through ecosystems including cove hardwood, pine-oak, and northern hardwood forests. At the top of the pass you will find an evergreen spruce-fir forest.

About two miles into your drive, you will find the Campbell Overlook, where you can see Mount LeConte and other large peaks. There is also a display that identifies the different types of forest found in the Smokies.

At 4.6 miles is the Chimney Tops Picnic Area, once a common place for bear sightings. If you see a bear remember to keep your distance and do not feed it. Less than a mile past the picnic area is a series of three overlooks giving you views of Sugarland Mountain and Andrew’s Bald. From here you can see some of the only virgin spruce forest left in the eastern United States.

After passing along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and entering into the harsh northern elevations of the Smokies, you will find Morton Overlook, situated at 4,837 feet. Here you can look down on the ribbon of asphalt that you just traveled.

Newfound Gap is located at mile 13.2 on your journey. This mountain pass offers spectacular views. Just two-tenths of a mile beyond Newfound Gap is the entrance to the seven-mile spur road that will take you to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park.

From this point, the road descends along the Oconaluftee Valley through the North Carolina side of the park. You will pass several more overlooks and quiet walkways. At mile 29 is the Mingus Mill, an old gristmill that operates from early spring through the fall. The drive ends at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located adjacent to the Mountain Farm Museum.