Newfound Gap is one of the most popular drives through the Smoky Mountains. It has an elevation of 5,056 feet, which makes it the lowest drivable pass through the Smoky Mountains. The views as you travel along Newfound Gap Road are amazing, but there are also other things you can see while traveling the 33 miles from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina. Here are 4 of the most popular spots along Newfound Gap Road:
1. Campbell Overlook
The Campbell Overlook is about 4 miles along Newfound Gap Road and can offer amazing views of Mount LeConte. In addition to the overlook showing an amazing view of one of the Smoky Mountains most beautiful sights, there is also some history behind this stopping point. This overlook is named after Carlos Campbell, a conservationist, who was instrumental in helping to establish the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
2. Newfound Gap and Rockefeller Memorial
It only makes sense that one of the best spots to stop on Newfound Gap Road would be Newfound Gap. This is the actually where Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rockefeller Memorial is the exact place where Roosevelt dedicated the national park in 1940. One fun fact about the dedication ceremony is there were more than 10,000 people at the event! Not only will you get to experience a bit of history here, but you’ll have stunning views of the Smokies.
3. Clingmans Dome Road
If you are familiar with the Smoky Mountains, you have probably heard of Clingmans Dome. It is one of the most popular destinations for both locals and tourists in the Smoky Mountains. What some people do not know is that there is a path to it from Newfound Gap. If you are traveling on Newfound Gap Road, there is a turnoff that takes you on Clingmans Dome Road, where you can drive to a parking area that takes you to the observation tower.
4. Mingus Mill
As mentioned earlier, Newfound Gap Road takes you all the way from Gatlinburg to North Carolina. If you make it to the North Carolina side of the road, one of the most popular destinations is Mingus Mill. This is an old grist mill that was built in 1866 and was restored in 1937. The historic mill uses a water-based turbine instead of a water wheel to power all the machinery in the building. The neatest part of this experience is there is a miller on site who demonstrates the grinding of corn into cornmeal.
While Newfound Gap is one of the best roads to travel in the Smoky Mountains, there are many other places to visit in the park, and we can help you find them! Check out some other of the most popular places to visit on your next trip to the Smoky Mountains.
