Newfound Gap
Iconic overlook on U.S. 441 in the Smokies, offering stunning mountain vistas, AT access, and a historic memorial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Newfound Gap
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic overlook on U.S. 441 in the Smokies, offering stunning mountain vistas, AT access, and a historic memorial.
"The pictures don't do it justice. You get such a nice view of just how large these mountains are and they are so beautiful."
Check Road Status First
Newfound Gap Road can close due to landslides or repairs. Always check park alerts before heading out.
Sunrise/Sunset Views
The overlook is stunning at both sunrise and sunset. Bring layers, it gets chilly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Appalachian Trail Crossing
Newfound Gap
Stand where the iconic Appalachian Trail crosses the road, a significant point for hikers and a photo op for visitors.
Rockefeller Memorial
Newfound Gap
Visit the historic memorial dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, marking a significant moment in the park's history.
State Line Photo Op
Newfound Gap
Snap a picture straddling the Tennessee and North Carolina state line, a classic Newfound Gap experience.
Panoramic Mountain Overlooks
Newfound Gap Road
Experience sweeping vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains from numerous overlooks along the scenic drive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
+1Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Road Status First
Newfound Gap Road can close due to landslides or repairs. Always check park alerts before heading out.
Sunrise/Sunset Views
The overlook is stunning at both sunrise and sunset. Bring layers, it gets chilly!
Hike to Charlie's Bunion
Start a moderate 4-mile hike from Newfound Gap for unreal mountain views.
Parking Fee Awareness
Parking is free for under 15 mins, then a fee applies. Rangers patrol, so pay up!
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Road Status First
Newfound Gap Road can close due to landslides or repairs. Always check park alerts before heading out.
Sunrise/Sunset Views
The overlook is stunning at both sunrise and sunset. Bring layers, it gets chilly!
Hike to Charlie's Bunion
Start a moderate 4-mile hike from Newfound Gap for unreal mountain views.
Parking Fee Awareness
Parking is free for under 15 mins, then a fee applies. Rangers patrol, so pay up!
Dress in Layers
Mountain weather changes fast! Be prepared for cooler temps, even in summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Newfound Gap for its breathtaking, expansive mountain views that photos can't fully capture. The historical significance, access to the Appalachian Trail, and the unique state line photo opportunity are also major draws. Some note the parking fee and the potential for road closures as minor inconveniences.
"We passed by this once and briefly saw the view of the mountains, so we made sure to stop here the next time we passed it. The pictures don't do it justice. You get such a nice view of just how large these mountains are and they are so beautiful. Seems there is a trail here as well but we didn't walk it because we were tired and eager to get back to our hotel to rest. You do have to pay $5 for parking but only if you intend to stay for more than 15 minutes. There was a ranger patrolling the parking lot while we were here, so we didn't want to push our luck by not paying. There are restrooms here as well. I hope to visit this spot again someday during dusk and dawn."
Kory Knight
"A beautiful slice of history. A must stop on your way to Clingmans Dome. Located between Gatlinburg and Cherokee at Carolina/Tennessee state line. Access to the Appalachian trail. And many historical facts posted throughout. Breathtaking views and restrooms on site."
Alicia Hicks
"This beautiful hidden little overlook in the the Great Smoky mountains national Park in Tennessee is an idyllic spot with a very clean restroom and overlook historic plats and a nice little outcrop ideal for family photos that really pop out."
Colton Cardi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Newfound Gap is located on U.S. Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road), which is the main road connecting Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina, through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can drive directly to the overlook. +1
No, Newfound Gap Road can experience temporary closures due to weather or landslides. It's crucial to check the park's official website or social media for current road conditions before your visit.
While hitchhiking is possible on Newfound Gap Road, it's not always reliable and can be unpredictable. Some AT thru-hikers have reported success, but it's best to have a backup plan.
The drive along Newfound Gap Road is scenic with twists, turns, and tunnels. Many visitors enjoy the journey as much as the destination, with numerous overlooks to stop at.
There is no direct public transportation to Newfound Gap. Access is primarily by private vehicle. Some guided tours may include stops here.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Newfound Gap is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which does not charge an entrance fee. However, there is a parking fee if you plan to stay for more than 15 minutes.
Parking at Newfound Gap is free for the first 15 minutes. For longer stays, a parking tag is required, costing $5. Rangers patrol the area.
Newfound Gap and Newfound Gap Road are generally accessible 24/7, weather permitting. However, specific facilities like restrooms may have limited hours.
Yes, many scenic tours of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park include a stop at Newfound Gap. Pink Jeep Tours are one option mentioned.
No, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter. However, a parking tag is required for vehicles parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Newfound Gap, you can enjoy panoramic mountain views, visit the Rockefeller Memorial, stand on the TN/NC state line, and access the Appalachian Trail for hiking.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Newfound Gap overlook, which are generally well-maintained.
The most popular hike starting from Newfound Gap is to Charlie's Bunion via the Appalachian Trail, a moderate 4-mile round trip with stunning views.
Absolutely! Newfound Gap offers incredible opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, with vast mountain landscapes.
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, you might spot birds or other small animals in the surrounding forest. Keep a safe distance and never feed them.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photos, casting a warm glow over the mountains. Mid-day can be bright but still offers expansive views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset.
The state line marker, the Rockefeller Memorial, and the various overlooks along the road all provide excellent photo opportunities.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Check the NPS guidelines for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park regarding drone operation before flying.
Experiment with different vantage points from the overlooks. Shooting from slightly lower angles can emphasize the scale of the mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a short, easy hike like the beginning of the Appalachian Trail towards Charlie's Bunion if your children are up for it, but even just enjoying the overlooks is a memorable experience. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited to restrooms and parking.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
+1Plan to spend ample time at the various overlooks along Newfound Gap Road, not just at the main gap itself. Each stop provides a different perspective of the vast mountain ranges. Be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak seasons and fall foliage.
🚶 Hikers & Backpackers
If you're planning an AT thru-hike, Newfound Gap is a key access point for resupply or a place to arrange a shuttle. Be aware of the weather's unpredictability and always carry essential hiking gear.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Driving the Scenic Newfound Gap Road
+1Visitors often describe the drive as exhilarating, with the landscape constantly shifting and offering new vistas. It's important to be aware of potential road closures, especially after heavy rain or snow, as landslides can occur. Checking the park's official alerts is a must before embarking on this drive. The road is a vital artery for accessing many of the park's most popular attractions, including Clingmans Dome and numerous hiking trails.
+2Whether you're heading to a specific destination or simply enjoying a leisurely scenic drive, Newfound Gap Road is a highlight of any visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. Remember to drive cautiously, yield to faster traffic, and pull over at designated areas to fully appreciate the stunning natural beauty.
Hiking Adventures from Newfound Gap
+1The most popular day hike originating from Newfound Gap is the trek to Charlie's Bunion. This moderate 4-mile round trip hike follows the Appalachian Trail and rewards hikers with spectacular panoramic views from a rocky outcrop. The trail offers a good mix of forest walking and open ridge lines, making it a favorite for many visitors seeking a rewarding outdoor experience.
For those seeking longer or more challenging routes, Newfound Gap provides access to other sections of the AT and connecting trails. It's essential for hikers to be prepared with appropriate gear, water, and knowledge of trail conditions, as mountain weather can change rapidly. Always carry a map and inform someone of your hiking plans.
The Significance of Newfound Gap
Historically, Newfound Gap is renowned for the dedication ceremony held on September 2, 1940, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt accepted the deed to the park from the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. The Rockefeller Memorial, a stone structure, commemorates this pivotal moment, symbolizing the culmination of efforts to establish the national park.
Geographically, Newfound Gap is also the point where the Appalachian Trail crosses the main park road, signifying a major junction for thru-hikers and backpackers. It also marks the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, offering a unique photo opportunity for visitors to stand in both states simultaneously.
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