Ultimate Smoky Mountains Driving Guide: Tail of the Dragon, Foothills Parkway & where to Stay

A Driver’s Weekend in the Smokies, Based out of Townsend, TN

There’s something about waking up in Townsend that feels different. It’s quieter. Slower. The kind of place where the morning air is crisp, the roads are empty, and the day ahead feels wide open. That’s exactly what makes The Parkman Hotel such a strong home base for a car-focused getaway.

You roll out early, coffee in hand, and within minutes you’re entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No traffic, no stoplights, just long stretches of road and mountain views that unfold with every turn. If you’re easing into the day, a loop through Cades Cove is the perfect start. It’s not about speed here. It’s about rhythm. Open meadows, historic cabins, and the kind of scenery that makes you slow down whether you planned to or not.

From there, the drive can go one of two ways.

If you’re in the mood for something more technical, you make your way to the legendary Tail of the Dragon. It’s exactly what you’ve heard: tight, demanding, and incredibly fun if you respect it. Eleven miles, 318 curves, and not a single straightaway to lose focus. It’s the kind of road that turns a good drive into a memorable one.

Or, if the group is leaning toward something scenic and relaxed, the Foothills Parkway delivers in a different way. Long, sweeping curves, elevation changes, and overlooks that make you want to pull off, step out, and take it all in. It’s less about adrenaline and more about soaking up the Smokies at your own pace.

By the time you’ve put in a full day of driving, Townsend starts to feel like exactly where you want to end up. No chaos, no crowds, just a handful of solid local spots to unwind and eat well.

Dinner might look like a casual stop at The Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, where the food leans elevated but still grounded in the region. Or something more laid-back at Peaceful Side Social, where you can grab a drink, sit outside, and recap the day with the group. If you’re keeping it simple, Burger Master Drive In has that classic roadside feel that just works after a long drive.

Back at The Parkman, everything is set up to make group travel easy. There’s space to park, room to gather, and a level of comfort that feels earned after a full day behind the wheel. The setting stays true to Townsend’s name, calm and laid-back, which makes it

easy to recharge and do it all again the next day.

That’s the rhythm here. Drive, explore, eat well, and come back to somewhere that actually lets you relax. For car groups looking to experience the Smokies the right way, it’s a setup that’s hard to beat.