Route Overview
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 5
Day 6
An East Coast classic that links Shenandoah, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Great Smoky Mountains.
Itinerary
Skyline Drive and short summit hikes.
08:00
30 min08:00
👀
Skyline Drive - Panorama Overlook
Shenandoah National Park
30 min
09:30
120 min09:30
🥾
Stony Man Trail
Shenandoah National Park
120 min
13:00
60 min13:00
👀
Big Meadows area
Shenandoah National Park
60 min
More overlooks and waterfalls.
08:00
180 min08:00
🥾
Hawksbill Summit Trail
Shenandoah National Park
180 min
13:00
120 min13:00
🥾
Dark Hollow Falls Trail
Shenandoah National Park
120 min
16:30
30 min16:30
👀
Skyline Drive - Loft Mountain Overlook
Shenandoah National Park
30 min
Drive a highlight section with overlooks and short trails.
10:00
90 min10:00
👀
Blue Ridge Parkway - Peaks of Otter
Blue Ridge Parkway
90 min
15:00
60 min15:00
👀
Linn Cove Viaduct
Blue Ridge Parkway
60 min
Continue the Parkway toward the Smokies.
Cades Cove and key viewpoints.
08:00
45 min08:00
🏛️
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
45 min
09:15
120 min09:15
🥾
Laurel Falls Trail
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
120 min
12:00
30 min12:00
👀
Newfound Gap Overlook
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
30 min
17:30
90 min17:30
👀
Clingmans Dome sunset
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
90 min
Waterfalls and high-elevation overlooks.
06:30
150 min06:30
🚗
Cades Cove Loop (sunrise)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
150 min
09:45
180 min09:45
🥾
Abrams Falls Trail
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
180 min
13:30
60 min13:30
🍽️
Cades Cove Picnic Area
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
60 min
15:00
60 min15:00
👀
Cades Cove historic cabins
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
60 min
Return rental car and fly home.
Creates a copy you can customize
7
Days
16
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
Best Season
April-November with October for peak fall color
Tags
#multi-park#road-trip#shenandoah#blue-ridge-parkway#great-smoky-mountains