Traveling west along U.S. Route 321 from Cosby to Gatlinburg is one of those Smoky Mountain drives that never disappoints. Covering roughly 15 miles, this route weaves through forested foothills, open farmland, and into the bustling gateway town of Gatlinburg — all while offering glimpses of the region’s natural beauty and rustic charm. Let’s buckle up and explore what makes this stretch of highway worth every mile.
We kick off in Cosby, a peaceful community tucked quietly against the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Right at the intersection with the Foothills Parkway, U.S. 321 heads west, hugging gentle hillsides and winding past rural homesteads that feel frozen in time. Here, local farms dot the landscape, and small roadside produce stands pop up seasonally with fresh vegetables and handmade jams — a nice reason to pull over and soak in the laid-back Appalachian pace.
As we press on, the terrain shifts from broad, rolling valleys to more rugged, wooded slopes. The road gradually climbs into denser forest cover, with stretches where tree canopies create a cool green tunnel overhead — a refreshing sight, especially during Tennessee’s warm summer months. A few miles in, keep an eye out for trailheads and quiet picnic pull-offs; this area is popular with hikers exploring lesser-known paths into the Smokies, far from the crowds closer to Gatlinburg.
Closer to town, the scenery shifts yet again. Vacation cabins and rustic chalets start appearing along the hillsides, many perched just so for sweeping mountain views. This part of U.S. 321 doubles as a preview of Gatlinburg’s unique vibe: a blend of Appalachian mountain culture and lively tourist fun. Attractions start to cluster along the roadside — miniature golf courses tucked into the woods, quirky gift shops, and local pancake houses advertising hearty breakfasts all day. Traffic picks up here, but the slow pace means more time to admire the passing scenery.
Finally, we roll into Gatlinburg proper, one of the most famous mountain towns in the southeast. The road drops us right at the eastern edge of town near State Route 454, leaving us perfectly positioned to dive into everything Gatlinburg has to offer. Whether you’re heading into the national park, checking out the shops and museums downtown, or just grabbing a bite before your next adventure, this drive is the perfect gateway.
If you’re planning a Smoky Mountain getaway, make sure this stretch of U.S. Route 321 is on your radar. It’s not just a connection between two towns — it’s a beautiful drive that captures the spirit of East Tennessee in every curve and crest.
🗺️ Route Map
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