Some Of The Best Views Of The Smoky Mountains Can Be Found From The Uncrowded Foothills Parkway and Look Rock Tower Trail
Located near Maryville, TN and near to Townsend, the Foothills Parkway and the Look Rock Tower Trail are a wonderful alternative to the often crowded trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Our favorite section of the Foothills Parkway traverses the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park going from Highway 321 near Walland, TN out to Chilhowee Lake at US 129.
Similar to the Blue Ridge Parkway, it offers plenty of turnouts to take in the amazing views of the Smokies while avoiding the crowds in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
P.S. If you’re visiting the Smokies, see our Great Smoky Mountains webpage for all the things to do and see, hiking trails, where to stay, our favorite campgrounds, and more!
How Long Does It Take To Drive The Foothills Parkway?
It takes about 1 hour to drive this section of the Foothills Parkway from Walland, TN (321) to Chilhowee Lake (129), but be sure to allow enough time to enjoy the views from multiple turnouts, hike the Look Rock Tower Trail, and picnic at the Look Rock Picnic Area.
Located just 1 mile east of the Look Rock Tower Trail, the Look Rock Picnic Area offers several shady tables, and it’s super convenient to the trail. Open late April to late October. Restrooms available during season.
You could opt to just drive the scenic parkway to take in the views, but if you want to stretch your legs, don’t miss the short and easy hike to Look Rock Observation Tower.
On a clear day, the views are remarkable from its viewing platform.
Note that dogs are not allowed on the Look Rock Tower Trail. They are allowed on leash in the parking areas and nearby Look Rock Picnic Area.
Description of Look Rock Tower Trail
The Look Rock Tower Trail is perfect for kids because of its short length and the rewarding views at the end. By the time they are tired of walking, you’re there!
Bring a set of binoculars for even more fun. If you have early risers, this trail is an excellent one to experience the sunrise over the mountains or the glow from a beautiful sunset.
It is a paved 1 mile roundtrip “hike” (it’s really more of a short uphill walk) and offers extraordinary views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from one side and views of the Tennessee River Valley and the town of Maryville from the other.
It is a fairly moderate uphill through the trees providing some shade in the summer and will be easy enough for most kids.
And although the trail is paved, it can be steep for strollers and root growth has raised the paved trail in several places. A heavy duty stroller for the tiny tots would likely do just fine, albeit a bit bumpy.
After a short climb, you’ll eventually reach a trail juncture where you’ll turn left on a paved service road. Once you pass an air monitoring station on your right (which also houses a Great Smoky Mountains Nation Park webcam), you’ll soon see the concrete Lookout Tower ahead.
Tip: Consider checking out the webcam to determine the perfect fall colors for photographs or check to see visibility before your visit.
Wind your way up the ramp walkway until you reach the top where you can take in the amazing views.
Spoiler Alert! You can’t climb up the spiral staircase to the observation room. Access is locked. The views from the base of the tower are equally extraordinary, so you won’t feel slighted in the least!
Look Rock Tower -
One of the Best Views of the Smoky Mountains 
Views of the Valley
Best Time To Visit Look Rock Tower
The Look Rock Tower Trail is open year-round, and the amazing views change with the seasons. Fall offers clear skies and autumn colors, and the winter views are generally the clearest with the added bonus of snow-capped mountains.
Also be aware of ice accumulation on the ramp to Look Rock Tower during the winter- you can unintentionally get some ice skating practice.
The Foothills Parkway sometimes closes during inclement weather, so be sure to check the national park road closure webpage.
Although summer views are often hazy, it’s still a really fun trail for views.
Tip: Morning sunrise and sunsets are terrific from the Look Rock Tower.
Finding The Trailhead to Look Rock Tower Trail
Finding the trailhead to Look Rock can be a bit confusing, because it does not originate directly from the parking area. Don’t mistake it for the small overlook in the corner of the parking lot.
The trailhead is located on the opposite side of the street from the large parking lot.
You will need to leave the parking lot and walk a few yards along the sidewalk parallel to the Parkway and then cross the street to begin the hike.
*DON’T FORGET YOUR PARKING PASS!* As of March 2023, you will need a parking pass to park anywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes. Passes are $5 for the day, $15 for the week, and $40 for a year.
Parking passes can be bought online, at all Visitor Centers, and at a few other places, like the Smokies Life in Townsend or 1 of their other 7 locations. (Smokies Life is the official non-profit partner of the park).
They are not transferable either, meaning you will need one for each car you plan on driving into the park. The GSMNP website has lots of details and FAQ about the new parking passes. These new passes are already paying for some much needed maintenance throughout the park, including at rest areas and campgrounds.
Foothills Parkway Map and Directions
- From Knoxville, take Highway 321 towards the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Highway 321, exit on the Foothills Parkway near Walland (it’s signed well) and go right.
- Drive 9.5 miles to the Look Rock Tower parking area on the left.
- The Look Rock Tower Trailhead is across the road and a few hundred feet from the parking lot entrance.
- 50 minutes from downtown Knoxville
Places Nearby To Eat
If you’re coming from Knoxville, stop to grab a bite to eat at one these eateries on your way home.
- Bluetick Tavern (used to be Barley’s)- Great pizza, burgers, and sandwiches, kids menu, gluten free options, extensive beer list, and relaxed vibe make this a family favorite for us. Lots of TVs to watch the game is a bonus too. Downtown on Broadway Avenue in Maryville, TN.
- Peaceful Side Social– Or, if you’re headed into Townsend, be sure to stop here. This eatery is the place to go for great food, a cold beverage, and peaceful views from their outdoor patio. One of our favorite places!
Check out our Favorite Places To Eat in Townsend, TN and our Best Restaurants In Maryville, TN for more ideas.
Check out our Smokies page to see all of our favorite places in the park we love so much – best hikes, favorite campgrounds, biking Cades Cove, lodging, and more.
Happy Trails! Lace up your hiking boots and grab your camera to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains from Look Rock Tower. – Amy and Amanda
And if you love scenic drives, be sure to check out Our Complete Guide to the Cherohala Skyway.
