About Foothills Parkway Trails (various sections, e.g., Look Rock)
The Foothills Parkway runs along the northwest edge of the park, and Look Rock is its best-known stop. The National Park Service lists a short paved trail of 0.8 miles through the forest to an observation tower with panoramic views of the Smokies and Blount County, Tennessee, with some mild to moderate inclines.
The hike
The paved path starts at the Look Rock picnic area and climbs gradually to the tower. On clear days the views reach across the valley to the main crest of the Smokies. Sunrise and sunset are popular, so bring a flashlight if you plan to stay late.
When to go
Spring and fall are best for clear air and color; summer haze can limit views.
Getting there
Look Rock is reached from the Foothills Parkway near Walland, TN; see the NPS Foothills Parkway page for road status. The park charges for parking rather than entry: a parking tag is $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year, required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes. America the Beautiful and other federal passes are not accepted.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed on the trail. Bring water. The Foothills Parkway can close for ice in winter.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- the Appalachian Trail from Fontana Dam: a climb toward the Shuckstack fire tower
- Wolf Ridge Trail: a strenuous climb from Twentymile
- Twentymile Loop Trail: a quiet connector near the Twentymile trailhead
Planning and safety
This is an easy outing, so it works for an hour or a whole afternoon. Keep the pace relaxed, bring a snack, and plan a nearby stop to make a half-day of it. Weekday mornings are the quietest, and the light is softest early and late.
Check conditions the morning you go. The park posts trail and road closures and cautions, and storms, ice and Hurricane Helene repairs can change access with little notice. Carry water, a rain layer and a map, keep a safe distance from bears and elk, and pack out everything you bring in.
Good to know
- How long is Foothills Parkway Trails (various sections, e.g., Look Rock)?
- Foothills Parkway Trails (various sections, e.g., Look Rock) is 0.8 miles one way (1.6 miles round trip). It is rated easy.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
