Newfound Gap (elevation 5048 ft./1539 m.) is a mountain pass located near the center of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of the southern Appalachian Mountains in the United States of America. Situated along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the state line divides the gap, as does U.S. Highway 441 (also known as Newfound Gap Road), on its way over the mountains between Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail also traverses the gap, as do a small number of other hiking trails. From ‘Light 10′ in Gatlinburg, Tennessee to the Newfound Gap is just shy of 18 miles … uphill with 3,600′ of elevation gain (that’s the part I like).

I rode my bike up to Newfound Gap in order to capture the images herein. Yes, I could have taken my car, but the bike was in the car. The workout is “moderate” but I would not suggest attempting the ride unless you’re comfortable with lots of cars, crazy drivers who love to hog the road and of course going uphill for well over an hour. The temps were low-50’s at the top – and even brisker at Clingman’s Dome.

(I’ll savor that trip for another visit before the season closes it down.) Upon reaching the summit, a couple asked me if I rode up … “yes, it was a nice day to ride” (my answer) to which they replied, “all the way up?” LOL.

Enjoy.