Archived Outdoors

Walk the ‘Missing Link’ of the Foothills Parkway

The Foothills Parkway provides views of the Great Smoky Mountains region. NPS photo The Foothills Parkway provides views of the Great Smoky Mountains region. NPS photo

A celebration of the completed Foothills Parkway section known as the “Missing Link” will be held Thursday, Nov. 8, with community members invited to walk the 1.65-mile section before it opens to motorists and cyclists Saturday, Nov. 10. 

Participants will be shuttled to the site from Townsend, Tennessee, between 8 a.m. and noon, weather permitting. People should be prepared to walk at least 2 miles roundtrip along a 10 percent grade. At the center of the event space, where the shuttle will drop off, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host a variety of educational and artistic activities. 

The shuttle ride will take about one hour. Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis with anticipated service for about 1,000 people. No large bags, chairs or coolers will be allowed. Participants should bring snacks and water, and dress to be outdoors. 

In case of inclement weather, the park will send out a notice of cancellation by 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7. 

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.