28 Enchanting Road Trip Destinations for the Ultimate Romantic Getaway

28. The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina: Misty Peaks and Mountain Magic

For a romantic road trip filled with misty mountain vistas and secluded hideaways, the Great Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking beauty year-round. Start your journey in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, where you can enjoy charming cabins, mountain music, and cozy fireside dinners. Then, take a scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road or Cades Cove Loop, where you’ll see rolling blue ridges, lush forests, and maybe even a grazing deer or black bear. If you're up for adventure, hike to Clingmans Dome for a sunrise above the clouds or chase waterfalls along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. In the fall, the Smokies are a sea of brilliant autumn colors, while spring brings wildflowers and blooming dogwoods. Whether you’re soaking in a private hot tub overlooking the mountains or watching the fireflies dance on a summer night, the Great Smokies create a timeless romantic escape.