Lake Chilhowee to Walland
This is the 18-mile completed western portion of the road connecting U.S. 129 at Lake Chilhowee to U.S. 321 in the Walland community. It runs its entire length on top of Chilhowee Mountain with views of Maryville, Knoxville and Cades Cove. The tower at Look Rock is a short hike and a popular point of interest along the route. The road is barracaded at U.S. 321 where the closed portion leading to the Missing Link begins (here, collectively called the Missing Link). All photos below were taken February 5, 2005. |
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Junction signage for the approaching Parkway on U.S. 129 southbound. Note the distinct font used on the sign. Lake Chilhowee on the Little Tennessee River is on the right. |
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Closer to the intersection, you see more of the cut. |
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Looking back north on U.S. 129, the rock cut glows in the sun and looks like a slide waiting to happen. |
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Here is where the Parkway begins. Note the backwaters of Lake Chilhowee on the right. Happy Valley Road traces this part of the Parkway on the other side of the lake. The road is named for an Asian community that once resided in the area. |
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Looking back at the Foothills Parkway terminus with Lake Chilhowee in the background. The guide sign pictured is very old and his since been replaced. |
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Just past the western terminus is this elaborate Parkway reassurance/gateway sign. These are used at both ends of the western section. |
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Faded mileage sign past the main entrance. The route is actually about 17 miles, judging by the mileposts. |
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Here is about five miles east where new pavement covers where a slide occured in 2003, closing the road for over a year. |
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Here is a better view of the slide area. |
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Approaching Look Rock, which is the tower in the background. |
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Guide sign at the interchange with Flats Road. Flats Road parallels the Parkway from Happy Valley Road to here then passes under the bridge in the next photo en route to Maryville. |
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The bridge over Flats Road |
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Looking under the bridge. It's kind of short looking. |
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As you begin to descend, you can see views to Maryville and Knoxville since Chilhowee Mountain is the ridge that divides the Smokies from the Tennessee Valley. |
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Descending towards Miller Cove and Walland. The mountains in the distance are the continuation of the Chilhowee range. However, the Parkway leaves Chilhowee Mountain beyond there although the road beyond is closed. |
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Nearing the end where the Missing Link section begins. This sign warns motorists in a very disguised way that the road beyond is closed (and has been since 1969). |
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Looking back west just before the closure is another sign similar to the one at the Lake Chilhowee side. |
Continue east on the Missing Link section
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