Nokian Tyres Journey: From the Smokies to the Sea

The advent of summer means the start of millions of journeys on the open highway. But where should you go, and how can you stay safe on the road? Nokian Tyres offers a few road trip ideas – and some tire safety tips to go along with them. To learn more, visit NokianTires.com/Journey.

There’s a reason the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most heavily visited in our nation’s park system. Its stunning panoramas are easily accessible and sure to take your breath away – unless the peaks are shrouded in their notorious haze. Follow this route to enjoy the peaks of the Smokies and the southern shores of South Carolina.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a popular launching point for a journey into the park, but if you prefer a lower-key experience, book a cabin in nearby Townsend, dubbed the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Climb your way to Clingmans Dome, Tennessee’s highest point, nestled along the North Carolina border.

Descend into the Tar Heel State and settle in for a home-cooked meal and soft bed at Hemlock Inn in Bryson City, a family-friendly destination on the park’s Eastern fringe that’ll make you feel right at home.

But take note: When altitude increases, tire pressure drops. Be sure to fully inflate your tires before you hit the road.

Come down from the mountains and journey east to Asheville, a stunning city in the foothills of the Smokies with an eclectic vibe. Enjoy a bountiful brunch at Biscuit Head before bathing in opulence at Biltmore Mansion, the Vanderbilt family's historic estate. Then cap your trip on the shores of the Atlantic in historic Charleston, South Carolina, where a dainty culture meets a serious foodie scene.