Driving America's Most Scenic Road: Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going-to-the-Sun Road

When it comes to unforgettable American road trips, few drives can rival the epic journey along Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. This isn't just a drive—it's a 50-mile-long, high-altitude adventure that carves its way through the heart of the park, connecting its east and west sides over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.

Image by mcfisher from Pixabay

​This isn’t just a drive; it’s the ultimate road trip adventure through the heart of Glacier National Park. For 50 incredible miles, you'll wind past towering waterfalls, sparkling alpine lakes, and panoramic mountain views that will have you pulling over at every single turnout.

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Glacier National Park, nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” feels wild, raw, and completely magical. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, it’s the kind of place where you can wander through ancient forests, climb into glacier-carved landscapes, and maybe even spot mountain goats—or a grizzly (from a safe distance, hopefully!).

Image by G Poulsen from Pixabay

To know the details about how to reach Glacier National Park, where to stay, and what to hike, read this post:

Hiking Glacier National Park - Grinnel Glacier Trail

Here are 12 of the must-see spots you should add to your itinerary, starting from the west entrance and heading east.

​Lake McDonald: 

This is your introduction to the park's grandeur. The largest lake in the park, its famously colorful pebble shoreline and crystal-clear water make it a perfect first stop.

We stopped at Lake McDonald on our return from the drive in the evening. The beach is peaceful with a stream of water flowing to the lake. You can find colorful pebbles in the clear water here.

Lake Mc Donald

Colored pebbles in the lake

Lake McDonald Lodge is a historic lodge renowned for its exceptional architecture and grandeur. There is a restaurant too. Parking is plentiful at this place, and there are many stores to rent kayaks, eat ice cream, etc. This lake is the best place to relax after a long day of hiking. It is also a good place to watch the Sunset.

​Trail of the Cedars: 

An easy, family-friendly hike through a stunning old-growth forest. The boardwalk loop takes you over a cascading creek and offers a glimpse of the giant cedars and hemlocks. It also leads to the more strenuous Avalanche Lake trail.

The cedar trees and the lush green color are beautiful. This is the most popular spot for hiking. So, we took a shuttle from the visitor center instead of driving. It is difficult to get parking here.

We did the Avalanche Lake trail. It is moderate but completely worth it. You will reach a lake surrounded by mountains and a waterfall rushing water into the lake. The green and emerald color of the water looks surreal. Will publish my next post about the Avalanche Lake Trail. 

Avalanche Lake

​Bird Woman Falls Overlook: 

This spot provides a stunning view of a 492-foot waterfall cascading between Mount Oberlin and Mount Cannon. While you can't get to the falls themselves, the view from the overlook is breathtaking.

Bird Woman Falls

I think the photo below is the view that you see in most of the photos of Glacier National Park. This view is iconic with a waterfall from the mountains, going to the Sun road, and the cars driving on the road. Photos cannot do justice!

​The Loop: 

A classic hairpin turn that offers a dramatic change of scenery and a fantastic view of Heaven's Peak. It's the only switchback on the entire road and a great photo op.

This is also the destination point for hikers who are attempting the famous Highline Trail. This trail is popular for the hike on the edge of cliff walls, which seems pretty dangerous, but gives dramatic views of the mountains and valleys. The Highline Trail starts at Logan Pass and ends at the Loop(11.8 miles one-way). Hikers can take the shuttle from The Loop to go back to Logan Pass. 

We tried 1.5 miles(one-way) of the Highline trail from Logan Pass and returned. It is extraordinary, cannot be compared to any other trail we have done so far. The views are breathtaking.

highline trail

​Weeping Wall: 

During the early summer months, this is a highlight of the drive. Snowmelt cascades down the cliff face, often splashing onto the road and your vehicle. It's a natural car wash with an incredible view.

Many tourists keep their hands out to experience water falling from the wall and splashing onto their faces while driving from the East.

​Big Bend: 

This is one of the most famous viewpoints on the road. From this broad, sweeping curve, you'll be treated to a classic panoramic view of the road itself, surrounded by towering peaks like Heaven's Peak and Mount Cannon.

A random viewpoint

​Logan Pass: 

The highest point on the road is at 6,646 feet. This is the main hub for hiking, with a visitor center and trailheads for some of the park's most popular trails, including the Highline Trail and Hidden Lake Overlook Trail.

The visitor center also has information and exhibits about the geology of the place, flora, fauna, wildlife etc. It is an educational experience for kids. There are restrooms and water filling stations. 

Getting parking at Logan Pass is very difficult. We could get parking at around 3pm (parking left for only 2 to 3 cars). So, if you plan to take any hikes from this visitor center, it's better to take a shuttle.

​Hidden Lake Overlook: 

Starting from Logan Pass, this moderate hike on a boardwalk takes you to a stunning overlook of Hidden Lake, with majestic Bearhat Mountain in the background. It's a great spot to see mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

This hike is very good (2.7 miles round-trip), but it has a lot of steps and takes you to an elevation of 540 ft. The viewpoint is gorgeous. We saw a few mountain goats on the trail. There are no steep sections, but just a lot of stairs. There are some waterfalls as well. A few people extend their hike and climb down to the lake. 

Hidden Lake Overlook

​Jackson Glacier Overlook: 

As the name suggests, this is the only spot on the road where you can see a glacier from your car. While it has receded significantly, it's a poignant reminder of the park's namesake.

Only 25 glaciers remain now in the park. They are expecting all glaciers to be gone by 2030 due to global warming. Let's see. 

Jackson Glacier

​Siyeh Bend: 

A less-trafficked but equally beautiful area with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and alpine meadows. The meadows are filled with wildflowers in early to mid-summer.

All viewpoints between Logan Pass and Wild Goose Island overlook are beautiful, and we stopped at every one of them wherever we got parking. Parking is a real problem at most of the spots. Some beautiful hikes start from this point.

​Sunrift Gorge: 

A short, easy walk from the road leads you to a narrow, V-shaped gorge where water has carved its way through the rock, creating a beautiful cascade.

Getting parking at this point might be tough. But, this is a must-stop. You can see a small waterfall cascade with a short walk. This is the starting point for many trails, like St Mary Falls and Virginia Falls.

St Mary Falls

St Mary Falls is a 1.6-mile round-trip easy hike. You can see a stunning two-tiered waterfall. Another 1 mile with a steeper climb takes you to Virginia Falls.

​Wild Goose Island Overlook: 

This iconic viewpoint on the east side of the park provides the classic shot of a tiny, tree-covered island in the middle of St. Mary Lake, with the jagged peaks of the park's east side in the distance.

This makes the iconic postcard view of Glacier, or a great wallpaper!

This was featured in the movie "The Shining" in the opening sequence. 

🌟 Final Thoughts

Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is more than just a scenic drive — it’s an unforgettable journey through the heart of Glacier National Park. 

Whether you hike to hidden gems like St. Mary Falls, pause at iconic viewpoints like Wild Goose Island, or challenge yourself on bucket-list trails like the Highline, this road brings you face-to-face with some of the best landscapes in North America.

Take your time, start early to avoid crowds, and don’t be afraid to linger at the overlooks — the magic of Glacier is often in the quiet moments when the light shifts and the mountains seem to glow. By the end of your drive, you’ll understand why Going-to-the-Sun Road is considered one of the most spectacular drives in the world.

So pack your camera, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the very best of Glacier National Park — one breathtaking stop at a time.

Until next time,

Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary with Kids – Best Places to visit

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is ranked as the #1 national park in the USA and is also the most visited park in the country. Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Smokies are full of lush forests, waterfalls, scenic drives, mountain overlooks, and kid-friendly hiking trails—including part of the famous Appalachian Trail.

We spent 3 days in the Smokies and fell in love with its beauty. Since it’s such a popular park, it can feel touristy and accommodations are pricey, but visiting in December gave us better deals (we found a cozy Airbnb with gorgeous mountain views).

✈️ How to Get There

• Closest airport: McGhee-Tyson Airport (Knoxville, TN)

• Other option: Asheville Regional Airport (about 1 hr drive)

• Entrances:

  • Gatlinburg, TN → via Sugarlands Visitor Center (most popular)

  • Cherokee, NC → from the south side of the park

💡 Tip: There’s no entrance fee, but you must purchase a parking tag from Recreation.gov.

You can search for flights here:

🛏️ Where to Stay

• Best base: Gatlinburg (closest to most attractions, restaurants, SkyPark, Anakeesta, etc.)

• Other options: Cherokee, Townsend, Maryville, or Asheville (1 hr away).

• We stayed in Gatlinburg Airbnb—20 minutes from the park, with all amenities and a stunning mountain view.

Here are some accommodation options:

🚗 Parking

• Daily parking tag → $5

• Weekly → $15

• Buy online in advance at Recreation.gov.

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🌟 Best Things to Do in the Smokies with Kids

1. Clingmans Dome

PC: Wikimedia Commons

• Highest point in the park.

• Easy 0.5-mile paved walk to the observation tower.

• Panoramic views that wow both kids and adults.

• 🚧 Closed in December, so plan for spring–fall visits.

It is closed in December, so we had to skip this. But, it's a must-visit stop.

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2. Laurel Falls Trail

• 2.6 miles round-trip, paved trail → leads to an 80-ft waterfall.

• Easy, family-friendly, though a bit slippery near the falls.

• Trailhead near Sugarlands Visitor Center.

• ⚠️ Closed in 2025; reopening planned for 2026 (check NPS site).

This is an easy introduction to the park. The trailhead is near the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Little River Road. Parking fills up quick, so you have to plan this hike early. We did this hike in the afternoon, so we got parking easily.

Upper Falls

This 2.6-mile hike goes along the river. It is considered easy to moderate. It is a little slippery only at the Falls. Going to Lower Falls needs a little scrambling. The waterfalls are great.  

Lower falls

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3. Cades Cove

• Scenic 11-mile loop road with wildlife (deer, bears, turkeys).

• Explore historic cabins, churches, and fields.

• Popular but can be slow due to traffic. Allow ~1 hour.

• Bonus hike: Abrams Falls Trail (5 miles round-trip).

This is a one-way loop road and is popular, so traffic might be slow. There are some pullouts and scenic stops. It didn't impress us much, other than the historic churches. Expect this drive to take around 1 hr. 

Abraham Falls trail is a 5-mile round-trip, which can be accessed through this road. We couldn't do that trail due to the limited time. 

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4. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

• A peaceful driving loop with historic homesteads.

• Don’t miss Grotto Falls Trail (2.6 miles round-trip), where kids can walk behind a waterfall.

• 🚧 Closed in winter (we sadly missed it).

This is on our top list to visit. We were very sad that we had to miss this. This loop was closed due to the weather conditions in winter. 

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5. Scenic Overlooks

• Chimney Tops Overlook → Short hike (3.5 miles) with 1,400 ft elevation gain. Challenging but rewarding!

• Foothills Parkway, Overlook #3 (Mount Cammerer Overlook) → Fantastic sunset spot.

• Newfound Gap Road → 30-mile drive connecting Gatlinburg (TN) and Cherokee (NC). Don’t miss Ben Morton Overlook for sunrise or sunset.

There are plenty of scenic overlooks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Chimney Tops Overlook is one of the most scenic viewpoints. The hike to the observation point and back is 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1400 ft. It is a challenging, but rewarding trail. 

Overlook #3 on Foothills Parkway is a great place for Sunset. This is accessible while driving from Cosby to I-40 stretch of Foothills Parkway East. This viewpoint is also called Mount Cammerer overlook. 

New Found Gap Road is one of the most scenic drives in the Smokies, connecting Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC. The drive is around 30 miles long with many great overlooks to stop by. Ben Morton overlook is a gorgeous spot for Sunrise / Sunset. 

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6. Alum Cave Trail

• 4.6 miles round-trip to Alum Cave Bluffs.

• Moderate to strenuous (+1,200 ft elevation).

• Scenic bridges, stair climbs, and a natural arch.

• Can be extended to Mt. LeConte (10–11 miles total).

• We did it in winter → chilly but fewer crowds. Kids 6+ will love it!

We hiked to Alum Cave Bluffs. The trail is flat and easy initially, but gains an elevation of 1200 ft later. There are some bridge crossings and a natural arch with many stairs/ steps. There are some steep and narrow sections.

The final viewpoint was amazing. Since we hiked in winter, there is not much of a crowd. The weather was very chilly, though. It felt strenuous but not impossible. I would definitely suggest doing this trail when visiting with kids above 6 years old. It's fun.

Alum Cave Bluffs

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7. The Sinks

• A powerful waterfall & swirling pool along Little River Road (12 miles from Gatlinburg on the way to Townsend).

• Great snack stop and photo opportunity.

• Trail to Meigs Falls (3.5 miles) starts here.

This powerful waterfall and swirling pool are along the little river road, around 12 miles from Gatlinburg on the way to Townsend. This is another great spot that we loved. The trail to Meigs Falls can be accessed from this spot, which is 3.5 miles.

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8. Waterfall Hikes

• Cataract Falls → Easy 0.75-mile stroll, great for toddlers.

• Grotto Falls → 2.6 miles, walk behind the waterfall.

• Rainbow Falls → 5.4 miles, the tallest single-drop waterfall in the park. Best chance to see rainbows in the afternoon mist.

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9. Gatlinburg SkyPark

• Ride the open-air chair lift to the top of Crockett Mountain.

• Walk the 680-ft SkyBridge (the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America).

• SkyTrail (0.6 mile), observation deck, and restaurant.

• Tickets: $30–40 adults, ~$25 kids.

Gatlinburg is a perfect tourist destination for all ages. Gatlinburg Sky Park is at the top of Crockett Mountain. It is famous for the Sky Bridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

Tickets are $30 to $40 per adult and around $25 per kid. An open-air chair lift takes us up to the peak, where you can relax, enjoying the surrounding mountain views, and walk on the 680-ft-long sky bridge, which is an unforgettable experience. Kids will enjoy this place. 

There is also a Sky Trail - a 0.6-mile scenic walkway. The observation deck has a nice seating area. There is also a restaurant and restrooms available. 

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10. Seasonal Lighting – Winterfest

• From mid-November to early January, streets from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg sparkle with millions of holiday lights.

• Drive through or stop for photos at light displays.

• Kids will love the festive atmosphere.

The holiday light display is wonderful, starting from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg during Winterfest. Millions of lights adorn all the streets in winter. These displays start from mid-November and stay till the First week of January.

We enjoyed driving through these light displays. There are multiple photo opportunities.

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✨ Final Thoughts

The Smokies are packed with family-friendly adventures—from short hikes to scenic drives and magical seasonal events. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, you’ll always discover something new.

Until next time,

Hiking Glacier National Park – Our Grinnell Glacier Adventure

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Glacier National Park

Imagine a place where sharp mountain peaks slice the sky, turquoise lakes sparkle like gems, and waterfalls tumble down lush green valleys. That’s Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana. 

Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” this park feels wild, raw, and completely magical. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, it’s the kind of place where you can wander through ancient forests, climb into glacier-carved landscapes, and maybe even spot mountain goats—or a grizzly (from a safe distance, hopefully!).

National Park on our bucket list

At the heart of the park is the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive that’s an adventure all by itself. Waterfalls, towering peaks, sweeping valleys—every turn feels like a postcard. No wonder nearly three million visitors make their way here each summer. Since the road is only open from July to early October, timing is everything.

How to Reach?

Getting here takes a little planning. The closest airport is in Kalispell, MT, and Amtrak also operates a seasonal route. However, many travelers opt for Bozeman, as it typically offers more flight options and better prices, followed by a 4.5-hour drive to the park.

Here are some flight options:

Just a heads-up: you’ll need a park pass and, in peak season, a reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road (especially from the west side).

Accommodations:

The accommodations book early. We stayed for 2 nights in East Glacier at St. Mary. We stayed for 4 nights in Columbia Falls.

We stayed in this Airbnb cabin near Browning, which is cozy and comfortable.  There is no AC, but portable fans. It is very near St Mary's entrance(may be within 2 miles). Here are more options for accommodations:

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The Grinnell Glacier Trail

Now, let’s talk about one of the park’s showstoppers: the Grinnell Glacier Trail. This hike is about 11 miles round trip with a 1,500-foot elevation gain—challenging but oh-so-worth it. If you’d like to make it a little easier, you can shave off a couple of miles by taking a boat across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. But, the Many Glacier boat tour tickets book very early. We couldn't get tickets when we tried 4 months before the trip.

Either way, the views will blow you away. Think alpine lakes glowing turquoise, waterfalls streaming down cliffs, and finally, the icy blue beauty of Grinnell Glacier itself.

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Our July 2025 Hike

This summer, construction in the Many Glacier area meant we had to reserve shuttle tickets online at nps.gov well in advance (and trust me, those tickets are not easy to get). Another option is to book a ride through the Blackfeet Indian Reservation taxi service.

Getting tickets for shuttle was tough. They open 1 week before and again one day before. They get booked just within 2 mins. But, I think, travellers need not face this step from 2026 summer as construction might be over. You can then directly park at Many Glacier Lodge and start the hike.

Many Glacier Hotel

We started early from the east entrance, parked at the designated area, and hopped on the shuttle to the Many Glacier Hotel. It’s a great spot to fuel up with breakfast, fill water bottles, use the restrooms, and grab boat tickets if you’re lucky. We managed to snag return boat tickets, which meant two fewer miles on foot—a huge win since we were hiking with kids (our youngest is 10).

By 9:40 am, we hit the trail. The path wound past Swiftcurrent Lake and around Lake Josephine before starting to climb. The early part felt manageable—beautiful lake views, cool air, and plenty of energy. We took breaks every 1.5–2 hours, carrying about two liters of water each, plus protein bars, yogurt cups, and muffins to keep us going. Hiking sticks made a big difference, especially for our knees.

Lake Josephine

Narrow path to hike

Around 11 am, things got tougher as the trail climbed higher. The reward? Our first glimpse of Grinnell Lake, sparkling far below. Along the way, we spotted a Bighorn sheep right near the trail (we waited until it wandered off—always give wildlife space). We also passed a pit toilet about 1.5 miles before the glacier, which was a welcome break.

Grinnel Lake

The three lakes that we crossed! such a long distance we hiked

Big horn sheep

waterfalls on the way

Waterfalls crossed our path, sometimes drenching us in the mist. We snapped countless photos—seriously, this trail is Instagram gold. The final stretch was steep and exhausting, but when we finally stood before Grinnell Glacier, words (and even photos) didn’t do it justice. Floating ice blocks, emerald-green water, a waterfall pouring down beside the glacier—it was pure magic.

Grinnel Glacier

Waterfall

We dipped our feet into the icy water (refreshing, but wow, so cold!) and rested with snacks before heading back. The descent was easier on the lungs but tough on the knees—thank goodness for those walking sticks. By 5:40 pm, we were back at the boat dock, tired but happy. A quick boat ride returned us to the hotel, where snacks and a rest were waiting before the shuttle picked us up.

Travel Tips for Glacier National Park

If you’re planning your own trip to Glacier, here are a few tips that made our hike smoother:

✅ Reserve early – Both shuttles and Going-to-the-Sun Road passes sell out fast in summer. Plan months in advance.

✅ Start early in the day – Trails get crowded, and mornings are cooler and safer for hiking.

✅ Pack plenty of water & snacks – At least 2 liters per person plus energy-packed food (protein bars, nuts, trail mix).

✅ Bring bear spray – Glacier is bear country. Even if you don’t see one, it’s essential for safety.

✅ Use trekking poles – They really help with steep climbs and save your knees on the way down.

✅ Dress in layers – Weather changes fast in the mountains. Bring a rain jacket even on sunny mornings.

✅ Don’t forget sun protection – Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen are must-haves at higher elevations.

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Recommended Hiking Gear (Amazon Favorites)

If you’re gearing up for Glacier (or any big hike), here are a few must-have items you can easily grab online:

• 🥾 Waterproof Hiking Boots – Good ankle support is a lifesaver on rocky trails.

• 🥤 Hydration Pack / Water Bladder – Easier than carrying bottles, and you’ll drink more often.

• 🦌 Bear Spray – Non-negotiable in Glacier. Clip it to your belt for quick access.

• 🚶 Collapsible Trekking Poles – Lightweight and perfect for long hikes with steep climbs.

• 🌞 UV Protection Hiking Hat – Wide brim for sun protection.

• 🎒 Lightweight Hiking Backpack – Comfortable, with enough room for snacks, jackets, and gear.

• 📸 Compact Travel Camera – Because your phone photos just won’t do justice to Glacier’s beauty.

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Final Thoughts

Hiking to Grinnell Glacier was tough, beautiful, and unforgettable. Between the turquoise lakes, waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and that jaw-dropping glacier at the end, it’s a memory we’ll hold onto forever. If you’re visiting Glacier National Park, put this trail at the very top of your list—you won’t regret it.

Until next time,