Getting away for some folks simply means heading to a place to escape the bustle of snarled traffic and constant city noise. Sometimes home can be a quiet retreat. But for those looking to skip the household chores or life's daily schedule, a drive through the countryside is in order, a get-away from the city and its commotion and hubbub.
   This scene on the Foothills Parkway looks like the perfect spot for a country drive. The colorful autumn foliage, the road covered in fallen leaves, and contrasting black asphalt create a picture perfect country lane. You may quickly move on, but this warm scene on a country road will remain a lasting memory. This section of the Foothills Parkway is part of a proposed scenic byway dating back to 1944.
   Authorized more than 70 years ago, the Foothills Parkway was established to provide magnificent views of the Smoky Mountains from a scenic highway on the outskirts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of seven parkways created by a war-time Congress, its the only one never fully completed. Designed to wind along the northwestern foothills from Chilhowee to Cosby, the 72 mile byway would be administrated by the National Park Service. To date only half of the highway is complete, connecting Wear Valley and Chilhowee. With the project restarted, more progress has been made for the next phase. After its completion, the byway will connect Wears Valley to the Gatlinburg Spur in Pigeon Forge.

     Area Map - Chillowee to Cosby