When we find ourselves exploring the quiet roads around Rockwood, Tennessee, one little detour we never skip is the short but rewarding drive up the Mt. Roosevelt Scenic Overlook Access Road. Stretching about a mile and a half north from Rockwood, this modest route winds its way up the slopes of Mt. Roosevelt, leading us to one of the more hidden scenic viewpoints in the region — a place locals love and travelers are always glad to discover.
Starting at the base near the heart of Rockwood, the access road quickly climbs into a canopy of mixed hardwood forest. The pavement is a bit narrow and gently curved, so we take it slow and enjoy the fresh mountain air drifting in through the windows. This drive is especially beautiful in the fall when the surrounding hillsides burst into reds, oranges, and golds, but it’s worth the trip any time of year for a peaceful change of pace away from busier highways like I-40, which runs just a few miles south.
At the top of the access road, we reach the Mt. Roosevelt Scenic Overlook itself — a simple but inviting spot with a parking area and a sweeping view over the Tennessee Valley. On clear days, we can pick out Rockwood, Watts Bar Lake glinting in the distance, and even the Cumberland Plateau stretching out on the horizon. It’s a great place to catch a quiet sunset or snap a few photos before heading back down the same winding road to town. If time allows, we often pair this short scenic spur with other nearby routes: Highway 27 into Harriman or a drive along the Clinch River. Combined, they make for a satisfying half-day tour through some of Roane County’s overlooked but beautiful backroads.
🗺️ Route Map
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