An 11-mile one-way loop through an open valley, with historic churches, cabins and the Cable Mill. It's the best place in the park to see black bears, deer and wild turkeys, especially late in the afternoon.
Plan: allow 2–4 hrs on the loop, because traffic stops for every bear. Late afternoon is the best time for wildlife. It's ~1 hr 15 min from the villa and ~1 hr from TYS airport, so it's easy to fit in on the arrival or departure day.
Open to cars from sunrise to sunset. There are restrooms at the Cable Mill. Bonus: take the Foothills Parkway from Walland to Wears Valley for big ridge views.
Bear rules: stay in the car or at least 50 yards (150 ft) away, and never feed them. Approaching a bear is illegal in the park. Pull fully off the road to watch.