Upon crossing the state line from Georgia, US 23/US 441 enter the Nantahala National Forest. The concurrent routes head north through a pair of small communities before intersecting US 64 in Franklin. US 23/US 441 turn east, briefly overlapping US 64 southeast of Franklin before separating from the route and continuing to the northeast through the Cowee Mountains. After passing Dillsboro, US 23/US 441 intersect US 74 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway); US 23 splits east towards Waynesville, while US 441 joins US 74 westbound towards Bryson City. After traversing along the northern banks of the Tuckasegee River, US 441 splits from US 74 and continues north into the Qualla Boundary. In Cherokee, US 441 shares a short concurrency with US 19, then continues north along the west bank of the Oconaluftee River. After entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, US 441 connects to the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Known officially in the park as Newfound Gap Road, US 441 traverses northwesterly through park until it reaches Newfound Gap at the Tennessee state line.