If sight is the sense you’re prioritizing during your next vacation, you couldn’t have chosen a better destination than Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains! The region boasts some of the best views in the entire country, with breathtaking vistas at every turn. You can soak in the beauty of nature from various vantage points, from towering mountain peaks to picturesque valleys and lush forests.
But if the whole region is beautiful, where should you go to see the best views? While you’ll likely find the entirety of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains captivating, there are a few spots that stand out for offering truly remarkable vistas. Here’s where you should prioritize when planning your next trip.
The Best Views in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town that serves as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. South Carolina native William Ogle founded the town, originally called White Oak Flats, in the early 1800s when he decided to settle there with his family. However, it’s worth noting that Cherokee Native Americans also lived in the area long before that. The town was later renamed Gatlinburg after a prominent resident, Radford Gatlin, who owned a general store there.
Today, Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination that welcomes millions of visitors every year. While there’s plenty to do within the town itself, including shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities, it’s equally important to take time to appreciate its natural beauty. And what better way to do so than by checking out some of the best views in Gatlinburg? Here are four spots you don’t want to miss.
Anakeesta
One of Gatlinburg’s top attractions, Anakeesta is a mountaintop theme park that offers incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. Take a scenic chairlift ride up the mountain, and once you reach the top, experience mind-blowing panoramic vistas of Mt. LeConte and downtown Gatlinburg. You can also explore the park’s various attractions, including a treetop canopy walk and zipline course, all while enjoying incredible views.
Ober Gatlinburg
Another popular attraction is Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort located high up on Mt. Harrison. While skiing may not be possible during the warmer months, you can still take a scenic ride on the Aerial Tramway to reach the resort and enjoy sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains along the way. Once at Ober Gatlinburg, you can take in even more breathtaking views from their viewing platform or grab a bite to eat at one of their restaurants with outdoor seating.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Another popular attraction in Gatlinburg is the SkyLift Park, which boasts an iconic chairlift ride that takes visitors 1,800 feet up to the top of Crockett Mountain. From there, you can enjoy incredible views of the Smoky Mountains and even see neighboring states on a clear day. The park also has a glass-bottom observation deck and a mountaintop bar for visitors to relax and take in the scenery.
Gatlinburg Overlook
If you prefer to stay on solid ground, visit the Gatlinburg Overlook, a scenic spot located just outside of town on the Gatlinburg Bypass. From here, you can take in breathtaking views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains without having to leave your car. This is a particularly popular spot during peak foliage season, with vibrant fall colors blanketing the landscape.
The Best Views in the Smoky Mountains
While Gatlinburg offers plenty of amazing views, it’s worth venturing into the Smoky Mountains for even more awe-inspiring vistas. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans over 500,000 acres and is home to some of the highest peaks in the eastern United States. Its history spans thousands of years. It was first inhabited by Native Americans, it turned into a logging community in the late 1800s, and it is now a popular tourist destination. Here are four of the best views you can find within the park.
Kuwohi
Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, offers some of the best views in the Smokies. It is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and offers 360-degree views from its observation tower. You can even catch a glimpse of up to seven states from the top on clear days!
Fun Fact
Kuwohi is a Cherokee word meaning “place of the mulberries.”
Mount LeConte
Standing at over 6,500 feet tall, Mount LeConte is another top spot for some of the most breathtaking views in the Smokies. There are several trails leading up to the summit, each offering unique sights along the way. Reaching the top rewards you with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Pro Tip
Book a stay at LeConte Lodge, located on the summit of Mount LeConte, which offers guests cozy overnight accommodations and even more opportunities to appreciate the mountain views.
Cades Cove
For a different perspective, head to Cades Cove, a scenic valley in the Smokies that offers views of rolling hills and lush forests. You can drive along the 11-mile loop road or bike through it to fully appreciate its beauty. Along the way, make sure to stop at one of the several overlooks for picture-perfect scenery. You may also spot some wildlife, such as deer and black bears, along the way!
Newfound Gap
For a more accessible option, head to Newfound Gap. This popular viewpoint is located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. From here, you can see a stunning panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains and even catch a glimpse of Kuwohi in the distance.
Fun Fact
This spot is also significant in history, as it was the site of a Civil War battle and has several markers commemorating the event.
In the charming town of Gatlinburg and the vast expanses of the Smoky Mountains, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views, and these were some of the best. Whether you prefer a scenic chairlift ride or a challenging hike, these locations offer some of the most impressive vantage points for appreciating the natural beauty of this region.
If you’re looking to make the most of your visit to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, check out RideOn UTV Rentals! We offer UTV rentals in Gatlinburg, TN. While you can bike or hike to some of these viewpoints, renting a UTV allows you to cover more ground and see even more incredible sights during your trip. Our rentals are family friendly, and we also offer guided tours to ensure you don’t miss any of the best views in the area. Book a UTV rental today and get ready for an unforgettable sightseeing adventure!
