It is no easy feat trying to capture all the indescribable beauty of The Great Smoky Mountains, but there are a handful of spots where you can begin trying! Pigeon Forge, TN Cabins can provide a couple of those Instagrammable photo ops from the back deck or beside a romantic fire in your lodge’s stone fireplace.
Get just the right angle to showcase clouds of mist at the base of a waterfall, panoramic views of the mountains and miles of uninterrupted skies, and dreamy city skylines at night. Hit up our favorite insta worthy stops and catalogue some of your own throughout the 800+ miles of hiking, along the Parkway among the hundreds of Smoky Mountain attractions, and with picture-perfect moments in your Pigeon Forge, TN Cabin with friends and family.
Through the looking glass | Gatlinburg SkyBridge
You definitely do not want to miss the opportunity to walk across North America’s longest suspension bridge during your visit to the Smoky Mountains. Snap a picture of your feet 140’ above the forests below, or a stunning picture of the arches at the entrance of the 680’ bridge with Gatlinburg and majestic mountains resting in the backdrop. It’s one of the area’s newest and most exciting attractions, so be sure to go ahead and buy your tickets ahead of time for this fantastic Instagrammable moment!
The end of the rainbow | Rainbow Falls
As one of the top-rated trails in the Smoky Mountains by AllTrails.com, these stoic falls are another must-see if you are up for the 5.5 mile hike. The trail meanders slowly up in elevation, gaining almost 1,700’, but this impressive waterfall truly is the treasure at the end of a rainbow. As the tallest single fall in the Smokies, cascading one continuous stream down 80’, the mist from the abrupt splashes on the rocks below sprays pretty high. The sunlight reflecting in the thick water mist creates small rainbows in the early mornings and late afternoons, giving the fall its name and lending a truly beautiful picture.
The simple life | Cades Cove
With quiet historic cabins, lush wildflowers, rolling valleys, and teeming wildlife, Cades Cove provides a plethora of picture opportunities you can filter on Instagram! Catch elk grazing in the shade, bears scavenging for quality flowers to eat, and wild turkeys stretching their legs on a walk through the valley. Tour the 11-mile loop road by car or catch better photo ops by taking advantage of the car-free route on bike rentals before 10 am on Wednesdays and Saturdays through late September.
Sings to your soul | Anakeesta Mountain
Stunning gardens with panoramic mountain views in the backdrop; you won’t have to work at all for a gorgeous Instagram worthy pic during a visit to Anakeesta. After touring the beautiful landscapes and charming stone walkways, snag a snack or a souvenir in the picturesque mountaintop town of Firefly Village.
Skipping through daisies | Andrews Bald
Wildflowers grow in abundance on this magical mountain prairie known as Andrews Bald. This moderate-to-easy hike is great for families, boasting some of the best views in the Smokies with only 3.5 miles roundtrip hiking and under 900’ in elevation gain.
Plus, this trail was recently rejuvenated by local conservation groups, making the trail much less rocky and more manageable. Once you hike to the bald, set up a picture-perfect picnic and take in the incredible sights after saving your best photos of the miles mountain skyline.
The little things | Coffee at the cabin
I’m sure you have seen those artsy photos of the perfect lattes or glass of cold brew in some cool café. Well, it’s your turn, but yours will be in a charming little mug on the deck of your log cabin overlooking mountains, rivers, or lush forestry. Set your scene with your favorite book, hot cup of steaming coffee, and lovely backdrop – we won’t judge.
Misting waters | Laurel Falls
This is another incredible 80’ waterfall in the Smokies, but this trail is much easier: 2.6 miles roundtrip, and mostly paved. Named for the lush laurel that grows all around the cascades, Laurel Falls is boasted as one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the region, perfect for your Instagram vacation album.
Peaceful river moments | Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Take your time and enjoy the ride while snapping pictures of lush green forestry, hundreds of small waterfalls and creeks creeping along the forest floor, and stoic historic cabin structures frozen in a simpler time of early discovery. The rivers that rush through this portion of the Smokies are some of the larger and faster streams, giving Roaring Fork its name.
Take my breath away | Clingmans Dome
As the third highest point east of Mississippi, it’s no wonder that it would be on our list of must-see Instagrammable stops. The space-age looking viewing dome sits at 6,643’ above sea level and allows visitors to see 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains. On clear days, you can see up to 100 miles of rolling mountains!
Kaleidoscope of colors-Newfound Gap in the fall
With August coming to an end and the first crisp mornings of autumn beginning to creep in, it’s almost time for the turning of the leaves and spectacularly beautiful scenes in the Great Smoky Mountains. Bright orange, red, and yellow hues will be painted over the mountains, begging you to pull out your cameras.
