Striking peaks — mixed with towering trees, embraced by floating clouds, shaped by flowing rivers, and filled with enchanting wildlife — can be found at the most scenic places in the Great Smoky Mountains. Make your solo trip, romantic retreat, family vacation, or group getaway in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, extra special and memorable when you take in the best views in the Smokies. Where are these must-see picturesque views? Our top 7 scenic places with breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains are a great start!
1. Clingmans Dome
As the highest point in Tennessee at 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome can’t help but display some of the most beautiful panoramic shots of the Great Smoky Mountains. No matter which way you turn 360 degrees, you’ll see gorgeous mountain ranges scattered across the landscape from the height of the observation tower. Open year-round, it’s a steep, yet paved, walk to the top that’s well worth the climb. There are also scenic pullouts along Clingmans Dome Road. Just be aware of seasonal (Dec-Mar) and weather-related road closings.
2. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Views, views, and more views — Gatlinburg SkyLift Park was carefully designed to give visitors to the Smokies a central place to take in the scenery from all angles! Ride 500 feet to the tippy top of Crockett Mountain on the SkyLift while checking out the city and valleys. Visit the SkyDeck to observe mother nature in all her splendor. Stroll across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America and look down through glass panels at the midpoint. And walk around the all-new, pet-friendly SkyTrail this spring (2021) that showcases gorgeous mountain scenery with every step.
3. Cades Cove
Elevated valleys, sweeping meadows, historic structures, and wild animals — like white-tailed deer, black bears, and turkeys — offer impressive snapshots to visitors at Cades Cove. Enjoy the mesmerizing surroundings while walking, riding a bicycle, or driving around the 1-way, 11-mile loop road at a leisurely pace. You can also hike to a cascading waterfall or mountain peaks, pause to check out old churches, barns, and a working grist mill, and set up a picnic by the sparkling river. It’s also a lovely place to get close-up views of whimsical wildflowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, and colorful leaves in fall.
4. Anakeesta
Want to visit a scenic place where you can spend ALL day taking in the panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains? Anakeesta in Gatlinburg should be #1 on your list! This aerial adventure park boasts incredible mountain vistas at almost every glance plus an array of activities to elevate your sightseeing experience. Ride the chondola (chairlift + gondola) to reach Firefly Village that has seating, shops, and restaurants at the top of the mountain. Venture across the Treetop Skywalk, walk through Vista Gardens, climb AnaVista Tower for 360 scenes, and watch the sun set over the mountains at the infinity bar!
5. Newfound Gap
Top off your many scenic drives in the Great Smoky Mountains when you travel through Newfound Gap. As the lowest drivable pass in the national park, there are plenty of places to pull off to the side, stretch your legs, and reconnect with nature. And the views are absolutely breathtaking! See mountain peaks stretching high, valleys digging into the landscape, and rivers winding around the Smokies. You can also visit the Rockefeller Memorial, a stone structure on Newfound Gap that commemorates the $5-million donation from John D. Rockefeller in honor of his wife to help create the national park.
6. Mount LeConte
Hiking is an excellent way to feast your eyes on sensational scenery in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When you opt to hike to the summit of the 3rd highest peak in the park — Mount LeConte — some of the best scenic views in the Smoky Mountains await! You don’t even have to reach the top before coming across remarkable landscapes, mountain ranges, and gorgeous panoramic views. On the eastern side, Myrtle Point offers the best place to watch the sun rise over the mountains. To start your scenic journey, you can take 6 different trails: Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls, Trillium Gap, Bullhead, The Boulevard, and Brushy Mountain.
7. Your Cabin Rental
Planning a memorable vacation in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, filled with impressive views of the Smokies starts with booking a scenic place to stay. At Pigeon Forge TN Cabins, you’ll have a prime pick of cabin rentals of all shapes and sizes (1-16 bedrooms) that feature awe-inspiring mountain views that are just for you! After all, hiking, cycling, and driving to reach mesmerizing views is great, but waking up to mountain sunrises in your PJs just can’t be beat. Plus, you can soak in a relaxing hot tub, sip coffee in rocking chairs, cook out and dine at a picnic table, splash in a private indoor pool, play games, roast marshmallows around a firepit, and MORE — all while enjoying jaw-dropping views of the Smokies from the comfort of your cabin!
Start planning your scenic stay in the Great Smoky Mountains online or at 1.866.513.7885 today. It’s time to refresh your mind, awaken your senses, and invigorate your soul with dreamy views of the Smokies!
