Where to Find the Best Views in the Smoky Mountains
Channel your inner adventurous spirit, grab your hiking gear, and get ready to explore the Great Outdoors! We’ve made a guide of where to find the best views in the Smoky Mountains, including one overlooking downtown Gatlinburg.
Clingmans Dome
The tallest point in the national park at 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome should be on everyone’s Smoky Mountain bucket list! On clear days, you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. The path to the observation tower at the top is paved and approximately a half-mile long, but be warned it is quite steep.
Look Rock
Look Rock is another fantastic scenic overlook providing jaw-dropping best views in the Smoky Mountains. You’ll find the short, easy trail to the observation tower off of the Foothills Parkway, so it’s the perfect opportunity to get out and stretch your legs during your scenic drive. It’s also the tallest point along the Foothills Parkway at about 2,652 feet, with stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains!
Mount Cammerer
High effort, high reward…that’s the strenuous hike leading you to the Mount Cammerer Fire Tower. You’ll hike portions of the Low Gap Trail and the Appalachian Trail before finally reaching the Mt. Cammerer Trail. The panoramic views from the old fire tower at 4,928 feet overlooking the Pigeon River Gorge are truly awe-inspiring!
Gregory Bald
The trail to Gregory Bald is a great wildflower hike with a tremendous view atop a gorgeous meadow bald. The flame azaleas bloom throughout the late spring and summer, one of the defining features of this 11.3-mile roundtrip hike. Once you reach the bald, you’ll be able to take in the view from about 4,949 feet.
Mount LeConte
You can hike to the summit of Mount LeConte via several different trails, including Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls, and Trillium Gap, and the views from the top are outstanding! This peak is the third largest in the Smokies at 6,594 feet.
Spence Field & Rocky Top
Of course, this list of the best views in the Smoky Mountains wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Rocky Top! You’ll begin the 13-mile hike from the Anthony Creek Trail, located at the Cades Cove picnic area. From there, you’ll reach the Bote Mountain Trail and eventually the Appalachian Trail before making your way to Spence Field, a beautiful grassy area with tremendous views itself. A short climb up the trail takes you to Rocky Top, which is actually one of Thunderhead Mountain’s subpeaks at 5,441 feet!
Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Before or after a delicious meal at our restaurant in downtown Gatlinburg, drive just a few short miles to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook. You’ll find several pull-off areas along the Gatlinburg Bypass Road, which runs between the Spur and the national park. While it’s only about 1,300 feet in elevation, this overlook is just as impressive, with downtown Gatlinburg visible nestled among the mountains and the imposing Mount LeConte as a backdrop.
Now that you know where to find the best views in the Smoky Mountains, learn more about things to do in Cades Cove, one of the most popular areas of the national park
