Looking for the best views in the Smoky Mountains? I’m happy to say that you’ve come to the right place! I live in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, and I’ve been scouting out the best views for years. And now, I’m spilling the tea!
Beauty in the Smoky Mountains isn’t hard to find. Picturesque scenes are everywhere, in every direction – mountains rolling endlessly, waterfalls tumbling over rocky cliffs, trees bending majestically over boulder-speckled creeks, rivers cutting through thick forests, and shallow swimming holes glistening in the sunlight.
So no matter where you go, you’ll find beauty in the Smokies. But for the sake of this blog post, I’m going to share a list of the very best views in the Smoky Mountains that you can drive to, hike to, and bike to…in no particular order!
Whether you’re looking for places with uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains, picturesque waterfalls, or unique scenes, here are the best views in the Smoky Mountains.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK AT A GLANCE
Before diving in, here are a few highlights for planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Getting There: The closest airport to Great Smoky Mountains is McGhee Tyson, which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Find affordable flights here.
- Entrance Fee: No entrance fee but you do have to purchase and display a parking pass.
- Where to Stay: Camp in the park or stay right outside the park in the town of Gatlinburg or Cherokee. Read my Where to Stay guide!
- How to Get Around: You’ll need to rent a personal vehicle to get around the Smokies.
- Best Time to Visit: March – October
- How Long to Visit: 3-5 days
17 Best Views in the Smoky Mountains
1. Mount Cammerer
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Summer or early fall
Mount Cammerer is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Smokies. After tirelessly trekking up one of the steep routes, the Mount Cammerer lookout tower (located at the finish line) rewards hikers with unbeatable panoramic views of the rolling mountains.
To access Mount Cammerer, you must hike at least 11 miles roundtrip. The routes are all steep and strenuous, but I’d recommend hiking the Low Gap route from the Cosby area. Read all about this amazing hike in my full trail guide.
2. Foothills Parkway
- Type of View: Drive-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Year-round
The Foothills Parkway is a lesser-known, lesser-trafficked scenic drive in the Smokies. Similar to US-441 (the main drive in the Smokies), it offers many scenic vistas along the route. Unlike US-441, traffic is minimal, and solitude is easier to find.
You can conveniently access the parkway in many spots along the foothills of the Smokies:
- Wears Valley
- Walland
- Look Rock
- Chilhowee Lake
- I-40
- Cosby
Read all about the Foothills Parkway in my full guide.
3. Andrews Bald
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Late spring
Andrews Bald might be my favorite hike in the Smokies. The trail is lush and scenic in the spring and summer, and the bald features gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Couple that with the vibrant wildflowers in the late spring, Andrews Bald is unlike any other trail in the Smoky Mountains.
To get to Andrews Bald, park in the Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) parking lot. Follow the Forney Ridge Trail for 1.8 miles to reach Andrews Bald.
Read all about the hike to Andrews Bald in my full trail guide.
4. Midnight Hole
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Summer
Midnight Hole is one of the most picturesque swimming holes in the Smokies. It’s popular for a reason. With its shallow emerald water, cascading waterfalls, and jumbo boulders that beckon cliff jumpers, Midnight Hole is the ideal place to cool off in the hot summer months.
To get to Midnight Hole, you must hike 1.5 miles (one way) on the Big Creek Trail. Read all about the hike and what to expect at this gorgeous swimming hole in my full guide.
5. Cades Cove
- Type of View: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Late spring, summer, or early fall
Cades Cove is a charming, scenic valley tucked into the heart of the mountains. Framed by rolling peaks and filled with active wildlife, historic cabins, and picturesque scenes, Cades Cove is a must-see on your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains.
To get to Cades Cove, turn right near the Townsend Wye intersection, and drive on Laurel Creek Road until you reach the one-way loop.
To navigate through the Cades Cove loop, you have several options:
- Drive
- Hike (Only recommended on vehicle-free Wednesdays in the summer)
- Bike (My preferred way is to bike it on vehicle-free Wednesdays in the summer! Read more about biking in Cades Cove here).
READ NEXT: Ultimate Cades Cove Travel Guide
6. Kuwohi (Formerly Clingmans Dome)
- Type of View: Hike-In or Drive-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Summer
Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains. At its summit, an observation tower gives visitors sweeping, 360-degree mountain views. It’s hard to beat the views atop the tallest peak! The vantage point is unreal.
To get to the observation tower, park in the Kuwohi lot, which is located at the end of Kuwohi Road. From the parking area, you must hike 0.5 miles (one way). But if you’re not up for the steep trek, don’t worry – the views from the parking lot are also breathtaking.
7. Mount LeConte
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Summer or early fall
Mount LeConte is the third-highest peak in the Smokies and probably one of the most famous summits to hike. Not only are the views near the peak wildly scenic, but the views along the route are equally outstanding. This is something that other peak hikes lack.
To get to Mount LeConte, you’ll have to hike at least 11 miles roundtrip. Read all about the hike, including the different routes you can take, in my full trail guide.
8. Newfound Gap
- Type of View: Drive-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Late spring, summer, or early fall
Newfound Gap is a picturesque overlook that straddles the Tennessee/North Carolina border. Even from the parking lot, the views are stunning. But if you’d prefer to hike for your views, consider trekking part of the AT to Charlies Bunion. Trail access is conveniently located right off the Newfound Gap overlook parking area.
To reach the Newfound Gap overlook that straddles the state lines, take Newfound Gap Road about 13 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center or about 16 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The overlook is on the east side of the road. There is a large parking area, and restrooms are available.
9. Spruce Flats Falls
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Late spring
Spruce Flats Falls is my favorite waterfall in the park! The waterfall roars tumultuously in the spring, and the vibrant leaves hug the falls, transforming the area into a lush oasis.
Bonus: This scenic waterfall is more secluded than many others in the park, offering a highly-welcomed respite from the crowds.
To get to Spruce Flats Falls, hike around 1.6 miles roundtrip from the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Read all about the hike to the falls in my full trail guide.
10. Gatlinburg SkyBridge
- Type of View: Walk-In (+ SkyLift)
- Recommended Time of Year: Summer or fall
The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the only scenic vista on this list that isn’t directly in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but I just had to add it! To those looking for a unique experience – a walk along the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America – come check out the jaw-dropping views of the Smokies from Gatlinburg’s SkyBridge.
To get to the SkyBridge, park in the SkyPark’s official lot (or any nearby parking lot) and take the SkyLift to the top. Once at the top, you’ll have access to the entire SkyPark, including the SkyBridge, SkyTrail, and some of the most amazing views of the Smoky Mountains.
Book your tickets here.
11. Chimney Tops
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Winter, spring, or fall
Chimney Tops is another rewarding hike in the Smokies that offers spectacular views of the mountains. The trail ascends the side of a mountain before offering “in-your-face” views of LeConte and other stunning peaks.
To get to Chimney Tops, you must hike 3.5 miles roundtrip. The trail is very steep, which is why I recommend hiking it in the shoulder seasons, or even the off-season.
NOTE: The final quarter-mile section of the Chimney Tops Trail is closed to all public use. This area was heavily damaged by fire and is not safe for visitors.
12. Synchronous Fireflies
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Late spring
The synchronous fireflies display in the Smoky Mountains is probably the most spectacular phenomenon inside the park, and it’s definitely the most unique. While you can see this species of firefly in many parts of the southern Appalachian Mountains, the synchronous fireflies that light up the Smokies are known to put on the best “show.”
The eight-day Synchronous Fireflies event in Great Smoky Mountains occurs only once a year, usually in late May or early June. Because of its extreme popularity, a lottery system is implemented to limit vehicle traffic, enhance visitor experience, and reduce any potential negative impact on the fireflies and their mating display.
But, wait! There are 4 ways to see the synchronous fireflies without winning those hard-to-get permits. Find out what they are here!
13. Look Rock Tower
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Year-round
The Look Rock Tower is one of the easiest observation towers to access in the Smokies. Located less than a half-mile off the Foothills Parkway via an easy trail, this observation tower treats visitors to 360-degree views of the rolling mountains. It’s definitely one of those “bang for your buck” hikes.
To get to the Look Rock Tower, you must hike about 0.8 miles roundtrip from the parking area. This is one of the best easy hikes in the Smokies. If you’re interested, read my blog post that lists seven other amazing easy hikes in the Smoky Mountains.
14. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Type of View: Drive-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Summer or early fall
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5-5-mile one-way road that spotlights much of the park’s magic – scenic vistas, babbling streams, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and active wildlife. Roll your windows down as you navigate the narrow, windy, picturesque road in the Smokies.
To access the Roaring Fork, turn off the main Parkway in Gatlinburg and onto the Historic Nature Trail. Continue straight onto Cherokee Orchard Road. The one-way entrance to the Roaring Fork is just past the Rainbow Falls trailhead parking on the right.
Read all about the Roaring Fork in my full blog post. Pssst: I share all the epic hikes and waterfalls that are along this route!
15. Mouse Creek Falls
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Winter or early spring
Mouse Creek Falls is a gorgeous 45-foot waterfall that spills into a raging boulder-littered creek. It’s especially beautiful in the winter and early spring when the trees are bare because the waterfall is on full display across the river.
To get to Mouse Creek Falls, you’ll have to hike 4 miles roundtrip. The easy trail follows the river and is incredibly scenic! It boasts not only the 45-foot waterfall but also other swimming holes and waterfalls along the way.
Read all about the hike to Mouse Creek Falls in my full trail guide.
16. Deep Creek
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Late spring or summer
Deep Creek is littered with surprises. Specifically along the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop, you’ll find little “secret” swimming holes nestled between the trees, scenic pathways that cross and follow the raging boulder-speckled creek, and several magazine-worthy waterfalls.
To see all of these beautiful features along Deep Creek, hike the 2.4-mile Deep Creek Waterfall Loop, located just outside of Bryson City, North Carolina. The trailhead is across from the Deep Creek Campground.
Read all about the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop in my full trail guide.
17. Ramsey Cascades
- Type of View: Hike-In
- Recommended Time of Year: Summer
Welcome to the tallest waterfall in the Smokies – Ramsey Cascades! Not only is this one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains, but the trail to get there is equally impressive! You’ll get to walk along branches of the raging river, cross bridges, and see some of the oldest trees in the park.
To get to this waterfall, park at the Ramsey Cascades trailhead (about 3.5 miles past the Greenbrier Ranger Station), and hike 4 miles one way. This is definitely one of the best and most rewarding hikes in the Smokies!
Read more about this epic hike in my full trail guide.
Finish Planning Your Trip to the Smokies
Take the stress out of trip planning and use my helpful Great Smoky Mountains guides!
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itinerary (From a Local!)
- Where to Stay in the Smokies: Breakdown By Town
- When Is the Best Time to Visit the Smoky Mountains? Each Season Compared
- 8 Best EASY Trails in the Smokies
- 7 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Great Smoky Mountains NP
- Which Smokies Campground Should You Stay At?
Plan Your Smoky Mountains Trip By Season!
No matter which season you’ll be visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I’ve got guides to help you plan your trip!
- Smoky Mountains in the Winter
- Smoky Mountains in the Spring
- Smoky Mountains in the Summer
- Smoky Mountains in the Fall
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
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