Gatlinburg is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the country. Located on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our charming city is blessed with incredible scenery that you can enjoy year round. Whether you’re admiring the vibrant fall foliage, snow-capped peaks, or the spring and summer wildflowers, the mountains are simply breathtaking. To help you make the most of your next vacation, we’ve put together a guide to the top four scenic views in Gatlinburg TN:
1. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
If you want to visit the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area, you have two options: drive up to the top of Mt. Harrison, or take the convenient cable car that leaves from downtown Gatlinburg. In our opinion, the aerial tramway is the absolute best way to get to Ober, because your ride to the ski resort is an adventure in itself. Passengers will enjoy a wonderful 2.1 mile ride to the amusement park that offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. This cable car ride is particularly stunning during the fall, when the mountains are covered in a rainbow of autumn colors.
2. Clingmans Dome
When it comes to panoramic views of the Smokies, it’s hard to beat Clingmans Dome. This observation tower is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest point in the state of Tennessee. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome towers above the national park and offers incredible 360-degree views that go on for over 100 miles on a clear day. If you visit Clingmans Dome, you may want to bring a jacket, because the tower’s high altitude means that it can be 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the lower elevations of the mountains.
3. Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is one of the most popular places to take photos in East Tennessee. Located along the Gatlinburg Bypass, the overlook offers wonderful views of both the downtown skyline and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. What makes this view so striking is the contrast between the city and the mountains. The difference in elevation between the city of Gatlinburg (which rests at about 1,300 feet) and Mount LeConte (6,593 feet) is one vertical mile, the largest contrast of its kind in the eastern half the country! Once you visit you’ll see why people say the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook offers some of the best scenic views in Gatlinburg TN.
4. Cades Cove
In addition to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, Cades Cove is another place to spot incredible views. Cades Cove is one of the most magical places in the Gatlinburg area. Unlike most of the national park, which is densely forested, this valley features lots of meadows and wide open spaces that make it easier to spot wildlife. Some of the animals known to frequent Cades Cove include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bears. In addition to all of the critters running around, Cades Cove also offers a number of historic buildings from the 1800s and beautiful mountain vistas.
Want to stay in a cabin with an amazing view? Check out these Gatlinburg cabins with mountain views!
When you stay with Amazing Views Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of these scenic views in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains. Our cabins come with everything you need for an unforgettable vacation, including fully furnished kitchens, relaxing hot tubs, home theater rooms, and pet friendly options. To start planning your getaway to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook and other scenic spots in the Smokies, browse our complete selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals!
