While you can enjoy stunning mountain views virtually anywhere throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, there are some special places that you need to visit for truly awe-inspiring views of the Smokies! Whether you are a photographer or just appreciate spectacular mountain scenery, hop in the car and head out to these top 3 places for the best views in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Cades Cove
One of the top places to visit for the best views in the Smoky Mountains is Cades Cove, which is a beautiful, wide valley surrounded by mountains. You can enjoy the area by driving along the 11 mile, one-way loop road that circles the cove. This drive can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending how often you pull over to take pictures or to explore some of the hiking trails. Cades Cove is also one of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the national Park, so you may seen white-tailed deer, groundhogs, raccoons, skunks and even the black bear! You can purchase a self-guided tour booklet at the entrance to the road for a detailed map and information about the area.
2. Newfound Gap
Newfound Gap is an area with the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers 31 miles of incredible mountain landscapes! The scenic roadway travels between the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg and Cherokee, NC, and it is the only road that travels through the center of the national park. As you begin your drive along Newfound Gap Road, you will climb approximately 3,000 feet and travel through gorgeous woodlands with evergreen, pine-oak, spruce and cove hardwood trees. Keep in mind that you may experience cooler temperatures on this road, so be sure dress appropriately if you plan to get out and enjoy any of the scenic overlooks!
3. Gatlinburg Space Needle
Experience some of the best views in the Smoky Mountains from the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle! This 407-foot-tall observation tower in downtown Gatlinburg provides amazing 360-degree views of the mountains and includes free viewfinders where you can zoom in for a closer look. The observation deck is served by two glass elevators and is open day and night, so you can return in the evening hours to see the sparkling lights of downtown Gatlinburg. While at the top, don’t miss the Higher Learning exhibits that are rich in facts about Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains!
Where to Stay
Enjoy some of the best Smoky Mountain views from the privacy of your own cabin at Aunt Bug’s Cabin Rentals! Our affordable cabins feature decks where you can relax to enjoy the fresh mountain air or kick back in a soothing hot tub! There are plenty of cabins with views of the Smoky Mountains, too. We have a wide variety of cabins to accommodate families and groups of all sizes, as well as a selection of pet friendly cabin rentals where you can bring your furry companion along for the fun! While staying with us, enjoy all types of wonderful amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, game rooms, home theater rooms and more!
Check out all of our cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge today to plan your vacation near these fabulous places with the best views in the Smoky Mountains! We hope to see you soon at Aunt Bug’s Cabin Rentals!
