Fall is a beautiful time to visit Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Every season has its own beauty, but the fall is especially gorgeous when the hillsides are painted with color. People plan for their vacations to view the foliage, many making plans a year or more in advance. Nestled at the foot of the National Park, Gatlinburg is surrounded by mountains with trees that replicate the foliage from Georgia to Maine and that means we experience a few weeks of color depending on elevation. People are always looking for that perfect spot to capture the stunning glory. Here is a list of 10 places to give you the opportunity for that perfect image and memories to last a lifetime.
CLINGMANS DOME
The observation tower affords a panoramic view of the National Park and is the highest elevation you can obtain with ease. The paved pathway is a fairly steep climb and cannot be accessed with strollers or wheelchairs.
MOUNT LE CONTE
5 trails take you up the face of the mountain to the 3rd highest peak in the Smokies and gives you access to stunning beauty.
NEWFOUND GAP
Located on Hwy 441 – 17 miles from Gatlinburg – this parking area is one of the easiest places to enjoy mountain splendor. No hiking involved, just step out of your car and take a look.
GATLINBURG BYPASS
This has 2 pull off/ parking areas that face either Mount Le Conte or the Mountain Ranges and the downtown area.
THE AERIAL TRAMWAY TO OBER GATLINBURG
Ride the Aerial Tramway for the stunning views of the city and the mountains that surround it. The vistas will leave you breathless!
THE SPACE NEEDLE
The Space Needle in downtown Gatlinburg has a 360 degree observation platform that lets you take pictures from any angle high above the city.
RICH MOUNTAIN ROAD, CADES COVE, GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
his winding one lane, one way road leads out of the cove but about 1 mile up it has a pull off that gives you a stunning view of the entire cove. Many iconic photos are made since it overlooks the Methodist Church surrounds by trees.
LOOK ROCK
FOOTHILLS PARKWAY, BETWEEN TOWNSEND AND MARYVILLE
This stretch of the National Park has beautiful scenery and numerous pull offs. This especially popular with motorcyclists on their way to ride “The Dragon”.
FOOTHILLS PARKWAY BETWEEN COSBY AND NEWPORT, TN
This small section of the National Park has a pretty pull off that gives you views of the valley floor below.
ROARING FORK MOTOR NATURE TRAIL
Right here in Gatlinburg – this one lane, one way road winds through the mountainside and has a beautiful pull off looking towards “Ski Mountain”.
