March 19, 2024
5 Best Places to Watch a Smoky Mountain Sunset
Few things can compare to the beauty of a Smoky Mountain sunset. The sun turns the sky vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. These colors create an especially stunning scene when scattered over the majestic mountain landscape. This is a sight everyone should experience at least once in their life. Keep reading to find out some of the best places you can go to catch spectacular views of Smoky Mountain sunsets.
1. Clingmans Dome
One of the most well-known places to watch a Smoky Mountain sunset is Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain landscape. On a clear day, visibility can stretch over 100 miles. To reach the top of Clingmans Dome, you’ll need to hike the half-mile paved trail to the observation tower. The path is steep but leads to breathtaking views. From the observation tower you can watch in awe as the sunset casts colors over the mountains and across the sky. If you don’t want to hike to the top, you can still catch an amazing view of the sunset from the parking area below.
2. Newfound Gap Road
There are multiple opportunities to watch a Smoky Mountain sunset from Newfound Gap Road. This 29.4-mile road has many pull-offs where you can park your car to take in the sunset. Each of these areas offers a different angle for unique views. One of the most famous pull-offs to capture photos of Smoky Mountain sunsets is Morton Overlook. From this overlook you can see the sun sink down below a series of mountain ridges that perfectly frame the scene. Just past Morton Overlook is the Newfound Gap parking area, which offers lots of parking spaces and more great views to watch the sunset.
3. Mount LeConte
Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with an elevation of 6,593 feet. This peak is a fantastic viewing location to watch a Smoky Mountain sunset. To reach Mount LeConte, you will need to travel on foot along a challenging hike. There are six hiking trails that lead to the summit of Mount LeConte, and they include the Alum Cave Trail, Boulevard Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, Trillium Gap Trail, Bullhead Trail, and Brushy Mountain Trail. If you are planning on hiking back down after sunset, make sure you bring a headlamp and exercise caution.
The Foothills Parkway is a popular scenic drive in the Smokies that provides plenty of opportunities to take in views of the mountains and valleys. There are multiple overlooks along this route. Those facing west offer stunning views where you can catch a Smoky Mountain sunset casting light across the landscape as the day comes to an end. There are plenty of places to park so you can sit in the comfort of your car to watch the sun dip below the Cumberland Plateau. If you want to get out of your car for even better sunset views, you can take the short trail to the Look Rock observation tower. This tower offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, which become especially breathtaking at sunset.
5. Smoky Mountain Cabin
You can enjoy beautiful views of a Smoky Mountain sunset in the privacy and seclusion of your own cabin rental. When you stay at a cabin with mountain views, you have the chance to watch the sunset over the magnificent Smoky Mountains. Recline in a rocking chair or lounge in the hot tub on the deck of your cabin to take in the beauty as the sunlight paints bright colors across the sky. This is an especially romantic moment to experience with your significant other on a couple’s getaway. If it’s too cold or hot outside, you can sit in the comfort of your cabin and take in the views through one of the large windows facing the sunset.
Enjoying the wonder of a Smoky Mountain sunset is just one of the great things you can do at our cabins with mountain views. Check out these ways to make the most of our cabins with mountain views so you can enjoy all that they have to offer and never run out of fun during your next vacation!
